J22 Kukkura Jataka -- The Case of the Gnawed Leather

[MORAL The dangers of anger; the power of love, virtue and courage]

[READABILITY Intermediate II]

Humans regard dogs as their best friends. The Bodhisatta was the leader of a group of wild dogs in a past life. When the king ordered the wild dogs to be killed, the Bodhisatta showed extraordinary courage and stood up to righteously protect his friends.

During the killing order, the leader of the dogs walked to the palace alone to meet the king without any fear. He used wisdom to let the king see the truth of the matter and helped the king understand his fault. The wild dogs following the Bodhisatta were thus prevented from being killed indiscriminately.

The Bodhisatta acted with compassion and treated the wild dogs that followed him as if they were relatives. His power of loving-kindness, virtue and good kamma protected himself; his wisdom saved the wild dogs who followed him.

Dear friend, if your best friend is in danger, what potential or magic weapon do you have to help them escape?