The Cullasuka Jataka: Loyalty, Gratitude, and Contentment

In a past life, the Bodhisatta was born as a parrot living in a grove of fig trees in the Himalayas. As the leader of many other parrots, he lived a happy and contented life. When the tree’s fruit was gone, he ate leaves and bark, choosing to stay in the tree rather than seek out another place. His contentment was so profound that it even caused the home of Indra, the king of the gods, to shake.

Impressed by the parrot’s unwavering contentment, Indra decided to test the Bodhisatta’s virtue. He caused the fig tree to wither and die, turning it into a hollow, dusty stump. Despite the tree’s condition, the Bodhisatta remained on the dead stump, eating the dust and refusing to leave.

Indra, moved by the parrot’s steadfastness, took the form of a royal goose and approached him. He asked the Bodhisatta why, when all other birds had fled from the tree, he chose to stay. The Bodhisatta replied that he could not abandon the tree, as it had once provided him with food and shelter. He expressed deep gratitude for the tree’s past kindness and loyalty, saying that he would not abandon a friend in need.

Pleased by this answer, Indra granted the Bodhisatta a wish. The parrot asked for the tree to be restored to life, and Indra, in his divine form, used water from the Ganges River to bring the tree back to life.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha: A Lesson in Contentment Amidst Hardship

In the time of the Buddha, there was a brahmin who had converted after hearing the Buddha preach. He invited the Buddha and his disciples to stay in his town during the rainy season. However, due to a famine, food became scarce. The demon Mara, who opposes all good, caused the brahmin to forget his duty to provide for the Buddha and his disciples. Despite the hardship, the Buddha forbade his disciples from using supernatural powers to obtain food, and they instead ate ground flour made from roots.

Later, when the Buddha heard some of his disciples discussing the difficulties they had faced during that rainy season, he told them this story. He explained that it was no great achievement for him to overcome desires, as he had done the same in previous lives. The story reminded them of the Bodhisatta’s loyalty and contentment in the past, showing that the Bodhisatta had always been able to endure hardship with patience and gratitude.

Moral of the Story:

The Cullasuka Jataka teaches the value of gratitude and loyalty, particularly in times of hardship. The Bodhisatta’s unwavering commitment to the tree symbolizes a deep-rooted loyalty to those who have helped us, even when they no longer have anything to offer. His contentment, regardless of external conditions, demonstrates that true happiness comes not from material comforts, but from an inner sense of peace and gratitude.

The story also highlights the importance of resilience and sticking to one’s principles in difficult times. In the Buddha’s time, it served as a powerful lesson for his disciples, showing them that contentment and overcoming desires were not only possible but essential for spiritual progress.

Indra’s role in the story as a divine figure who rewards loyalty reflects the Buddha’s teaching that acts of virtue, even when unnoticed by others, are always acknowledged by the divine.