The Compassionate Vulture: A Story of Filial Devotion

In a time long ago, the Bodhisatta was born as a compassionate vulture who cared for his elderly and infirm parents. Every day, he ventured into the wilderness, seeking food for them. One fateful day, while flying over a cemetery in search of a carcass, the Bodhisatta’s foot became trapped in a hunter’s snare. As he struggled to free himself, his first thought was not of his own predicament but of his parents. He lamented that without him, they would have no one to care for them in their old age and infirmity. His heart ached as he imagined them dying alone and hungry, with no one to provide for their needs.

The hunter, who had set the trap, approached and was shocked to hear the vulture speak. Astonished by the vulture’s selflessness and dedication to his parents, the hunter felt moved by the vulture’s plight. Realizing that the vulture’s only concern was his family, the hunter decided to show mercy. He freed the vulture from the snare, impressed by the creature’s love and devotion.

The vulture, grateful for his freedom, soared into the sky, feeling a deep sense of relief that he could continue caring for his parents. The hunter, witnessing such a pure act of filial devotion, was reminded of the power of compassion and selflessness.

The Moral:

True love and devotion for one’s parents is an act of nobility, regardless of one’s form or station in life. The Bodhisatta’s selfless concern for his parents, even in the face of danger, serves as a reminder of the profound importance of caring for those who brought us into the world. The story teaches us that love for family transcends all boundaries and that supporting and honoring our parents is one of the highest virtues we can embody.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha:

In the time of the Buddha, a similar story unfolded in the life of one of his disciples, who was dedicated to supporting his mother. The Buddha, recognizing the disciple’s unwavering commitment, shared this story to illustrate the importance of filial piety.

The hunter in the tale was an earlier birth of Channa, Prince Siddhartha’s charioteer, who would later become one of the Buddha’s disciples. The Bodhisatta’s parents, in turn, were the earlier births of the Buddha’s own parents. This connection between past and present lives highlighted the timeless importance of caring for one’s parents, a theme the Buddha emphasized throughout his teachings. By sharing this story, the Buddha sought to inspire his followers to emulate the vulture’s example of love, care, and responsibility toward family.