The Clever Monkey and the Crocodile: Vanarinda Jataka

In a past life, the Bodhisatta was once a monkey who lived near a river. Every day, he would hop onto a lone rock between the shore and an island to eat fruit on the island. However, a pair of crocodiles lived near the island, and the female crocodile, being pregnant, developed an urge to eat a monkey’s heart. She told her mate to get it for her, and he promised to do so.The male crocodile lay in wait on the rock, anticipating the Bodhisatta’s return in the evening. The Bodhisatta, however, was clever and always kept a close watch on the river’s height. When he prepared to return home, he noticed that the rock was higher than normal, suspecting that a crocodile might be on top of it.To confirm his suspicion, the Bodhisatta called out, “Hello Rock” three times. When he got no response, he asked, “Rock, my friend, why do you not answer me today?” The crocodile, thinking the rock could actually talk, replied, “Yes, monkey. What do you want?”The Bodhisatta revealed that he had tricked the crocodile and learned of his intentions. The crocodile admitted he was there to eat him. With no other way off the island, the Bodhisatta knew he had to outwit the crocodile. He pretended to surrender, saying, “Open your mouth and catch me when I jump.” Knowing that crocodiles shut their eyes when they open their mouths, the Bodhisatta jumped onto the crocodile’s head as soon as its jaws opened and reached the shore safely.Impressed by the Bodhisatta’s wisdom, the crocodile acknowledged his cleverness and vowed not to try to catch him again.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha

This tale has a significant connection to the Buddha’s later life. The male crocodile in the story was an earlier birth of Devadatta, a disciple of the Buddha who later became his nemesis. When the Buddha was advised that Devadatta had made plans to kill him, he told his disciples this story to illustrate that Devadatta had also tried unsuccessfully to kill him in a past life.The female crocodile was an earlier birth of Cinca-Manavika, a woman who had falsely claimed that the Buddha had impregnated her. By sharing this story, the Buddha highlighted the recurring pattern of malicious intentions and the importance of wisdom and cunning in overcoming such threats.

Moral

The Vanarinda Jataka teaches us about the importance of intelligence, vigilance, and cleverness in overcoming dangers. The story emphasizes that with careful observation and quick thinking, one can avoid harm and ensure safety. The Bodhisatta’s actions serve as a model for how to handle threatening situations with wisdom and resourcefulness. This tale underscores the Buddhist principle of using one’s faculties to protect oneself and others from harm, highlighting the value of prudence and cleverness in navigating life’s challenges.