The Nacca Jataka: A King’s Lesson on Modesty

In a serene and vibrant avian kingdom, the Bodhisatta was once a golden mallard, revered and chosen by all the birds as their king. He was a just and compassionate ruler, beloved by his subjects. The Bodhisatta had a lovely daughter, and in his generosity, he granted her a single wish: to choose her own husband.The Bodhisatta called upon all manner of birds to gather, so his daughter could select her suitor. Among the assembled birds was a peacock, known for his stunning plumage and captivating dance. The Bodhisatta’s daughter, taken by the peacock’s beauty, chose him as her husband.However, during the celebration, the peacock’s joy got the better of him. He spread his wings and began to dance, but in doing so, he exposed himself in a most indecent manner. The Bodhisatta, witnessing this shameful display, was deeply disappointed and ashamed of the peacock’s lack of decency.Condemning the peacock’s behavior, the Bodhisatta decided that such a bird was not worthy of his daughter. Instead, he gave her hand in marriage to a young and virtuous mallard, who embodied the qualities of modesty and respect.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha

This tale has a significant connection to the Buddha’s later life. The peacock in the story was an earlier incarnation of one of the Buddha’s disciples. This disciple, despite taking a vow to live a modest and simple life, had amassed many robes, maintained a storeroom full of food, and even had servants to cook for him.When the Buddha questioned him about his lavish lifestyle, the disciple became enraged. In a fit of anger, he tore off all his clothes and declared, “I will go about like this!” before running away naked to abandon his monastic life and return to being a layman.Later, when the Buddha’s other disciples discussed this incident, he shared the story of the golden mallard to illustrate that this was not the first time the disciple’s shamelessness had led to him losing something valuable. The Buddha’s tale served as a reminder of the importance of modesty and adherence to one’s vows.

Moral

The Nacca Jataka teaches us the value of modesty, decency, and the importance of adhering to one’s principles. The story highlights that true worth is not measured by external beauty or material possessions but by inner virtues such as respect, humility, and integrity. The Bodhisatta’s decision to reject the peacock and choose a more virtuous suitor for his daughter underscores the significance of character in relationships and community. This tale reminds us that shamelessness and immodesty can lead to loss and regret, while virtue and modesty bring respect and harmony.