The Path to True Justice: Listening to Both Sides

In a distant kingdom, during a time long ago, the Bodhisatta was known throughout the land as a wise and fair judge, revered for his ability to see beyond appearances and seek the truth in every matter. One day, as he was traveling to his estate, he found himself in a most unusual situation, which would later serve as a lesson for many.

As the Bodhisatta drove his chariot along a narrow road, he came upon a caravan of ox carts blocking the way. The carts, laden with goods, were slowly making their way forward, but the drivers were not immediately able to move aside to allow the chariot through. The chariot’s path was obstructed, and the man in charge of the caravan—who happened to be the king’s chaplain—became impatient.

The chaplain, a proud and authoritative figure, grew enraged at the delay. Without thinking, he hurled his goad stick—a long, sharp instrument used to prod the oxen—toward the first cart, intending to force the driver to move. But in an unexpected turn of fate, the stick missed its target and struck the chaplain’s own forehead, causing a painful bump to swell immediately.

Furious and embarrassed by this turn of events, the chaplain returned to the palace, his face contorted in anger and humiliation. There, he told the king a false story: he claimed that the men of the caravan had attacked him without provocation. The chaplain’s version of events was so convincing that the king, in his anger, immediately ordered the confiscation of all the caravan workers’ property, without even seeking to hear the other side of the story.

However, the Bodhisatta, who was known for his wisdom and fairness, happened to be present. Observing the rashness of the king’s decision, he gently interjected, advising the king to exercise caution before passing judgment. He reminded the ruler that sometimes, people might lie or exaggerate the truth in the heat of the moment, and it was important to listen to both sides of the story before making any final decisions.

The king, though initially reluctant, respected the Bodhisatta’s wisdom. He called the caravan workers to the palace and allowed them to explain their side of the story. When the workers testified, it became clear that they had done nothing wrong. They had simply been trying to pass along the road when the chaplain, in his anger, had thrown his goad stick. The truth was now apparent: it was not the workers who had been in the wrong, but the chaplain himself, who had acted rashly and unjustly.

Realizing his mistake, the king quickly reversed his order and returned the caravan workers’ belongings. He also issued a public apology for the wrongful accusation, and the chaplain, though embarrassed, had no choice but to accept the judgment.

Years later, after the Buddha had attained enlightenment, he spoke to his disciples about this incident, revealing that the chaplain had, in fact, committed the same injustice in a past life. In that earlier birth, he had been a man who wrongfully accused others and acted out of anger and pride, without ever seeking the truth.

The Buddha’s story served as a profound lesson to his followers: the importance of fairness, truth, and patience in all matters of judgment. He taught that one must always be careful when making accusations, for sometimes the truth lies hidden behind the actions of those involved. The Bodhisatta, in his wisdom, had not only prevented an injustice but had also shown the king the value of listening to all perspectives before coming to a decision.

Moral: True justice can only be achieved when one hears both sides of the story and acts with wisdom and fairness.