Story summary
Bhūridatta leaves the splendour of the nāga realm to observe a day of disciplined conduct in the human world. Resting on an anthill, he resolves to keep his precepts. A snake charmer captures him and forces him to perform for crowds, hoping to earn wealth from his extraordinary abilities.
Although he could retaliate, Bhūridatta endures his captivity without abandoning his commitment. His family searches for him, and his brother’s intervention brings the ordeal to an end. The story explores the strength involved in keeping a moral promise when anger and suffering make it difficult.
Themes to explore
- Moral resolve
- Self-restraint
- Patience
Read and wonder together
Who can help us keep a good promise when it becomes hard?
New to these tales? Explore our guide to Jātaka stories and reading together.
About the traditional tale
This summary introduces the traditional story. Dharma Trail’s illustrated edition is still being prepared.
Source for grown-ups: Bhūridatta Jātaka, no. 543, in The Jātaka, volume VI, translated by E. B. Cowell and W. H. D. Rouse (1907). The full source includes material for adults.