San Lo Mvu 99The Jātaka of Śarabhaṅga
Pāli / Sanskrit:The Jātaka of Śarabhaṅga
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Exposition of the Jātaka Sutta on Sarabhaṅga
Background
The Jātaka sutta on Sarabhaṅga is one of the notable past-life stories of the Buddha, appearing in the Vinaya Piṭaka according to the Theravāda tradition. The Jātakas (past births) in the Pāli Canon record the former lives of the Buddha Gotama in order to illustrate the cultivation of the pāramīs - the noble qualities necessary for attaining Buddhahood.
The story of Sarabhaṅga is recounted when the Buddha teaches the monastic assembly, in order to illuminate his past lives when he was still in training. The historical context of this sutta concerns the conditions for hearing the Buddha's teaching and the obstacles practitioners must overcome in order to become causes for awakening.
Main Content
In the Jātaka sutta on Sarabhaṅga, the Buddha tells that in former times he was born as an ṛṣi, a seer named Sarabhaṅga, living an ascetic life deep in the forest, cultivating extraordinary concentration and observing strict disciplines. Sarabhaṅga maintained a pure mind, was free from sexuality, and loved all beings without discrimination.
The principal occasion of the sutta revolves around the visit of a Brahmā or a king who comes seeking instruction from the ṛṣi. Through this encounter, Sarabhaṅga is tested in guarding the purity of his mind. The sutta highlights that, though faced with temptation or worldly events, the ṛṣi does not waver in his practice. This is evidence of the power of concentration (samādhi) and wisdom (paññā) in the life of practice.
This Jātaka sutta also emphasizes the importance of guarding the precepts of sīla, especially in the ascetic life. Sarabhaṅga knows that his purpose is liberation from the cycle of rebirth, not the attainment of worldly power or fame. When distracted, he recollects his profound purpose and returns to pure meditation.
Practical Meaning
For modern practitioners, the Jātaka sutta on Sarabhaṅga carries profound lessons.
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