The Ungrateful Monkey: A Lesson in Patience and Virtue

In a distant town, it was customary for people drawing water from the well to make merit by pouring some of it into a trough for animals. One day, the Bodhisatta, who was a brahmin in this life, stopped at the well to drink. As he approached, he saw a monkey sitting nearby and noticed that the water trough, which was usually kept filled for thirsty animals, was empty. Wanting to fulfill the custom, the Bodhisatta filled the trough with water for the animals and then sat down under a tree to rest, quietly watching the monkey.

The monkey, noticing the Bodhisatta’s presence, took a drink from the trough and then, with a mischievous grin, grimaced at him in an attempt to frighten him. The Bodhisatta, unfazed, simply called the monkey wicked and continued to sit calmly, unaffected by the monkey’s attempt to intimidate him.

Undeterred, the monkey, now emboldened by the Bodhisatta’s calmness, shouted, “You think that’s all I can do? Next, I am going to take a dump on your head!” The Bodhisatta, disgusted by the monkey’s ingratitude, stood up to leave. But the monkey, quick and cunning, leaped up into a nearby branch and did exactly as he had threatened—dropping dung right onto the Bodhisatta’s head. Then, with a loud shriek, the monkey scampered off into the forest.

The Bodhisatta, though offended, washed himself off in the nearby water, undisturbed by the monkey’s foolishness. He continued on his way, unharmed by the insult.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha:

In the Buddha’s time, one of his disciples, Devadatta, became known for his ingratitude, treachery, and betrayal. Devadatta had once been close to the Buddha but later turned against him, plotting to harm him and undermine his teachings. Many of the Buddha’s other disciples were shocked and saddened by Devadatta’s actions, and they discussed his ingratitude.

When the Buddha overheard their conversation, he told them this story to show them that Devadatta’s current behavior was not new. In fact, Devadatta had exhibited the same ungratefulness and treachery in past lives, even as a monkey. Just as the monkey had been ungrateful to the Bodhisatta after receiving his kindness, so too had Devadatta been ungrateful to the Buddha, despite receiving countless teachings and guidance from him.

Through this story, the Buddha reminded his disciples that some beings, regardless of their past kindnesses or teachings, may still choose to betray and harm others out of greed, jealousy, or ignorance. The lesson was that, no matter the ingratitude one encounters, it is important to remain virtuous and compassionate, just as the Bodhisatta had done.

Moral of the Story:

The story teaches the dangers of ingratitude and how it can lead to harmful actions. It also highlights the importance of responding to ungratefulness with patience and wisdom, rather than reacting impulsively. The Bodhisatta’s calm response to the monkey’s provocations is a lesson in maintaining composure and righteousness in the face of adversity. By contrast, the monkey’s ingratitude symbolizes the consequences of giving in to base instincts and disrespecting those who show kindness.

The story also serves as a subtle reminder to the Buddha’s followers that Devadatta’s betrayal was not a new occurrence, but part of a long-standing pattern of selfishness and deceit, and that wisdom, patience, and compassion are always the better responses.