Sasa Jataka

Sasa Jataka

In a time long past, when the world was a verdant paradise, lived a Bodhisattva with a heart as pure as the driven snow. In this life, he had taken the form of a rabbit, a creature of gentle disposition and keen senses, dwelling in a beautiful forest near the foot of the Himalayas. This rabbit was not an ordinary one; it was known throughout the forest for its profound kindness, its unwavering truthfulness, and its deep wisdom.

The forest was home to many animals, including a fox, a jackal, and a monkey, all of whom were friends with the Bodhisattva rabbit. They often gathered to share stories and support one another. The rabbit, being the most virtuous among them, was often the source of their moral guidance.

One day, the celestial being Sakka, the king of the gods, decided to test the virtue of the creatures on Earth. He descended from his heavenly abode, disguised as a poor, old Brahmin, weak and weary from a long journey. He arrived at the edge of the forest, feigning extreme hunger and thirst, and called out to the animals.

'Oh, kind creatures,' he cried, his voice weak and trembling, 'I am a traveler who has not eaten for days. I am dying of hunger. Is there anyone who can spare a morsel of food for a dying old man?'

The fox, the jackal, and the monkey, hearing his plea, each rushed forward with what they had. The fox offered a small piece of dried fish it had been saving. The jackal brought a tiny portion of meat it had managed to find. The monkey presented a few berries it had gathered.

The disguised Sakka looked at their offerings, but they were meager, barely enough to sustain a bird. He then turned to the Bodhisattva rabbit, who was patiently waiting its turn. 'And you, little rabbit,' he said, his voice laced with a hint of skepticism, 'what can you offer this starving man?'

The Bodhisattva rabbit looked at the offerings of its friends with gratitude, but knew that what it had to offer was far more precious. 'Honorable sir,' the rabbit replied, its voice clear and steady, 'I have no fish, no meat, nor fruits to give. But I have my own body. If you wish, you may take my flesh and eat it to satisfy your hunger.'

The disguised Sakka was astonished by the rabbit's selfless offer. He had expected a refusal, or perhaps a meager offering, but never such a profound act of sacrifice. He saw the sincerity in the rabbit's eyes and the unwavering resolve in its stance.

'But, little rabbit,' the disguised god said, his voice now filled with genuine concern, 'your flesh, though pure, will not be enough to satisfy my hunger. I need a substantial meal.'

'Then please, gather some dry wood,' the rabbit urged. 'Build a fire. I will jump into it, and my body will be roasted, making it a meal worthy of your hunger and my offering.'

The disguised Sakka was deeply moved. He hesitated, for he could not bear to witness such a noble sacrifice. However, knowing that this was a test of the highest order, he gathered dry twigs and leaves and built a small fire. The fox, the jackal, and the monkey watched in stunned silence, their hearts filled with a mixture of admiration and sorrow.

As the flames began to lick the air, the Bodhisattva rabbit, with a serene smile, turned to the disguised god. 'Remember, sir,' it said, 'that truth and compassion are the greatest gifts one can offer. May this sacrifice bring you peace and may all beings benefit from the merit of this act.'

With that, the rabbit leaped into the heart of the fire. The flames consumed its body, and the disguised Sakka, witnessing this ultimate act of selflessness, immediately extinguished the fire. He then revealed his true form as Sakka, the king of the gods, his celestial radiance filling the forest.

He carefully collected the ashes of the Bodhisattva rabbit and, taking them to the moon, etched the image of the rabbit onto its surface, so that all the world might forever remember this extraordinary act of virtue. He then returned the rabbit's spirit to its rightful place, honoring its immense merit.

The fox, the jackal, and the monkey, forever changed by what they had witnessed, vowed to live lives of greater kindness and truthfulness, inspired by their brave friend. The story of the rabbit on the moon, a testament to the Bodhisattva's ultimate sacrifice, became a timeless legend, teaching countless generations that the highest form of generosity is the willingness to give even one's own life for the sake of truth and the well-being of others.