Reading Notes: Jataka Tales, Part B (Shedlock)

The Well-Trained Elephant

The Buddha is a white elephant who is “graced with all beauty.” He is praised for his beauty and put in a high position by the king.

The king’s jealousy is so silly. Of course the king is in a higher position than the elephant! Who gets jealous when people praise an animal for its beauty?! Why did the king choose such a beauty in the first place if he was so insecure? I suppose maybe he did it because he’s so focused on image. What’s even more ridiculous is that he decided the elephant needed to be killed, instead of just sent somewhere else to appease his jealousy. How silly.

I like that the mahout looks out for the elephant. He is obedient to the king until he realizes that the king is against the elephant out of jealousy and foolishness. He is gentle with the elephant.

I was surprised when the elephant actually was able to follow the king’s order to raise all his legs off the ground, and I liked that he used that order to spite him.

Buddha teaching a group of five monks, Thai painting.

Source: Wikimedia Commons.

The Wise Physician

I like this story because the girl who learns a lesson is not really foolish or reprehensible, but someone who cannot get over the death of her only child. She is sympathetic, both as the grieving mother and after she learns the lesson from the Buddha. I think most people can relate to the pain of losing someone special and the difficulty of eventually letting go of the grief and mourning.

The Buddha’s lesson is referred to as medicine. Kisagotami originally thinks that it will be medicine to heal her son, but it ends up being “medicine” that heals her.

I like that the Buddha did not even have to tell Kisagotami the lesson. He gave her simple instructions, knowing that she would figure it out on her own.

I found it surprising that she was able to learn the lesson and let go of her son so quickly. I liked the lesson, but I think it would be difficult for a grieving mother to put into practice.

Bibliography: Eastern Stories and Legends by Marie Shedlock. Link to the reading online.