San Lo Mvu 79The Jātaka of Princess Nalinī
Pāli / Sanskrit:The Jātaka of Princess Nalinī
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Commentary on the Jewel-Treasury Sūtra of Princess Nalinī
Background
The Jewel-Treasury Sūtra of Princess Nalinī (Nalinī-Jātaka) is one of the former-life stories belonging to the collection of Jewel-Treasury Sūtras (Jātaka), a gathering of accounts of the Buddha's previous lives. These sūtras are recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka according to the Theravāda tradition, reflecting the social setting of ancient India and the profound ethical teachings of Buddhism.
The sūtra recounts an episode in a former life, when the Buddha was still a Bodhisattva practicing to attain Buddhahood. The story revolves around the main character, Princess Nalinī, a young woman described as possessing noble qualities and clear wisdom. Through the event connected with this princess, the sūtra teaches profound lessons about cause and effect, virtue, and liberation from ignorant attachments.
Main Content
The sūtra narrates a complex story involving Princess Nalinī, in which decisions and actions have profound consequences according to the law of cause and effect (Pāli: Kamma). The princess is not a passive character, but a person with will, wisdom, and the ability to choose her own path.
In this episode, the Buddha appears in the form of an influential figure, perhaps a sage, a king, or a certain learned adviser, helping Princess Nalinī realize noble virtues such as compassion, righteousness (Pāli: Dhamma), and freedom from worldly prejudices.
The sūtra does not merely present the story in a mysterious way, but clearly explains the connection between past actions and present results. Through this event, the Buddha teaches his disciples about the impermanent nature (Pāli: Anicca) of all phenomena, as well as the interconnection of cause and effect across successive lives.
An important element in the sūtra is its emphasis that noble qualities, especially understanding of the Dharma, observance of ethical discipline, and compassion, are true possessions that are never lost, and according to cause and effect will bring wholesome results in the present and future realms.
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