The Peacock’s Virtue: A Jataka Story of True Worth

In a time long past, the Bodhisatta was born as a magnificent peacock. One day, a group of merchants sailed to a distant kingdom that had no birds. The locals were captivated by a crow perched on the ship’s mast, admiring its simple beauty. They purchased the crow for one hundred coins and placed it in a golden cage, where it quickly gained fame and fortune.On their next voyage, the merchants brought the Bodhisatta along, who had been trained to sing beautifully at the snapping of fingers and to dance gracefully at the clapping of hands. The people of the kingdom were so enchanted by the peacock’s talents that they bought him for one thousand coins and placed him in an even more lavish cage adorned with seven precious jewels. As a result, the Bodhisatta garnered even greater acclaim, causing the townspeople to lose interest in the crow, which eventually flew away to live on a dunghill.

The Buddha’s Reflection

In later years, during the Buddha’s lifetime, it was revealed that the crow represented an earlier incarnation of Nigantha Nathaputta, a prominent leader of the Jain community. When the Buddha learned that his disciples were discussing how certain religious leaders lost their following after he began teaching the truth, he recounted this tale. He explained that those who possess little virtue but abundant honor often face decline when someone endowed with genuine virtue arrives on the scene.Moral: This story illustrates that true worth is determined by virtue rather than superficial appearances or temporary acclaim. It emphasizes that while some may gain recognition through charm or talent, lasting respect and honor come from genuine goodness and integrity. By cultivating our inner virtues, we can achieve true greatness that endures beyond fleeting moments of fame. Understanding this principle helps us focus on what truly matters in our lives and encourages us to strive for authenticity in our actions and relationships.