The Devoted Deer: Bodhisatta’s Selflessness and Compassion

Once upon a time, deep in the heart of a vast forest, the Bodhisatta was born as a wise and caring deer. Unlike the other animals, he was known for his deep devotion to his parents, and he made it his life’s mission to care for and protect them. The family lived in a secluded thicket, far from the hustle and bustle of the world. They lived peacefully, free from danger, until one day a great disturbance shook the forest.

The King’s Hunt and the Deer’s Sacrifice

The king of the land was a man of great wealth and power, and like many kings before him, he loved hunting. Every day, he would venture into the forest with his subjects, eager to track down and kill the animals who lived there. However, the people in the kingdom grew tired of the constant disruptions to their lives, as they were forced to assist the king in his hunts. They decided to make it easier for the king to catch his prey.

They devised a plan to drive the deer into the royal park, where the king could hunt them at his leisure. The people spread out across the forest, beating the trees with sticks and clubs to frighten the deer, forcing them into the open. As they moved through the woods, the Bodhisatta and his parents, who were resting peacefully in a thicket, found themselves surrounded.

In that moment, the Bodhisatta, ever the protector of his family, made a selfless decision. Knowing that his parents were too old and weak to escape, he ran out alone, drawing the attention of the hunters. As he had predicted, the people, seeing one deer flee, did not think to search the thicket for others. They assumed he was the only one to escape. The Bodhisatta then led the way, running with the other frightened deer into the royal park where the king awaited.

The gate was closed behind them, and the people informed the king of what had happened. The king was pleased with the success of the hunt and prepared to begin his sport.

The Bodhisatta’s Sacrifice and the King’s Mercy

Back in the thicket, the Bodhisatta’s parents waited for their son to return. Days passed, and when they had heard nothing, they grew anxious. The Bodhisatta’s parents were concerned, and they asked a passing brahmin to deliver a message to their son. They sent word that they missed him and wished for him to come back to them. However, the Bodhisatta had made a vow to stay and fulfill his duty.

Though trapped in the royal park, the Bodhisatta had been eating the king’s food and drinking from the royal stores. He felt a deep sense of responsibility to repay the king’s hospitality. More than that, he wanted to help the other deer who had been captured along with him. Together, the deer decided to choose one from their group to sacrifice themselves each day. The chosen deer would stand before the king’s bow, and the others would watch as their companion was shot.

When the Bodhisatta’s turn to die came, he stood firm and unflinching. There was no fear in his heart as the king drew his bow to take aim. But as the king looked upon the Bodhisatta, he was moved by the deer’s great courage and selflessness. The Bodhisatta’s purity and virtue shone through, and the king, sensing the great goodness in him, lowered his bow.

“Why did you stand before me so fearlessly?” the king asked. “What makes you so brave?”

The Bodhisatta replied calmly, “I stood because I knew it was my duty, not out of fear. I wanted to spare my fellow creatures from suffering. You, O King, have the power to rule with compassion. All living beings deserve your protection.”

Moved by the Bodhisatta’s words, the king spared the deer’s life. The king, deeply impressed by the Bodhisatta’s wisdom, declared a new rule: no animal would be harmed in his kingdom again. The Bodhisatta, having completed his duty and shared his wisdom with the king, returned to his parents, who rejoiced at his safe return.

The Moral of the Story

The story of the Bodhisatta, the devoted deer, teaches us the virtues of selflessness, duty, and compassion. The Bodhisatta’s deep love for his parents, his willingness to sacrifice for the greater good, and his courage in the face of danger are shining examples of what it means to live a life of virtue.

When we face difficult situations, it is important to remember that true courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act for the benefit of others, even when it is difficult. The Bodhisatta did not hesitate to place the needs of others before his own safety, and his actions led to the saving of countless lives.

Additionally, the king’s change of heart shows us the power of compassion and understanding. Sometimes, a single act of kindness and wisdom can change a heart and lead to a great transformation. The Bodhisatta’s words and example helped the king realize that ruling with righteousness and compassion would bring peace to his kingdom.

The Buddha’s Teaching to His Disciple

In the time of the Buddha, one of his disciples was greatly devoted to his parents, always doing his best to care for them. The Buddha, noticing this disciple’s virtuous behavior, praised him and shared this story of his own past life as the Bodhisatta. The Buddha’s disciple understood that this was a teaching on how we should all live our lives—to honor our parents, to serve others selflessly, and to act with compassion in all things.

The Bodhisatta’s parents in this story were his past-life parents, and the king and brahmin were earlier births of two of the Buddha’s closest disciples, Ananda and Sariputta. Through this story, the Buddha showed that love and respect for parents, as well as compassion for all living beings, are fundamental aspects of a virtuous life.

Final Thought

The Bodhisatta’s sacrifice as a deer reminds us that true greatness is found in selflessness and compassion. Whether we are caring for our loved ones, helping those in need, or standing up for what is right, it is through acts of kindness and wisdom that we can bring about true change. The Bodhisatta’s life is an example of how one person’s devotion and virtuous actions can influence not just the lives of those around them, but even the rulers of kingdoms.