Concentrated Effort | Mahajanaka Jataka (Part 3) | Animated Buddhist Stories

Summary

The story of Prince Mahajanaka is one of unwavering determination and the pursuit of excellence. Despite facing immense challenges, including swimming through treacherous seas for seven days and nights, Mahajanaka's effort and resolve never waver. After enduring exhaustion and near death, he is saved by a divine being, Manimekhala, and eventually reaches Mithila. As fate unfolds, he is chosen to be king through a series of tests, proving his worthiness. The story teaches that success lies not in the outcome, but in the effort one gives, highlighting the value of persistence and inner strength.

Takeaways

• 😀 Perseverance is the key to success, as demonstrated by Prince Mahajanaka’s relentless swimming across the ocean, regardless of the dangers or his exhaustion.
• 😀 The story emphasizes that true success is not about the outcome, but about the effort put forth, as Mahajanaka continues despite knowing the odds were against him.
• 😀 Mahajanaka's resolve to never give up, even when exhausted and near death, highlights the power of willpower and determination in the face of adversity.
• 😀 Princess Sivalidevi tests wisdom and self-awareness, proving that blindly following orders without thought leads to failure.
• 😀 True leadership is not determined by birthright or traditional methods, as seen when King Mahajanaka was chosen by fate rather than lineage.
• 😀 Mahajanaka’s humility and self-awareness were key in his eventual recognition as the king, showing that composure and grace can win over even the most challenging situations.
• 😀 The ancient deva Manimekhala teaches the lesson of responsibility and being vigilant in one's duties, even when it seems unnecessary or forgotten.
• 😀 Success is earned through effort and resolve, not through avoiding failure. Mahajanaka teaches that trying and failing is better than not trying at all.
• 😀 The story warns against pride and arrogance, as demonstrated by the princess’s initial disdain for suitors, only to be impressed by Mahajanaka’s demeanor and wisdom.
• 😀 The moral teaches that even the most difficult journeys or challenges can lead to greatness when faced with effort, wisdom, and perseverance.

Q & A

What motivates Prince Mahajanaka to keep swimming despite his exhaustion?

Prince Mahajanaka is motivated by the belief that true success lies in the effort one puts forth, not in the outcome. He is determined to give his all, even if it leads to his death, because he believes that not trying due to fear of failure is a failure in itself.

How does the deva Manimekhala respond to seeing Prince Mahajanaka struggling in the sea?

Manimekhala initially realizes that Prince Mahajanaka, the Bodhisatta, is exerting himself in the sea. She sees him as valuable to the divine assembly and decides to assist him by offering to take him to his destination, Mithila.

What does Prince Mahajanaka say about success and failure?

Prince Mahajanaka says that success or failure is not his responsibility or goal. Instead, the measure of success lies in the effort he puts forth. He believes that by giving everything he can, he will have reached his potential, regardless of the outcome.

What tests did Princess Sivalidevi use to evaluate potential suitors?

Princess Sivalidevi tested suitors by putting them through tasks such as running back and forth at her command, and she also tested their wisdom and strength. None of the men sent to win her affection passed her tests.

What were the conditions set by King Polajanaka for choosing the next king?

King Polajanaka set four conditions for the next king: a man who could please Princess Sivalidevi, a man who knew the head of a square bed, a man who could string a bow that required the strength of a thousand men, and a man who could retrieve the sixteen hidden treasures beneath the city.

How does Prince Mahajanaka come to be selected as the next king?

Prince Mahajanaka is selected when the royal carriage, sent to find a worthy candidate, arrives at the mango grove where he is resting. The carriage bows at his feet, and the royal minister recognizes him as the rightful heir after seeing his composure and wisdom.

What is the significance of the carriage's journey and its destination?

The carriage's journey symbolizes the divine intervention in choosing the next king. It leads the royal entourage to the resting place of Prince Mahajanaka, signifying that he is the chosen one, despite not seeking the throne himself.

What does Princess Sivalidevi think of King Mahajanaka when she first sees him?

When Princess Sivalidevi first sees King Mahajanaka, she is initially incensed that he didn't come to see her first. However, upon observing his composure, elegance, and aura, she is impressed and eventually kneels before him, offering her hand.

How does King Mahajanaka handle his royal duties after being crowned?

After being crowned, King Mahajanaka shows wisdom and grace by appointing the right people to positions of power and giving out tasks to the generals and advisors. He demonstrates a calm and just leadership style.

What is the role of effort in the story, and how is it portrayed through Prince Mahajanaka?

Effort plays a central role in the story. Prince Mahajanaka's tireless determination to swim across the sea, even when faced with exhaustion and the possibility of death, illustrates the importance of putting in maximum effort regardless of the outcome. His success lies in his unwavering resolve, not in achieving the goal itself.