Table with Moral – Abhinha Jataka No. 27 (Book 1 Ekanipat)

Jataka tales are part of Buddhist Theravada literature, which depict earlier incarnations of Gautama Buddha. Long ago, one of the royal elephants became best friends with a mahout's dog. The dog used to go to the stall of the elephant, and eat the portions of rice which fell where the elephant was fed. Frequenting the place for food's sake, the dog grew very friendly with the elephant. The dog would often swing on the elephant's trunk. There came a point when the two would not eat without each other and always longed for togetherness.

One day, a villager bought the dog and took it home. The elephant missed its friend so much that it refused to eat, drink, or bathe. When the crowned head heard of the elephant's behavior, he sent the Bodhisatta to inquire into the matter. He examined the elephant and concluded that nothing physically ailed it. Pondering over the problem further, he guessed the cause to be emotional. He wondered if it was missing a close friend. The Bodhisatta asked the elephant's mahout if the elephant had any friends, and learnt about the dog. He was told that the dog had been sold, but he did not know where the buyer resided. The Bodhisatta explained the situation to his majesty and requested for an official proclamation that whoever possessed the dog would face punishment. As soon as the dog's new owner heard the official order, he released the dog, which ran back to the palace. The elephant cried tears of joy upon reuniting with its friend and the two once again ate a meal together.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha

The elephant and the dog were earlier births of two inseparable friends; one a disciple of the Buddha who lived at the monastery and the other a lay follower. The two men shared such camaraderie that they sat and talked together through the day. When the Buddha heard some of his disciples discussing the two men's friendship, he told them this story so they knew that the pair had also been best friends in the past.

Moral of the Fable

Friendship is immortal!