Story Summary
Discover the legend of Barlaam and Josaphat, a medieval tale of a prince who renounces his kingdom for spiritual truth after encountering life's suffering.
King Abenner of India, warned by a prophecy that his son Josaphat would embrace the Christian faith, confined the prince to a magnificent palace where he was surrounded only by youth and beauty. For years, Josaphat lived in ignorance of human suffering, until his curiosity drove him beyond the palace walls. There, he encountered the 'four signs': an old man, a sick man, a blind man, and a corpse. Shaken by the reality of mortality, Josaphat met Barlaam, a hermit who had entered the city disguised as a merchant. Through a series of profound parables, Barlaam taught the prince that worldly wealth is a shadow and that true life lies in the spirit. Josaphat converted, eventually leading his father to the faith as well. After his father’s death, Josaphat abdicated his throne, distributing his riches to the poor, and sought Barlaam in the desert. There, the two lived as ascetics until their deaths, united in their devotion to the eternal.
The Moral
The material world is fleeting and deceptive, and true peace is found only in spiritual devotion and the pursuit of eternal truth.
“The sweetness of this world is a deception; look instead toward the light that never fades.”
Fun Fact
This story is a remarkable example of cultural syncretism, where the biography of the Buddha was transformed into a Christian hagiography through centuries of translation across different cultures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Barlaam and Josaphat?
The story teaches that worldly riches and pleasures are temporary and ultimately unfulfilling. It emphasizes that true wisdom and salvation come from recognizing the reality of human suffering and seeking spiritual enlightenment.
Is Barlaam and Josaphat based on a true story?
While it was treated as historical fact in the Middle Ages, scholars have identified it as a Christianized version of the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. The name Josaphat is even derived from the Sanskrit 'Bodhisattva.'
Who wrote the story of Barlaam and Josaphat?
Traditionally attributed to St. John of Damascus, modern research suggests it was likely adapted by a Georgian monk named Euthymius in the 10th or 11th century before spreading through Europe.
Are Barlaam and Josaphat recognized as saints?
Yes, they were historically included in the Roman Martyrology and the Orthodox liturgical calendar. Their feast day was traditionally celebrated on November 27 in the Western Church.
What are the key parables in the story?
The tale is famous for its embedded parables, such as 'The Man in the Pit' and 'The Trumpet of Death,' which illustrate the dangers of worldly distraction and the inevitability of divine judgment.
How did the story spread across Europe?
It was translated from Greek into Latin and then into almost every European vernacular language. It became one of the most popular religious texts of the Middle Ages, influencing literature, art, and even Shakespeare.