Once Upon a Time...
Long ago, there was a great kingdom ruled by a just and wise king. In a bustling town of this kingdom, a large group of merchants prepared for a journey to trade goods in a faraway land.To reach their destination, they had to travel through a dangerous forest filled with wild animals, robbers, and treacherous paths.
Before leaving, they had to choose a guide. Two men stepped forward.
The first guide was wise, experienced, and had traveled this route many times. He warned them:
"This journey is dangerous. You must follow the right path, even if it looks difficult. Be careful of deception and trust experience over sweet words."
The second guide was young and arrogant. He laughed and said:
The second guide was young and arrogant. He laughed and said:
"Why listen to this old man? I know a shortcut that will save us many days of travel! Follow me, and we will reach our destination quickly and easily."
The merchants were divided. Some trusted the wise guide, but many were tempted by the promise of an easy journey. They followed the foolish guide, hoping to save time.
The merchants were divided. Some trusted the wise guide, but many were tempted by the promise of an easy journey. They followed the foolish guide, hoping to save time.
The Dangerous Shortcut
The foolish guide led his followers onto a new path that seemed smooth at first. But soon, it turned into a vast desert. The scorching sun burned their skin, and there was no water or food.The foolish guide had not planned for this. He had been deceived by mirages—he thought he saw water in the distance, but it was only an illusion.
As the days passed, the travelers grew weak and exhausted. With no supplies, they perished one by one.
Meanwhile, the merchants who followed the wise guide took the longer route. It was tough, but they were well-prepared.
Meanwhile, the merchants who followed the wise guide took the longer route. It was tough, but they were well-prepared.
They rested under shady trees, drank from rivers, and avoided dangers.
After many days, they safely reached their destination and made great profits from their trade.
The Buddha’s Past Life
In this story, the wise guide was none other than the Bodhisatta (the Buddha in a past life). Even before he was born as Siddhartha Gautama, he had spent many lifetimes helping others and spreading wisdom.The Lesson of the Apannaka Jataka
Shortcuts in life can be dangerous – Some things seem easy but lead to disaster. It is better to take the right path, even if it takes more effort.Wisdom is more valuable than empty promises – Trust those who have experience and knowledge, not those who only say what you want to hear.
Prepare before making big decisions – The wise merchants survived because they listened, planned, and followed the right leader.