Jataka Tales 8: Gamini

Gamini Jataka This story was told by the Blessed One at Jetavana. It was about a monk who gave up persevering. He considered himself to be a dull person and gave up meditation. When this was informed to the Buddha, He reminded him of his past life achievements in becoming successful, even when he was very junior, and encouraged him to take up training again.

Story of the past The Bodhisatta, Prince Gamani, was born the youngest of a hundred brothers, completed his training under an able teacher.

He followed his teacher instructions and did not leave the palace taking a province; instead he remained in the palace looking after his father.

Gamini Jataka 1/3

Teacher kept on guiding him on how to be kind to everyone in the palace city. Soon he became loved by everyone. At the death bed, father king when he was sought instruction on inheritance by the ministers, permitted them to choose a prince to their liking.

They preferred the youngest and consecrated him. But when the elder princes came to know of this, they protested and even declared war. King Gamini, taking instruction from the teacher, declared that he was more than willing to abdicate and asked them to share kingdom amongst them.

This changed the mind of the eldest among them and he, with others agreeing, gave him the throne back and even learned from him the secret of winning the hearts of men. In his delight King Gamini reflected on his glory and thought: “All this glory I owe to my teacher.” And in his joy he made this heartfelt utterance.

Gamini Jataka 2/3

“Their heart’s desire they reap, who hurry not; know, Gamani, ripe excellence is yours.”

After seven or eight days all his brothers departed to their own abodes. King Gamani, after ruling well, passed away, to fare according to his kamma.

End of story from the past Ending the story, the Buddha linked the character, the monk who gave up striving as King Gamini and the Buddha Himself as the teacher who guided him.

Gamini Jataka 3/3