The Lion and the Jackal: A Tale of Pride and Wisdom

In a time long ago, the Bodhisatta was born as a majestic lion, ruling over the forest with strength and wisdom. One day, he encountered a jackal who, realizing he was cornered, threw himself at the lion’s feet, pleading for mercy. The jackal promised to serve the lion if he spared his life. The Bodhisatta, feeling generous, accepted the offer and allowed the jackal to accompany him.As time passed, the jackal thrived under the Bodhisatta’s protection, feasting on the leftovers of the lion’s meals. However, with this newfound abundance came arrogance. The jackal grew ambitious and foolishly declared that he could hunt an elephant on his own. The Bodhisatta warned him against such folly, explaining that no jackal could ever hope to defeat an elephant due to their size and strength. Ignoring this sage advice, the jackal set out to prove his worth.When he spotted an elephant walking beneath him, the jackal leaped down in an attempt to attack. Unfortunately for him, the elephant stomped down with great force, crushing the jackal’s skull instantly. The Bodhisatta observed this tragic end and remarked that the jackal had perished due to his pride, reminding all that one should remain within their rightful duties and capabilities.

The Buddha’s Reflection

In later years during the Buddha’s lifetime, it was revealed that the jackal was an earlier incarnation of Devadatta—a disciple who would become a rival of the Buddha. Devadatta had left the Buddha’s sangha to form his own following and declared himself a Buddha. In a bid to reclaim his followers, he fell into anger and pride.When Devadatta’s actions led to his downfall, the Buddha recounted this story to illustrate that this was not the first time Devadatta had acted out of arrogance and suffered for it. The tale served as a reminder of how pride can lead to one’s own destruction.Moral: This story imparts a crucial lesson about the dangers of pride and overreaching ambition. It highlights that understanding one’s limitations is essential for personal growth and safety. By recognizing our true capabilities and remaining humble, we can avoid unnecessary pitfalls and foster harmony in our lives. Embracing humility allows us to navigate challenges wisely and maintain respect for ourselves and others.