The Sakuna Jataka: The Wise Bird’s Warning

In a lush forest, the Bodhisatta was once a bird who led a large flock that made their home in a towering tree. One windy day, the branches of the tree rubbed against each other with such force that they produced smoke. The Bodhisatta, wise and perceptive, recognized the danger this posed. He knew that if the strong wind continued, the tree could catch fire.Alerting his flock to the impending danger, the Bodhisatta advised them to leave the tree immediately. Most of the birds heeded his warning and followed him to safety. However, some foolish birds dismissed the Bodhisatta’s concerns, believing he was worrying too much. They chose to stay behind, confident that the situation was not as dire as he had described.Tragically, the Bodhisatta’s prediction soon came true. The wind persisted, and the tree caught fire. The old leaves created a thick smoke that blinded the birds who had remained, making it impossible for them to escape. As a result, all the birds that had stayed behind perished in the flames.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha

This tale has a significant connection to the Buddha’s later life. The Buddha had sent one of his disciples to the forest to meditate during the rainy season. However, soon after the disciple arrived, his hut burned down, forcing him to sleep outdoors in great discomfort. The disciple informed the nearby villagers about his situation, and they promised to build him a new hut as soon as they finished their various tasks, such as irrigating their fields, planting seeds, putting up fences, and picking weeds.Despite the disciple’s patience, the villagers continually delayed building the new hut, and by the time his three-month retreat was over, he still had no proper shelter. This lack of a suitable place to meditate hindered his spiritual progress, and he failed to achieve the desired state of mind.Upon returning to the monastery, the disciple reported his failure to the Buddha and explained the reasons behind it. The Buddha shared the story of the wise bird and the flock to illustrate that the disciple had been foolish not to relocate to a more suitable place for his meditation. The birds who had fled the tree with the Bodhisatta were revealed to be earlier births of the Buddha’s disciples.

Moral

The Sakuna Jataka teaches us the importance of foresight, wisdom, and timely action. The story highlights that ignoring warnings and failing to take necessary precautions can lead to dire consequences. It also underscores the value of adaptability and seeking out the right conditions for personal and spiritual growth. The Buddha’s sharing of this tale serves as a reminder that sometimes, it is necessary to change one’s circumstances to achieve success and avoid suffering.