Renunciation
3. Renunciation - Culla Sutasoma Jaataka
Many years ago in the city of Sudassana there ruled a King by the name of
Brahmadatta. Our Bodhisatta was born as his son and was named Somanassa. Prince
Somanassa was well known for His love of learning, wisdom and righteousness.
When the Prince came of age, He married a beautiful princess named Chanda Devi.
Before long the King handed over the kingdom to his Son, who won the hearts of
His subjects through kindness and righteousness. The Prince, who was very fond
of learning, was soon referred to as King Sutasoma, a name that was often used
in referring to the very learned.
King Sutasoma decided that He would focus the first part of His life on the
welfare of His subjects and kingdom, and the latter years on His spiritual
development. With this in mind, He requested the royal barber to inform Him of
the first gray hair that appeared on His head. One day the King was having His
hair cut, when the barber detected a single gray hair. Cutting it out carefully
he showed it to the King, who then decided that it was time for Him to renounce
His kingdom and begin the practise of spiritual development. Handing over His
kingdom to His younger brother, Prince Somadatta, King Sutasoma renounced His
kingdom and wealth and took to the life of an ascetic. Prince Somadatta, Queen
Chanda Devi, and the people of the kingdom implored the popular King to remain.
But the King, who was now determined to live a spiritual life, refused to change
His mind.
Prince Somadatta reluctantly took over the kingdom and duties of the Royal
palace. But things were just not the same. The young prince missed his older
brother, whom he had adored and upon whom he had relied. The royal subjects,
though fond of the young Prince Somadatta, often talked about the popular King
who had renounced the world. They decided to try one more time to entice the
King to the pleasures of the world. The Prince, Queen Chanda Devi, the
ministers, and many subjects visited the forest hermitage where the King lived.
Despite His simple clothing, the King looked radiant and peaceful as He sat in
meditation amidst the flowering blooms of the hermitage. Bowing before the King,
who was now in the garbs of a simple ascetic, they offered Him the kingdom.
The King listened to them patiently, then taught them the virtues of holy life.
After listening to Him, the Queen and the subjects decided that they too would
give up the pleasures of the world for the development of their spiritual life.
On the advice and encouragement of the King, the young prince and his ministers
returned to the kingdom to govern the remaining subjects. In perfecting the
virtue of renunciation the Bodhisatta exclaimed thus:
"A kingdom dropped into my hand,
Like spittle vile I let it drop.
Nor for it felt the smallest wish,
And thus renunciation gained."
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