The Clever Monkey and the Deceptive Crocodile

In the Sumsumara Jataka, the Bodhisatta is born as a monkey living by the Ganges River. Nearby, a pair of crocodiles dwells, with the female crocodile becoming fixated on eating the Bodhisatta’s heart. She demands that her mate fetch it for her, or she will die. The male crocodile agrees to her request, and he hatches a plan to deceive the Bodhisatta.

The male crocodile approaches the Bodhisatta and asks why he doesn’t enjoy the abundant fruit on the other side of the river. The Bodhisatta explains that he cannot cross the river, so the crocodile offers to carry him across on his back. The Bodhisatta, trusting the crocodile, agrees to the ride.

However, as they swim, the crocodile suddenly sinks beneath the surface, intending to drown the Bodhisatta. When the Bodhisatta asks what is happening, the crocodile explains that his wife has sent him to fetch the Bodhisatta’s heart. The Bodhisatta, quick-thinking and clever, tells the crocodile that monkeys remove their hearts when they jump through treetops, and he should show the crocodile where he keeps his heart. The crocodile, eager to spare his own life, asks where the Bodhisatta hides his heart.

The Bodhisatta points to a fig tree with ripe red fruit, telling the crocodile he keeps it there. Once the crocodile takes him to the tree, the Bodhisatta climbs to safety and mocks the crocodile for being foolish. The crocodile, left humiliated and defeated, returns to his wife empty-handed.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha

In the Lifetime of the Buddha, the male crocodile is identified as Devadatta, a disciple of the Buddha who later becomes his nemesis. The Buddha tells this story to his disciples when they express concern that Devadatta is plotting to harm him. Through this Jataka, the Buddha reveals that Devadatta had attempted to harm him in past lives but was always outwitted and unable to cause any harm.

The female crocodile is identified as Cinca-Manavika, a woman who had falsely accused the Buddha of impregnating her, a story that spread rumors and caused disruption. The Buddha uses this story to show that, like the crocodile’s wife, those who make false claims and attempt to harm others through deceitful means will ultimately be defeated by truth and wisdom.

Moral Lessons and Teachings

1. Cleverness Overcomes Deception: The Bodhisatta’s cleverness in tricking the crocodile teaches that wisdom and quick thinking can outsmart those who seek to harm us. The story highlights the importance of using intellect and strategy in the face of adversity, especially when confronted by those who wish to deceive or betray us.
2. Deceptive Motives Lead to Failure: The crocodile’s plot to deceive the Bodhisatta and take his heart ultimately fails because his motive is deceitful. The story teaches that dishonesty and malice will always lead to failure, no matter how carefully laid the plans may seem. The crocodile’s inability to succeed illustrates the inevitability of truth triumphing over falsehood.
3. The Power of Trust and Betrayal: The Bodhisatta places his trust in the crocodile, which highlights the vulnerability that can come with trust. However, the betrayal by the crocodile also serves as a reminder that not all trust is well-placed, and we must be cautious in whom we trust. This is a lesson in discernment and careful judgment of others’ intentions.
4. Moral Integrity Overcomes False Claims: The female crocodile’s attempt to have the Bodhisatta killed because of her greed reflects how false accusations and baseless intentions can harm others. The Buddha uses this story to demonstrate that false claims, like those made by Cinca-Manavika, will ultimately fail and harm only the accuser. Moral integrity and truth always win in the end.
5. The Wisdom of Compassion: The Bodhisatta, though initially trusting, uses his wisdom and compassion to avoid the harm posed by the crocodile. This shows that while compassion and trust are virtues, they must be balanced with wisdom in order to prevent being exploited or betrayed.

Conclusion

The Sumsumara Jataka offers a tale of wit and strategy, demonstrating the power of wisdom and cleverness in overcoming deceit. The Bodhisatta’s quick thinking and ability to outsmart the crocodile teach valuable lessons in discernment, trust, and the inevitable failure of malice and falsehood. The story also serves as a reminder that those who seek to deceive others, whether through false accusations or harmful plots, will eventually face defeat. The Bodhisatta’s victory through wisdom emphasizes the importance of integrity, truth, and the right use of intelligence in overcoming challenges.