[ Jathaka stories]

Romaka Jathakaya-Ascetic and the pigeons

Retold by Risitha Deelaka Wickmal Subasinghe

During the reign of king Brahmadaththa, in the city of Vernansi, there was a jungle near the city which was a fine abode to a flock of pigeons. There lived an ascetic in a cave in the same jungle who led a virtuous life.

People used to come to this cave very often to offer alms to the ascetic. They used to hear sermons from the ascetic and learnt virtues. Apart from the people in the nearby village, there was another set of visitors to the ascetic. That was a flock of pigeons. These pigeons came to the ascetic and worshipped him every day without fail. The ascetic too had great compassion towards the flock of pigeons and used to leave some food with him for the pigeons. Sometimes when the ascetic did not receive any food, these pigeons used to go far inside the jungle to bring him fruits. Thus there was a strong bond between the ascetic and the pigeons.

After some time the ascetic went to the Himalayan mountains to meditate, yet the cave he occupied was not abandoned as another ascetic came into occupation. The flock of pigeons, as usual worshipped the ascetic and ate the leftovers.

People in the near-by village offered alms to the new ascetic. They were not hesitant to inquire into his favourite dishes. Unlike the former ascetic who depended only on vegetarian meals, the new ascetic was seen greedy for meats. There was a particular person who was a meat vendor who regularly offered the new ascetic alms with meats. One day he offered the new ascetic a special meal with pigeon meat. On partaking the meal, the ascetic's taste buds were tingling for more pigeon meat. But after that day he received no pigeon meat. The new ascetic who became more greedy over pigeon meat made a plan for himself. When the people came to the cave to offer the ascetic alms, the ascetic told them in an affected tone "O, virtuous people!, I can understand the hardship you go through to prepare meals and come here far away from the village. Do not be bothered to bring me prepared meals hereafter. You can bring the necessary dry rations and spices so that I can prepare my meals for myself whenever I need".

People brought dry rations, chillies, spices, rice and salt and filled the cave with them. That amount was sufficient for the ascetic to survive for a month. People agreed to bring whatever, the ascetic needed once a month. The ascetic was happy that people would not come very often to his place and interrupt him.

The next morning the ascetic awaited the flock of pigeons. As usual the pigeons worshipped him and started eating the leftover food. After satisfying their hunger the pigeons started flying away one by one after the leader flew away first. The ascetic went to the backyard of the cave to bring the big stick he brought the previous day from the jungle. He killed pigeons with the big stick and cooked them. He enjoyed the meal and wanted to eat pigeon meat everyday. He repeated this act for a couple of days.

The leader of the pigeons noticed that the number of pigeons were becoming reduced gradually. The wise leader of the pigeons did not take long to realise what has happened to his fellow pigeons.

The next morning the flock of pigeons went to the cave as usual and stayed away from the ascetic. The ascetic pretended he was meditating with half-opened vigilant eyes. The leader of the pigeons identified the odd nature of the ascetic. The ascetic raised his neck and stood from the sitting position. On seeing that the pigeons were away from him, he invited the pigeons with affected kindness. "O, pigeons, why are you not eating anything today? There is plenty of food with me for you. Please come and eat it".

"How can we come and eat it as you're impatiently awaiting to eat pigeon meat. I realised that you have killed our fellow pigeons and eaten them. You think that we would fall into your trap. You are a fake ascetic. Thereafter we would not come to you and worship you, we would not even come near this jungle, remember that". The leader of the pigeons said. The ascetic became ashamed and angry. He took the big stick and threw it towards the pigeons. But his aim was missed. The leader of the pigeons asked the others to fly away, and he again said to the ascetic". Though your aim was missed today, your road to hell would not be missed. If you do not leave this place now itself, do not even think of coming here again". The pigeon warned.

The fake ascetic left the jungle desperately and with shame.

The wise leader of the pigeons taught other pigeons of the repercussions of fraud. "If you cheat someone for gain, the very thing would cause you loss".

The Bodhisatva was born as the wise and virtuous pigeon in one of his 550 lives.