Indriya Jataka: The Dangers of Sensory Pleasures

In a past life, the Bodhisatta was an ascetic, leading a large group of followers who sought spiritual enlightenment. Among his chief disciples was Narada, who was highly revered for his wisdom. One day, Narada encountered a group of prostitutes sitting along the riverbank, trying to tempt the men who were bathing there. Narada, struck by deep attraction to one of them, became so consumed by desire that he lost his focus on meditation and stopped eating, neglecting his spiritual duties.

His fellow disciples, noticing Narada’s change in behavior, tried to intervene. They went to visit him, but Narada denied there was any issue. Even after several attempts to help, Narada refused to acknowledge his infatuation. Finally, the Bodhisatta himself was called upon to address the situation. Upon seeing his master, Narada confessed the truth, explaining his strong emotional and sensory attachment to the prostitute.

The Bodhisatta, seeing that Narada was caught in the power of the senses, gently reminded him that seeking sensory pleasures would only lead to misery in this life and suffering in the afterlife. Narada, still unable to understand the severity of his situation, asked the Bodhisatta to explain why seeking happiness in this way was wrong.

The Parable of the Young Brahmin and the King

In response, the Bodhisatta told Narada the story of a young brahmin who sought a life of pleasure and ease. This brahmin, tired of his duties and the struggles of life, left his home and retreated to the Himalayas to hunt and enjoy the abundance of nature. Over time, he became complacent and sought only satisfaction from his desires. He built a small enclosure to trap animals and make hunting easier, avoiding any physical exertion. But as the years went by, the brahmin’s strength faded. He could no longer move or hunt, and his body began to waste away, leaving him to suffer in isolation.

Meanwhile, a king who had renounced his throne for the same life of pleasure passed by the brahmin’s dwelling. The two men spoke, and the brahmin shared his story, warning the king of the consequences of living for selfish pleasure. He explained that in the pursuit of satisfaction, he had only brought misery upon himself. The king, moved by the brahmin’s words, decided to return to his kingdom and resume his duties, living a life of generosity and charitable deeds. After his death, the king was reborn in heaven, enjoying the rewards of his virtuous life.

Hearing this story, Narada recognized the truth in the Bodhisatta’s teachings. He realized that his obsession with sensual pleasure was leading him away from the path of enlightenment, and he begged for forgiveness. Narada recovered from his infatuation and returned to his disciplined spiritual life.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha

In the Buddha’s time, Narada was an earlier birth of one of the Buddha’s junior disciples. This disciple had come to the Buddha’s monastic community with a deep yearning for spiritual growth. However, his early experience in the Sangha was difficult, as his food was poor—lumpy gruel with stale ingredients and burnt sprouts. He missed the comforts of his former life, especially the food his wife had once prepared for him. Tempted by the memories of his previous life, he started returning to her each morning, where she gave him delicious rice with sauce and curry, reigniting his desire for worldly comforts.

Encouraged by his wife, he contemplated leaving the Sangha to return to his old life. The Buddha, understanding the disciple’s internal struggle, told him the story of Narada from the past life. The Buddha explained that in a previous incarnation, his wife had nearly led him astray, tempting him to abandon his spiritual path. However, through wisdom and determination, he had overcome his urges and stayed on the path to salvation.

Hearing this story, the disciple gained new insight into his situation. He understood that his attachment to worldly pleasures was hindering his spiritual progress. With renewed clarity, he chose to stay in the Sangha, remaining committed to the path of enlightenment.

The Bodhisatta’s other six chief disciples were also earlier births of six of the Buddha’s top disciples: Sariputta, Maha Kassapa, Anuruddha, Maha Kaccana, Ananda, and Moggallana.

Moral of the Story:

The Indriya Jataka teaches that the pursuit of sensory pleasures, while tempting, ultimately leads to suffering and spiritual downfall. True happiness and liberation are found in overcoming attachment to the senses and focusing on higher spiritual goals. The story of Narada’s temptation illustrates the dangers of indulgence in worldly desires and the importance of maintaining discipline and wisdom on the path to enlightenment.

By reflecting on the consequences of attachment and the experiences of past lives, we learn that spiritual growth requires letting go of desires and attachments that distract us from the true purpose of life. The Bodhisatta’s guidance to Narada is a reminder that happiness rooted in sensory pleasure is fleeting, while the peace found through wisdom and self-control leads to lasting fulfillment.