The Harita Jataka: Overcoming Lust and the Path to Redemption

In a past life, the Bodhisatta was an ascetic living in the Himalayas, surviving on fruits and roots. One day, he went down to the city to obtain salt and vinegar and spent the night in the royal park. The next morning, the king saw him while he was out collecting alms. Impressed by the Bodhisatta’s peaceful and disciplined demeanor, the king invited him into the palace for a grand meal. After their conversation, the king offered the Bodhisatta a permanent place to stay in the royal park. The Bodhisatta accepted the invitation and lived there for twelve years, being fed and cared for by the king.

When the king had to leave the city to quell a rebellion, he entrusted the queen with the responsibility of looking after the Bodhisatta. One morning, the Bodhisatta was late for his meal at the palace. The queen, who was bathing and then drying off in the wind, accidentally exposed herself when she hurried to greet him. The sight of her nakedness overwhelmed the Bodhisatta, causing him to lose his insight and be overcome by lust. He took the queen’s hand, and they engaged in a sexual affair. This continued daily, with the Bodhisatta’s spiritual focus deteriorating as a result.

The affair eventually became known throughout the city, and the king’s advisors sent him a letter warning him of the scandal. However, the king respected the Bodhisatta deeply and could not believe the accusations. Upon returning from battle, the king questioned his queen, and she confessed to the affair. Still unwilling to believe the Bodhisatta was responsible, the king directly asked him. The Bodhisatta knew that if he lied, the king would likely believe him, but doing so would prevent him from reaching Buddhahood. Thus, he confessed the truth, admitting his wrongdoing.

The king, respecting the Bodhisatta’s honesty, forgave him. The Bodhisatta, having regained his concentration and self-control, gave a final sermon to the king, advising him on the importance of self-discipline and moral conduct. He then returned to the Himalayas, where he knew he would be free from temptations.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha: A Lesson in Overcoming Lust

In the time of the Buddha, one of his disciples began to lust after a woman he had seen wearing beautiful clothes. This desire caused him to become depressed and confused, leading him to consider leaving the sangha. When the Buddha learned of this, he explained to the disciple that succumbing to lust could lead to a terrible rebirth, even in hell. The Buddha then told the disciple this story from his past, where he himself had once fallen victim to lust but had later overcome it.

Hearing this story, the disciple was inspired and chose to remain in the sangha, understanding that maintaining moral conduct and overcoming desires were crucial for his spiritual journey.

Moral of the Story:

The Harita Jataka teaches the dangers of lust and the importance of maintaining integrity, especially for those on a spiritual path. The Bodhisatta’s fall into lust was a result of his inability to control his desires, and it illustrates how even someone with great wisdom can be led astray if they do not guard against the distractions of sensual pleasure. However, the Bodhisatta’s confession and the king’s forgiveness highlight the importance of honesty and the potential for redemption when one acknowledges their wrongdoings.

This story is not just about the dangers of lust, but also about the process of overcoming it. It emphasizes that true strength comes from facing one’s mistakes, confessing them, and returning to the path of righteousness. The Bodhisatta’s final return to the Himalayas symbolizes the need for spiritual solitude and discipline to avoid external temptations.

For the Buddha’s disciple, the story served as a reminder that even those who have fallen into desire can overcome it through mindfulness, concentration, and a commitment to their spiritual practice. This transformation is crucial for achieving liberation and avoiding negative consequences in future lives.

Finally, the king’s role in this Jataka is noteworthy—he was an earlier birth of Ananda, one of the Buddha’s top disciples.