Article by Ursula Manandhar
Once, the Bodhisatta was a radiant golden deer, perfect in every way. In another life, a wealthy merchant’s spoiled son had wasted his days in feasting and revelry, neglecting any worthwhile pursuits. After his parents died, he squandered his money with irresponsible companions until his mounting debts pushed him to the brink of suicide. In a final act of desperation, he pretended to search for a hidden family treasure along the Ganges and then leaped into the river. Hearing his cries, the Bodhisatta rescued him, nursing him back to health on the condition that the deed remain a secret.
Not long after, the queen consort dreamed of a golden deer delivering sermons, and she begged the king to let her hear its teachings—or else she would lose the will to live. The king, assured by his advisers that such a creature existed, proclaimed a handsome reward for anyone who could lead him to it. The merchant’s son, seizing the opportunity, claimed he knew the deer’s whereabouts and led the king and his army into the forest.
When the Bodhisatta heard the soldiers approaching his woodland home, he dashed to the king. Just as the king readied his bow, the deer’s gentle plea halted him and his men. Confronting the king, the Bodhisatta revealed that the merchant’s son had betrayed him. Although the king was inclined to punish the treacherous man, the virtuous Bodhisatta insisted on mercy, and the king, respecting his words, rewarded the son and sent him on his way.
Later, the Bodhisatta preached to the royal court about the ten virtues of good governance. Touched by his wisdom, the king granted him one wish. The Bodhisatta asked that all living creatures be spared from harm, and the king decreed that no animal should be killed. However, this promise soon backfired as deer, emboldened by their newfound safety, began to devour crops. Responding to the people’s distress, the Bodhisatta ordered the deer to avoid farmlands and advised locals to mark their fields, thus restoring balance between man and beast.