Prince Sotthisena, heir to the throne of Varanasi, was struck with a terrible case of leprosy. To protect his family, he retreated to the forest to live in isolation. Despite his pleas for her to stay, his wife, Princess Sambula, insisted on accompanying him. In the wilderness, she abandoned her royal comforts to serve him, gathering wild fruits and washing his sores daily. One evening, while returning from the forest, a fierce ogre captured her. She prayed to the gods, and Sakka, King of the Heavens, intervened to save her. When she returned late, Sotthisena, consumed by bitterness, accused her of being unfaithful. To prove her innocence and devotion, Sambula performed an 'Act of Truth.' She declared, 'As surely as I have been faithful to you in thought and deed, may your disease be cured.' Immediately, the prince’s skin became clear and healthy. They returned to the kingdom, where Sotthisena was crowned king, forever honoring the wife whose devotion had saved his life.
Unwavering loyalty and the power of truth can heal the deepest wounds and overcome the greatest adversities.
Questions about this story
What is the moral of The Devoted Wife?
The moral is that true devotion and the power of truth (Sacca-kiriya) have the strength to heal and transform lives. It emphasizes that loyalty is tested in times of hardship, not just in prosperity.
Who is Princess Sambula in the Jataka tales?
Princess Sambula is a figure of extreme virtue and loyalty who chose to live in the forest to care for her husband when he contracted leprosy. She is celebrated in Buddhist lore as a model of the devoted wife.
What is an 'Act of Truth' in Buddhist stories?
An 'Act of Truth' or Sacca-kiriya is a formal declaration of an undeniable truth used to invoke miraculous power. In this story, Sambula's honest declaration of her fidelity results in a physical cure.
Why did Prince Sotthisena doubt his wife?
Prince Sotthisena was overcome by his own suffering and insecurity. When Sambula returned late from gathering food—having been delayed by an ogre—his bitterness led him to wrongly suspect her of infidelity.
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Good night.
