In a lush forest, the Bodhisattva was born as a beautiful and intelligent stag. One day, while foraging, he stepped into a hunter’s snare. Instead of struggling and tightening the noose, he remained calm. He lay on his side, bloated his stomach by holding his breath, and let his tongue hang out, covered in saliva. When the hunter arrived, he saw the stiff body and believed the deer had been dead for hours. Disappointed that the meat might be spoiled, the hunter untied the ropes to drag the carcass away. The moment the restraints were loose, the stag leaped to his feet with lightning speed and vanished into the dense trees, leaving the hunter empty-handed and amazed by the animal's wit.
Presence of mind and composure in the face of danger can help one overcome even the most desperate situations.
Questions about this story
What is the moral of The Clever Deer?
The story teaches that staying calm and using your intelligence is more effective than panicking. Presence of mind allows you to find solutions even when you seem trapped.
Who is the deer in this Jataka tale?
The deer is the Bodhisattva, which refers to the Buddha in one of his many previous incarnations before he achieved enlightenment.
How does the clever deer escape the hunter?
The deer pretends to be dead by bloating its stomach and letting its tongue hang out. This tricks the hunter into loosening the snare, giving the deer the chance to run away.
What does the deer symbolize in Buddhism?
In Buddhist literature, the deer often symbolizes gentleness, mindfulness, and the peaceful nature of the Dharma, as well as the Buddha's first sermon in the Deer Park.
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Good night.
