The Sirimanda Jataka: A Test of Wisdom vs. Wealth

In this Jataka tale, the Bodhisatta appears as a royal advisor during the reign of King Vedeha. One day, the king asked his two chief advisors, Senaka and the Bodhisatta, a profound question: “Which is better, a wealthy fool or a poor wise man?”

Senaka, the king’s other advisor, answered without hesitation. He argued that wealth was paramount. To Senaka, wealth represented power and status. He likened rich men to trees laden with fruit, attracting flocks of birds who sought their bounty. He also compared the mighty Ganges River to the ocean, saying that while the Ganges is large, the ocean is far greater, symbolizing how wealth, no matter the wisdom behind it, carries more influence than the wisdom of a poor man.

The Bodhisatta, however, took a different stance. He responded that wisdom far outweighed wealth. The Bodhisatta reasoned that wealth obtained by fools leads to nothing but misery, as such individuals are often plagued by bad luck and engage in sinful actions, suffering in both this life and the next. A wise man, no matter his financial status, avoids such pitfalls and can offer guidance and protection, helping to prevent shame and suffering. Without the counsel of wise advisors, even a king would falter.

The Bodhisatta’s answer left Senaka speechless, unable to respond to such profound wisdom. King Vedeha, impressed by the Bodhisatta’s insight, generously rewarded him. The king gifted him a bull, an elephant, ten chariots drawn by thoroughbred horses, sixteen prosperous villages, and a thousand cows—prizes meant to honor the Bodhisatta’s wisdom.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha:

This tale also has its place in the teachings of the Buddha. One day, some of the Buddha’s disciples were discussing his vast wisdom, especially his ability to convert and humble people of all walks of life, including brahmins, ascetics, thieves, goblins, and gods. When the Buddha overheard this conversation, he shared this story to remind his disciples that he had exhibited perfect wisdom in past lives as well.

In this context, King Vedeha, who played a key role in this story, was recognized as an earlier birth of Laludayi, one of the Buddha’s elder disciples. Laludayi was known for his shyness and tendency to speak hesitantly, often saying one thing when he meant another. Meanwhile, Senaka was identified as an earlier incarnation of Saccaka, a Jain who later became a disciple of the Buddha.

Moral of the Tale:

The Sirimanda Jataka emphasizes the eternal value of wisdom over material wealth. While wealth may bring immediate power and influence, it is wisdom that provides lasting success and virtue. The Bodhisatta’s decision to value wisdom teaches that true success comes not from external riches, but from internal knowledge and ethical living. In both the Jataka and the Buddha’s lifetime, the emphasis on wisdom as the highest form of wealth serves as a profound lesson for all.