Jagara Jataka: Vigilance and Virtue

In the Jagara Jataka, the Bodhisatta is born as an ascetic living in the Himalayas, where he practices walking meditation throughout the night. His dedication to virtue and discipline earns the respect of a tree fairy who resides at the end of his walking path. One day, she approaches him with two riddles.

The First Question:

The tree fairy asks, “Who wakes when others sleep and sleeps when others wake?” The Bodhisatta responds correctly, saying, “It is I,” referring to his practice of walking meditation during the night, while others sleep.

The Second Question:

The fairy then asks, “How do you do it?” The Bodhisatta explains that his ability to stay awake while others rest is due to his commitment to living a virtuous life, demonstrating that his discipline and dedication to his spiritual practice enable him to maintain such a schedule.

Pleased with his answers, the tree fairy returns to her tree, satisfied with the Bodhisatta’s wisdom.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha:

In the Buddha’s time, a layman devoted to the Buddha is traveling with a trade caravan. One night, while performing his own walking meditation, a group of thieves surrounds the caravan. They wait for the caravan members to fall asleep, intending to rob them. However, because the layman remains awake and alert throughout the night, the thieves grow impatient and eventually leave, empty-handed.

At dawn, the thieves abandon their weapons and depart, telling the caravan leader that he owed his life and property to the man who did not sleep. The caravan workers are deeply grateful, thanking the layman for saving them.

Later, the layman recounts this event to the Buddha. The Buddha, upon hearing the story, tells the layman this Jataka tale to show him that, just as the Bodhisatta had gained merit through his own practice of walking meditation, the layman had also gained great merit through his vigilance and dedication to spiritual practice.

The tree fairy in this story is revealed to be an earlier birth of Uppalavanna, one of the Buddha’s top female disciples.

Moral of the Story:
The Jagara Jataka teaches that discipline and dedication to virtue are powerful tools for both personal growth and the protection of others. In the past, the Bodhisatta’s practice of walking meditation through the night earned him respect and spiritual insight, just as the layman’s commitment to staying awake protected the caravan from harm. Through self-discipline and mindfulness, individuals can not only strengthen their own practice but also serve as a source of protection and benefit to those around them.

Key Takeaways from the Jataka:

• Vigilance in Virtue: The Bodhisatta’s ability to stay awake while others sleep symbolizes the power of discipline and dedication to one’s practice. Staying vigilant, especially in times of need, can benefit not only oneself but others as well.
• Self-Discipline as a Source of Protection: The layman’s act of walking meditation all night long mirrors the Bodhisatta’s earlier practice. Both examples show how devotion to one’s spiritual practice can lead to protection and merit, benefiting others as well as oneself.
• The Rewards of Virtue: Just as the Bodhisatta gained merit through his virtuous lifestyle, the layman’s dedication to virtue also brought about positive outcomes, saving lives and earning the gratitude of others.

Conclusion:
The Jagara Jataka emphasizes the significance of self-discipline, dedication to virtue, and the power of mindfulness and meditation. The story encourages us to cultivate virtues that can not only enhance our own spiritual progress but also serve as a source of protection and benefit to those around us. Through constant vigilance and commitment to good deeds, we can create positive effects in both our own lives and the lives of others.