The Valahassa Jataka: A Tale of Wisdom, Deceit, and Salvation

In the Valahassa Jataka, the Bodhisatta is depicted as a flying horse, a mythical and powerful being capable of great feats. The story begins with a shipwreck, where five hundred merchants land near a city inhabited by she-goblins. These she-goblins had a sinister plan to deceive the castaways. When the merchants arrived, the goblins assumed human form and offered food, pretending that their city was just an ordinary human settlement. They created illusions of herds of cattle, men plowing fields, and other human activities to make the merchants feel at ease.

The she-goblins then told the merchants a story: three years ago, their husbands had sailed off and never returned. They offered to marry the castaways, and the men, believing them to be ordinary women, agreed to marry them. But, after the wedding, the she-goblins took the men to their homes, where they secretly imprisoned the previous husbands of the city and cast them into a “house of torment.” That night, when the new husbands were asleep, the she-goblins would eat them.

The eldest merchant, however, was suspicious. When he embraced his new wife, he noticed that her body was cold to the touch. Realizing that she was a goblin, he quickly deduced that the others were in danger as well. The next morning, he warned the other men about the goblins’ true nature. Half of the men escaped, but the others, skeptical of his warning, stayed behind.

At this moment, the Bodhisatta, in the form of a flying horse, happened to be nearby. He offered to help the escaping merchants. He carried some of them on his back, while others held onto his tail or saluted him respectfully. The Bodhisatta flew them safely out of the city and away from the goblins. Those who remained behind were soon captured and devoured by the she-goblins.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha

This story mirrors a situation that arose with one of the Buddha’s disciples. A disciple, distracted by the beauty of a woman, began to lose interest in his studies and meditation. He became consumed by his desires, just as the merchants in the Jataka were lured into danger by the she-goblins. The Buddha used this story to teach his disciple the dangers of being distracted by beauty and temptation. Just as the she-goblins ruined the men they ensnared, women, or anyone who tempts with beauty and deceit, can distract and harm those who are not careful.

The Buddha’s message was clear: to avoid such misery, one must follow the Buddha’s teachings and focus on what truly matters, such as wisdom, discipline, and inner peace. Temptations, whether they come from people or circumstances, can lead one astray if they are not kept in check.

Moral Lessons and Teachings

1. Deception and Temptation: The she-goblins represent the deceptive nature of temptation. They lure the men into a false sense of security, much like how desire or external distractions can mislead people into harmful situations. The story warns of the dangers of falling prey to illusions and the importance of being discerning.
2. Wisdom and Caution: The eldest merchant’s suspicion and quick thinking allowed him to warn others of the danger, highlighting the importance of wisdom and awareness in avoiding pitfalls. He did not let the illusion of safety blind him to the truth. This teaches us the value of being cautious and alert to the potential dangers around us.
3. The Bodhisatta’s Compassion: The Bodhisatta, in his role as the flying horse, symbolizes compassion and selflessness. He saves the merchants not only because they deserve it but also because it is his nature to protect and guide others. This reinforces the idea of acting with kindness and helping others in times of need.
4. Avoiding Distraction: The Buddha’s use of this story in teaching his disciple underscores the harm of being distracted by worldly desires, particularly those that come in the form of external attractions or beauty. Just as the she-goblins ruin the men who are lured by their appearances, so too can distractions derail one’s spiritual progress.

Conclusion

The Valahassa Jataka is a powerful tale about the dangers of deceit, temptation, and the importance of wisdom and caution. It emphasizes that illusions can be dangerous, and that true safety and peace come from inner discipline, mindfulness, and compassion. The story also teaches that, in times of crisis, guidance from a wise and compassionate figure—like the Bodhisatta—can lead to salvation. This Jataka serves as a reminder to avoid being misled by appearances and to stay focused on the path of wisdom and virtue.