Wisdom in Action: The Varuni Jataka

In a past life, the Bodhisatta was once a royal treasurer, a position of significant wealth and responsibility. One day, a tavernkeeper who lived under the Bodhisatta’s protection decided to leave his apprentice in charge of the bar while he went off to bathe.Observing that customers liked to eat salt before drinking, the apprentice mistakenly added salt to the liquor, ruining the entire batch. This action angered the customers, who stopped coming to the tavern. When the tavernkeeper returned and learned what had happened, he was dismayed by the apprentice’s foolishness.The Bodhisatta, upon hearing this story, commented that this was an example of how ignorant people who desire to do good can end up doing harm. This remark highlighted the importance of wisdom and proper understanding in one’s actions.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha

This tale has a significant connection to the Buddha’s later life. During a visit from Anathapindika, a wealthy and generous supporter of the Buddha, Anathapindika shared a humorous story about his friend, a tavernkeeper. The tavernkeeper had once left his apprentice in charge while he went to bathe, and the apprentice, thinking to improve the liquor, mixed salt into it. However, this only resulted in driving away the customers.The Buddha, hearing this story, told Anathapindika that this was not the first time the tavernkeeper’s apprentice had made such a mistake. He shared the story of his past life as the royal treasurer to illustrate that the apprentice had been a tavernkeeper’s apprentice in an earlier birth and had spoiled liquor in exactly the same way.

Moral

The Varuni Jataka teaches us about the dangers of ignorance and the importance of wise action. The story emphasizes that even with good intentions, lack of knowledge and foresight can lead to harmful consequences. The Bodhisatta’s comment serves as a reminder that it is crucial to act with wisdom and understanding to avoid causing unintended harm. This tale underscores the Buddhist principle that actions driven by ignorance can have negative outcomes, highlighting the need for education and wise guidance in all endeavors.