The Vanarinda Jataka — A Tale of Wisdom and Courage

Discover the inspiring Vanarinda Jataka — how the Bodhisattva monkey outwitted the crocodile with truth, wisdom, patience, and courage.

---

The Vanarinda Jataka — A Tale of Wisdom and Courage

The Vanarinda Jataka (Seventh Jataka) is one of the many inspiring stories from the Jataka Tales, which recount the previous lives of the Buddha. Each story carries profound moral teachings. This particular tale showcases how wisdom, truthfulness, patience, and sacrifice can help overcome even life-threatening challenges.

The Background

The Buddha narrated this story while residing at Veluvana Monastery. It was told in reference to Devadatta’s attempts to harm him. The Buddha explained that this was not the first time Devadatta had tried to kill him; even in the distant past, he had made similar attempts. The story that follows takes us to one of those earlier lifetimes.

The Story of the Past

Long ago, during the reign of King Brahmadatta in Varanasi, the Bodhisattva was born as a strong and intelligent monkey. He grew to be as large as a young horse, powerful and self-reliant. His home was near a river, which had a small island in its middle. The island was lush with mango, jackfruit, and other fruit-bearing trees.

Every day, the monkey would leap from the riverbank to a rock in the middle of the river and then onto the island to eat fruits. In the evening, he would return by the same path.

The Crocodile’s Plan

A crocodile lived in the river with his wife. Watching the monkey’s daily routine, the crocodile’s wife developed a craving for the monkey’s heart. She said to her husband, "Dear, I desire to eat the monkey's heart." The crocodile agreed and devised a plan to catch the monkey on his return journey.

That evening, he hid himself by lying on the rock the monkey would land on while returning.

The Bodhisattva’s Wisdom

As usual, after spending the day eating fruits, the monkey prepared to return. Looking at the rock, he noticed something strange—it appeared higher than usual. The water level had not changed, yet the rock's appearance was different.

Suspecting danger, he cleverly tested the situation by pretending to talk to the rock, "Hey rock!" He called several times, but there was no response. Then he said, "Hey rock, you usually greet me every day. Why are you silent today?"

The crocodile, thinking he was expected to reply, answered, "What is it, monkey?"
The monkey asked, "Who are you?"
The crocodile replied, "I am a crocodile."
"Why are you lying here?"
"To eat your heart," said the crocodile frankly.

The Clever Escape

Realizing the danger, the Bodhisattva quickly devised a plan. He said, "Alright, I surrender myself to you. Open your mouth wide, and when I jump, catch me."

Without suspecting a trick, the crocodile opened his mouth wide. As crocodiles do, his eyes closed while his mouth was open. Seizing the opportunity, the monkey jumped onto the crocodile's head and immediately leapt again to safely reach the opposite riverbank.

The Crocodile’s Admiration

Amazed at the monkey’s cleverness, the crocodile praised him, saying:

"One who possesses these four virtues—
Truth, Righteousness, Patience, and Renunciation—
Overcomes his enemies, just like you did today."

He acknowledged that the monkey had outwitted him through his noble qualities.

The Moral Teaching

After telling the story, the Buddha explained to the monks that in that past life:

• The crocodile was Devadatta.

• The crocodile’s wife was Cincamanavika.

• And the monkey was the Buddha himself.

This timeless story teaches us that even in the face of great danger, virtues like truthfulness, wisdom, patience, and self-sacrifice can help us overcome adversities and emerge victorious.

---

Key Lessons from the Vanarinda Jataka

• Truthfulness (Sacca): Always speak the truth.

• Wisdom (Dhamma): Use your intelligence to analyze situations.

• Patience (Viriya): Stay determined and courageous.

• Renunciation (Tyaga): Be ready to face dangers with calmness.

---

May this ancient tale inspire us to cultivate these virtues in our own lives!