The Veluka Jataka: The Ascetic and the Pet Snake

In a past life, the Bodhisatta was an ascetic living in the Himalayas, surrounded by many followers who studied under his guidance. Among these students was a man who kept a pet snake in a bamboo tube.The Bodhisatta, aware of the dangers of keeping a snake as a pet, advised the student to release the snake, warning him that snakes cannot be trusted and that keeping it could lead to his death. However, the student was deeply attached to the snake, loving it as if it were his child, and he refused to let it go.A short time later, all the ascetics, including the Bodhisatta and the student, went out into the forest to gather fruit for a few days. Upon their return, the student opened the bamboo tube to feed his snake as he had always done before. However, the snake, angry and frustrated from being kept caged for so long, bit the student’s hand, killing him instantly.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha

This tale has a significant connection to the Buddha’s later life. One of the Buddha’s disciples, who had been the ascetic who kept the snake as a pet in an earlier birth, was known for his stubbornness. The Buddha shared this story with him as a warning that stubbornness and refusal to heed wise advice can have severe and tragic consequences.By recounting the tale of the ascetic and the snake, the Buddha aimed to teach his disciple the importance of listening to guidance and avoiding harmful attachments, highlighting that stubbornness can lead to dire outcomes.

Moral

The Veluka Jataka teaches us about the dangers of stubbornness and the importance of heeding wise advice. The story underscores that certain actions, despite our emotional attachments, can be harmful and even fatal. The Bodhisatta’s warning to the student serves as a reminder to be cautious and prudent, especially when dealing with potentially dangerous situations. This tale emphasizes the Buddhist principle that wisdom and discernment are crucial for avoiding suffering and achieving well-being.