The Merchant and His Son: A Lesson in Skill, Virtue, and Patience

In a past life, the Bodhisatta was a merchant with great wisdom. One day, his young son, eager to learn the key to success, asked his father what one word could encompass many important ideas on how to lead a prosperous life. The Bodhisatta, understanding the importance of such a question, replied thoughtfully: the word is “skill.” But he didn’t stop there. He added that alongside skill, one must also cultivate virtue and patience to truly succeed.

The son took his father’s words to heart and followed this advice throughout his life. As he grew older, he became known for his wisdom, success, and good character, embodying the very qualities his father had taught him.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha:

The story of the Bodhisatta and his son came up again many years later when a man’s son asked him a question: What is the right way to begin the path to enlightenment? The father, recognizing the depth of the inquiry, explained that only the Buddha could truly answer this question, so they both went to the Buddha’s monastery to seek guidance.

Upon hearing the question, the Buddha told them this story from his own past life. He explained that the inquisitive son had once asked him the same question long ago, though he had forgotten the answer due to rebirth. The Buddha’s teaching was not just about the path to enlightenment in that lifetime, but about how wisdom transcends time, and how one’s inquiries and progress can persist across lifetimes.

Moral:

1. Skill, Virtue, and Patience: The Bodhisatta’s advice to his son encapsulated the essence of success: “skill,” which is the practical know-how; “virtue,” the moral foundation that guides one’s actions; and “patience,” which is the perseverance to see things through even when challenges arise. These three qualities are indispensable for anyone seeking success, whether in worldly endeavors or in spiritual pursuits.
2. The Path to Enlightenment: The man’s son asking about the path to enlightenment mirrors the curiosity and deep questioning necessary to embark on a spiritual journey. The answer, according to the Buddha, requires more than intellectual understanding—it demands patience, skill, and virtue to walk the path.
3. Rebirth and Continuity of Inquiry: The Buddha’s explanation that the son had asked the same question in a past life illustrates the continuity of the soul’s journey through rebirth. Even though the son had forgotten his past inquiry, his quest for wisdom and understanding remained constant, showing how the thirst for truth is inherent and enduring across lifetimes.
4. Wisdom Transcends Time: This story highlights how profound insights, once gained, persist. Just as the Bodhisatta imparted wisdom to his son, the Buddha imparted wisdom to his followers, teaching that the cycle of inquiry, learning, and growing continues in different forms across lifetimes.

Lesson: The key to both worldly success and spiritual growth lies in cultivating skill, virtue, and patience. Moreover, the path to enlightenment is one of ongoing inquiry and learning, a journey that may span many lifetimes. The Buddha’s teachings serve as a reminder that wisdom is not fleeting but is passed down, evolving and enriching the seeker through time.