Apaṇṇaka Jātaka
Buddhist Jataka tale
Description: The Apaṇṇaka Jātaka is a captivating tale from the Jataka collection that illustrates the themes of wisdom and caution. Set in a perilous desert inhabited by deceptive demons, the story follows two merchants on their journey through this harsh landscape. The narrative highlights the consequences of gullibility versus the rewards of discernment.
Main Characters: The Bodhisatta- Reborn as a wise merchant who embodies caution and intelligence, he recognizes the danger posed by the demons.
The Foolish Merchant: A less discerning trader who falls victim to the demons' tricks, discarding his precious water and ultimately facing dire consequences.
Moral: The moral of the Apaṇṇaka Jātaka teaches that wisdom and careful judgment are vital when navigating challenges in life. It emphasizes the importance of being cautious and discerning, especially in situations where deception may be present. The tale serves as a reminder that knowledge and vigilance can lead to survival and success, while ignorance can result in peril.
The Jātaka Story
Once, there were two friends who were merchants.
They both had big plans for business trips to sell their goods, but they had to decide if they should travel together or separately.
Since each of them had about 500 carts, and they were going to the same place using the same road, they thought it would be too crowded to travel at the same time.
One of them thought it would be better to go first.
He believed that by doing so, the road wouldn't be worn out by the carts, their oxen could find the best grass, they discover the finest fruits and vegetables, and his leadership would be praised.
He also hoped to get the best prices for his goods.
The other merchant carefully considered the situation and saw benefits in going second.
He thought, "My friends' carts will flatten the road, his oxen will eat the old, rough grass, and fresh, tender shoots will grow for mine to eat."
They'll pick the old fruits and vegetables, and new ones will appear for us to enjoy.
I won't need to waste time haggling over prices, I can simply accept the set prices and make a profit."
So, he agreed to let his friend go first, thinking he had outsmarted him.
The first merchant faced a difficult journey.
They reached a place known as the Waterless Desert, rumored to be haunted by demons.
In the middle of the desert, they encountered a large group of strangers with muddy carts and dripping water.
The leader of the group, who seemed to know everything, advised the merchant to get rid of their heavy water loads.
He claimed that an oasis with plenty of water and dates was just ahead.
He argued that the bullocks were tired from pulling the heavy carts filled with extra water and should be spared.
Despite the local warnings, the merchant trusted these strangers, not realizing they were actually demons in disguise.
Confident in their help, he followed their advice and emptied all the water onto the ground.
As they continued their journey, they found no oasis or water anywhere.
Some realized they had been deceived by these beings, possibly demons, and began to grumble and accuse the merchant.
By the end of the day, everyone was exhausted.
The bullocks were too weak from lack of water to pull the heavy carts.
People and animals lay down haphazardly and fell into a deep sleep.
During the night, the demons revealed their true, terrifying forms and devoured all the defenseless beings.
When they finished, only bones remained scattered around, not a single person or animal survived.
Several months later, the second merchant began his journey along the same route.
Upon reaching the waterless desert, he gathered his people and warned them about the dangers of the haunted desert.
He cautioned them against drinking any local water without consulting him.
With this understanding, they ventured into the desert.
Without halfway through the desert, they encountered the same water-soaked demons in disguise as the first caravan had.
These demons advised them to discard their water, claiming that an oasis was nearby.
However, the wise merchants saw through their deceit.
He knew that having an oasis in a place called the Waterless Desert made no sense.
Moreover, these beings had peculiar, aggressive behavior, raising suspicions of their true identity.
He told his people to ignore the strangers, explaining, "We are businessmen who don't waste good water until we're certain of the next source."
Seeing that some of his own people had doubts, the merchant reassured them.
He asked if they had ever heard of water in the waterless desert or felt any rain, wind, or seen storm clouds.
They all replied negatively.
He continued, "If we believe these strangers in dispose of our water, we might run out, become weak and thirsty, making us vulnerable to demons who could steal from us or even harm us.
Therefore, until we genuinely find water, we must not waste a single drop."
The caravan pressed on and reached the location where the first caravan had met its unfortunate fate.
They discovered the carts and the bones of humans and animals scattered around.
The wise merchant realized that these belonged to the first caravan.
He ordered some people to stand guard around the camp during the night.
The next morning, they had breakfast and cared for their bullocks.
They also collected valuable items left behind by the first caravan.
With careful planning and vigilance, they completed their journey successfully, returning home safely to enjoy the profits with their families.
The story teaches us an important lesson. Sometimes, it's wiser to let others go first.
Rushing into things without considering the consequences can lead to disaster.
Just like the second merchant, take your time, be cautious, and think things through.
Don't be too quick to follow the advice of strangers, especially when it doesn't make sense.
It's essential to trust your instincts and stay prepared for unexpected challenges.
In life, patience and careful planning often lead to success, while rushing can lead
to trouble.
So, remember this tale and approach your own journeys with wisdom and prudence.
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