An Analytical Study of Characters’ Morality in Vessantara Jātaka Literature

Abstract

The aims of this research were: 1) study morality in Theravada Buddhist philosophy; 2) to study the Vessantara Jātaka literature; 3) to analyze the characters’ morality in Vessantara Jātaka. This study was carried out by means of the documentary research methodology through investigating the information in the Tipiṭaka, academic works and relevant research. The obtained data were presented by the descriptive analysis.
The research results are as follows:
1. The morality in Theravada Buddhist philosophy are practices to improve the quality of life and live happily in society is divided into 3 categories (levels): beginning level, observation of Five Sīla (Five Precepts) to control the body and speech; middle level including 10 Kusala Kammapatha (Tenfold Way of Good Action) used to control body, speech and mind; a high level including Aṭṭhaṅgika-magga (Eightfold Noble Paths) used to control body, speech, mind and to develop wisdom. The morality found in this Jātaka are 10 Dasarājadhamma (Tenfold Code of the King), 4 Brahmavihāra (Sublime State of Mind), Kataññūkatavedī (Gratitude), 4 Saṅgahavatthu (Bases of Social Solidarity) and Six Disā (Six Direction).
2. Vessantara Jātaka literature consists of 13 episodes beginning with Thodsapon to Nakhonkan. Its content involves accumulation of Pāramī (Perfection) of Vessantara. The fruitions of listening to the Vessantara Jātaka sermon are 1) meeting Metteyya Buddha; 2) being born in the paradise; 3) not being born in the unwholesome realms; 4) being born as a human in Metteyya Buddha time; 5) attaining Nirvana. The following values are: 1) literary values; 2) social values and 3) ethical values.
3. The analysis of the characters’ morality in Vessantara Jātaka found the following morality of each character: 1) Vessantara: 10 Dasarājadhamma and 4 Saṅgahavatthu; 2) Lady Madri: 4 Brahmavihāra and 6 Disā; 3) Jāli and Kanhā: Kataññūkatavedī; 4) Jūjok: Taṇhā (Craving) and Lobha (Greed); 5) Lady Amittatā: 6 Disā and Kataññūkatavedī; 6) Sañchaya King: 10 Dasarājadhamma; 7) Lady Phusadī: 4 Brahmavihāra and 6 Disā.