The Kapota Jataka: The Pigeon and the Greedy Crow

In a past life, the Bodhisatta was once a pigeon living in the kitchen of the king’s treasurer. During that time, people would hang baskets around town for birds to live in, and the Bodhisatta had taken up residence in one of these baskets.One day, a crow caught the scent of fish and meat cooking in the kitchen and devised a plan to get at the food. The crow followed the Bodhisatta from place to place as he fed, observing his movements. When the Bodhisatta noticed the crow’s persistent presence, he asked why the crow, who had a very different diet, was following him.The crow cleverly replied that he respected the pigeon’s demeanor and wanted to stay with him always. The cook, seeing the crow as the Bodhisatta’s companion, hung a basket for the crow to live in as well. For several days, the two birds dwelled together in the kitchen, with the crow biding his time.Eventually, the cook hung some fish in the kitchen, and the crow saw his opportunity. He spent the night moaning loudly, claiming to have a stomach ache when the Bodhisatta prepared to leave for food the next morning. The Bodhisatta, aware that crows do not get stomach aches, suspected the crow’s true intentions and urged him not to act on his greed. However, the crow ignored the advice.When the cook stepped out of the kitchen, the crow flew over to take some fish but landed noisily on a colander, alerting the cook. The cook rushed back in, grabbed the crow, plucked all his feathers, covered him in sauce and spices, and tossed him into his basket to suffer a slow and painful death.Upon returning to the kitchen, the Bodhisatta scolded the crow for his greed and for not listening to good advice. Disheartened by the crow’s fate, the Bodhisatta flew off to find another dwelling.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha

This tale has a significant connection to the Buddha’s later life. One of the Buddha’s disciples, who had been the crow in an earlier birth, was known for his greed. The Buddha shared this story to explain how greed had once before led this disciple to ruin.By recounting the tale of the pigeon and the crow, the Buddha aimed to teach his disciple the dangers of greed and the importance of heeding wise advice. This story served as a reminder that greed can lead to severe consequences, just as it had for the crow in the past.

Moral

The Kapota Jataka teaches us about the perils of greed and the value of listening to wise counsel. The story highlights that greed can cloud one’s judgment and lead to harmful actions, while wisdom and self-control can protect one from such pitfalls. The Bodhisatta’s advice to the crow and his subsequent departure from the kitchen underscore the importance of avoiding situations that may tempt one into harmful behavior. This tale serves as a reminder that true well-being comes from living a life of moderation and virtue, rather than succumbing to greed and desire.