Love in the Mahavastu Vessantara Jataka, Matri Section: An Analysis through the Brahmavihara Perspective

Abstract

This article aims to examine the suffering caused by love in The Great Vessantara Jataka, specifically the Matri Kanda, through the ethical framework and the practice of parami (perfections) by Prince Vessantara and Queen Matri. The study focuses on analyzing the relationship between love, sacrifice, and the suffering experienced by the main characters. Content analysis of the 1971 Royal Institute edition of the text was employed, alongside ethical interpretation, to explore the emotional and moral dimensions of the narrative.The findings reveal that love in Matri Kanda is not merely a source of happiness, warmth, or attachment but is intertwined with multiple dimensions of suffering. These include: (1) suffering from sacrifice, as Prince Vessantara must give up his children and wife to perfect the virtue of generosity; (2) suffering from separation, as Queen Matri experiences the anguish of losing Chali and Kanha; and (3) suffering from attachment, where deeper love intensifies the pain of separation. Both characters embody an ideal form of love oriented toward selflessness and detachment. The analysis highlights that the suffering caused by love in Matri Kanda is not merely personal grief but serves as an ethical instrument illustrating the values of compassion, sacrifice, and the cultivation of parami. This provides a timeless lesson for readers, demonstrating that love and suffering are inseparably linked. Ultimately, Matri Kanda reflects Buddhist principles and the fundamental truth of life: “Where there is love, there is suffering.”