The Loyal Ox: A Lesson in Kindness and Respect

In a distant kingdom, there was a wise and kind-hearted owner who had a loyal ox. This ox, who was none other than the Bodhisatta in a past life, was treated with great care and love. The owner fed him the finest rice and always ensured that he was well cared for. As a result, the Bodhisatta grew up strong, healthy, and deeply loyal to his owner. He appreciated the kindness shown to him, and one day, he decided to show his gratitude in a special way.

The Bodhisatta came up with a clever plan. He told his owner to find someone willing to bet one thousand coins that his ox could pull one hundred loaded carts. A wealthy merchant, intrigued by the challenge, accepted the bet. The owner prepared the carts, loading them with sand and stones, and harnessed the Bodhisatta at the front.

As the moment of truth arrived, the owner, holding a goad stick, shouted, “Go, you rascal! Pull them, you rascal!” However, the Bodhisatta, hurt by the insult, refused to move. He stood still, not budging an inch. The owner, stunned and disappointed, lost the bet and nearly all of his money. He returned home, lying down in sorrow and despair.

The Bodhisatta, sensing his owner’s grief, spoke up. He told his owner that the failure was not his fault but the owner’s own. The Bodhisatta explained that, despite his strength and loyalty, he was insulted when the owner called him names. He had never caused any trouble, yet the harsh words had made him refuse to act. After delivering this lesson, the Bodhisatta advised his owner to repeat the bet, but this time for two thousand coins.

The owner, taking the lesson to heart, approached the Bodhisatta with a gentler attitude. He stroked the ox’s back and spoke kindly, saying, “Go, my fine fellow! Pull them, my fine fellow!” This time, the Bodhisatta, filled with a sense of respect and appreciation, walked with strength and grace, pulling the carts all the way to the finish line. Not only did the owner win the two thousand coins, but many onlookers, impressed by the display, gave him more money.

In a future lifetime, the Bodhisatta shared this story with his disciples. The story illustrated a powerful lesson: that speaking kindly to others, rather than using harsh words, leads to better results and stronger bonds.

In the Buddha’s time, the six disciples who had a habit of taunting and insulting others were rebuked by the Buddha. To guide them, the Buddha shared the tale of the loyal ox and showed that gentle speech is always more beneficial than harsh words.

The ox’s owner in this story was later reborn as Ananda, one of the Buddha’s most devoted and wise disciples.

Moral:
Kindness in speech is far more powerful than harsh words. Treat others with respect and compassion, for this will yield greater results and foster stronger relationships.