The Sabbasamharaka-Panha Jataka: Timeless Wisdom in Action

In a distant past, the Bodhisatta was born as a brilliant advisor to a king. At the tender age of seven, he already displayed exceptional intelligence, leaving everyone in awe of his wisdom. One day, King Vedeha, intrigued by a prophetic dream that hinted at the arrival of a wise man, decided to test the young boy’s capabilities. He tasked one of his advisors with observing the Bodhisatta to determine if he was the wise man foretold in the dream.

During this time, the Bodhisatta performed many remarkable feats, demonstrating his unparalleled wisdom in various situations. One such event involved what became known as the “All-embracing Question.”

A poor, elderly woman had carefully crafted a simple necklace by tying together colorful threads. One day, while preparing to bathe, she placed the necklace on top of her clothes. A young woman, noticing the necklace, admired it and asked if she could try it on to check the size for making one of her own. The old woman, trusting her, agreed, but the young woman seized the opportunity to run off with the necklace.

Realizing she had been deceived, the elderly woman quickly dressed and chased the thief. A crowd soon gathered, and both women claimed the necklace as her own. The situation seemed unresolved, but the Bodhisatta, with his extraordinary wisdom, was called upon to settle the dispute.

He began by asking each woman about the fragrance of the necklace. The young woman claimed that it had a fancy blended perfume, while the elderly woman, who had no such luxury, explained that she could only afford to use the fragrance of panic seed flowers.

The Bodhisatta then placed the necklace in a bowl of water and asked a perfume seller to smell it. The seller immediately identified the fragrance as panic seed flowers, exposing the young woman as the thief. She confessed, and the elderly woman was returned her necklace.

The Buddha’s Teaching

In the time of the Buddha, some of his disciples were discussing his supreme wisdom, marveling at how he had humbled and converted countless beings—from brahmins and ascetics to thieves, goblins, and gods. Hearing their discussion, the Buddha shared this story from the Sabbasamharaka-Panha Jataka to remind them that his wisdom was not new, but had been perfected in past lives as well.

The Buddha explained that the Bodhisatta, in his previous birth, had already demonstrated a profound understanding of human nature and an ability to resolve disputes with insight. His exceptional intelligence, demonstrated in the All-embracing Question, had been a feature of his many lifetimes of wisdom and compassion.

In this story, King Vedeha, the ruler who had recognized the Bodhisatta’s brilliance, was revealed to have been an earlier birth of Laludayi, an elder disciple of the Buddha. Laludayi, known for his shyness and difficulty speaking in large groups, often expressed himself in ways that led to misunderstandings. The Buddha’s retelling of this story helped the disciples understand that wisdom is not only cultivated in the present but is the result of countless lifetimes of learning and practice.

Reflection and Wisdom

The Sabbasamharaka-Panha Jataka teaches us that true wisdom is timeless and can be applied to the simplest and most complex situations alike. The Bodhisatta’s ability to discern the truth through simple but profound questions highlights the importance of paying attention to details and using one’s wisdom for the benefit of others.

The story also illustrates the power of moral integrity. The poor woman, despite her humble circumstances, was honest and virtuous, while the thief, despite her seemingly clever attempt, was ultimately exposed by the Bodhisatta’s wisdom. In life, as in the story, truth will often reveal itself when one is guided by insight and righteousness.

Additionally, the tale underscores the importance of humility and the recognition that wisdom is not confined to one life but is developed over time. The Buddha’s wisdom, which was honed over many lifetimes, shows that spiritual growth is a long-term journey, and the virtues of honesty, discernment, and compassion are cultivated through ongoing practice.