The Wise Teacher’s Tale: Insights from Anabhirati Jataka

In a past life, the Bodhisatta was once a renowned teacher, famous across the world, with five hundred students. One of his students was deeply troubled after discovering that his wife had been unfaithful. This discovery caused him so much distress that he missed several days of classes.When the Bodhisatta learned why the student was absent, he explained to him the nature of women using a metaphor. He compared women to highways, rivers, courtyards, and taverns, suggesting that they make themselves public property. The Bodhisatta advised the student that wise men do not demean themselves by getting upset about their wives’ adultery.After listening to the Bodhisatta’s advice, the student stopped caring about what his wife did. Interestingly, when his wife heard what the Bodhisatta had said about her, she ceased having affairs.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha

This tale has a significant connection to the Buddha’s later life. A layman who was deeply devoted to the Buddha had not visited him for over a week, and when the Buddha inquired about his absence, the layman explained that he had been distraught after finding out that his wife had been unfaithful.The Buddha told the layman that he and the same woman had been a married couple with the same issue in earlier births. He then shared this story to give the layman the same advice about women’s infidelity that he had given in the past. As had happened in their previous lives, the man stopped worrying about his wife’s behavior, and his wife ceased having affairs.

Moral

The Anabhirati Jataka teaches us about the importance of maintaining a detached and wise perspective in personal relationships. The story emphasizes that getting overly upset about the infidelity of one’s partner is unwise and that accepting the nature of things can lead to greater peace. However, it is crucial to note that this tale reflects a historical and cultural perspective that may not align with modern views on gender and relationships.The Bodhisatta’s advice serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of attachment and the importance of cultivating a calm and detached attitude. This tale underscores the Buddhist principle of avoiding unnecessary suffering by letting go of attachment and cultivating wisdom in dealing with life’s challenges, although it should be interpreted with sensitivity to contemporary values and gender equality.