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 material world is fleeting and deceptive, and true peace is found only in spiritual devotion and the pursuit of eternal truth.
Questions about this story
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.
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Good night.
