True Good Omens: Teachings from the Bodhisatta and Buddha on Virtuous Living

In a distant past, the Bodhisatta was an ascetic living in the Himalayas, where he spent his days eating roots and fruits and living a life of simplicity and meditation. Over time, his wisdom and virtuous life attracted many students, and he became the teacher to five hundred disciples. One rainy season, while his students went down from the mountains to the royal city in search of salt and seasonings, the Bodhisatta chose to remain behind, continuing his meditation in solitude. During this time, his students stayed in the royal park, where they were treated with great honor and hospitality.

One day, while gathered at the royal rest house with the king, a group of men discussed what constitutes a “good omen.” One man, after leaving the room, proclaimed, “This is a day of good omen,” sparking a lively debate among the others. Some believed that a good omen was something visible, such as a white bull, a pregnant woman, a red carp, or rice porridge. Others disagreed and argued that good omens were things you hear, such as the words “full-grown,” “eat,” or “chew.” Still, others contended that good omens were things you touch, such as fresh grass, cow dung, gold, or a clean robe.

Unable to settle the matter, the men turned to the ascetics living in the royal park for guidance. The ascetics, however, were just as uncertain and could not provide an answer. They suggested that the men seek the wisdom of their master, the Bodhisatta, in the Himalayas.

The group of men traveled to the Bodhisatta, who explained the true nature of good omens. He told them that a good omen is not about what you see, hear, or touch, but about how you live your life. It is found in acts of kindness, modesty, and generosity. A good omen is the honor you give to those who are kind-hearted, the humility you show among your friends, the generosity you offer to others, and the joy you spread through your actions. A good omen is also a virtuous life, living in harmony with your spouse, raising children, and striving for moral conduct.

A week later, the ascetics returned to the city and shared the Bodhisatta’s teachings, spreading the wisdom of true good omens.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha:

Many years later, a similar debate arose among a group of men in the Buddha’s time. They discussed what constitutes a good omen, wondering if it was something one sees, hears, or touches. The debate grew heated, and even the gods in heaven could not reach a consensus. Indra, the king of the gods, recognizing that this question needed a definitive answer, decided to visit the Buddha.

Indra asked the Buddha to solve the question, and the Buddha recited the thirty-eight great omens for the world to hear, explaining what truly defines a good omen. His words impressed all of heaven and earth. The Buddha then explained to his disciples that while solving the question of omens might seem remarkable, it was not extraordinary for him, as he possessed perfect wisdom. He reminded them that what was truly impressive was that he had answered the same question in a past life, before he had reached enlightenment, when he was the Bodhisatta.

The ascetics who had studied with the Bodhisatta in this life were revealed to be earlier births of the Buddha’s disciples, and the senior ascetic who had posed the question about omens was identified as Sariputta, one of the Buddha’s foremost disciples.

Moral:

This Jataka teaches that true good omens are not found in external signs or superstitions, but in virtuous living and righteous actions. Good omens are the result of living with kindness, generosity, humility, and integrity. By focusing on these qualities, one can lead a life that attracts blessings and brings good fortune, not because of outward symbols, but because of the inner goodness that radiates from one’s actions. It is a reminder that the greatest omens of a good life are the virtues we cultivate within ourselves and share with others.