Story summary
Suvaṇṇasāma, also known as Sāma, gathers food and carries water for his parents in their forest home. His kindness extends to the animals around him. One day, while he is fetching water, a king shoots him with an arrow. Even in pain, Sāma’s concern turns to the parents who depend on him.
The king recognises the harm he has caused and offers to care for them. Sāma’s parents respond without seeking revenge. Through declarations of truth and loving devotion, Sāma recovers and his parents regain their sight. The tale brings care, remorse, and forgiveness into the same forest clearing.
Themes to explore
- Loving-kindness
- Care
- Forgiveness
Read and wonder together
What is one small way we can care for someone who needs our help?
New to these tales? Explore our guide to Jātaka stories and reading together.
About the traditional tale
This summary introduces the traditional story. Our illustrated edition retells it for reading together.
Source for grown-ups: Sāma (Suvaṇṇasāma) Jātaka, no. 540, in The Jātaka, volume VI, translated by E. B. Cowell and W. H. D. Rouse (1907). The full source includes material for adults.