Story summary
Born into a royal family, Temiya sees the suffering that can follow a king’s commands. Remembering the consequences of power in a former life, he resolves not to become king. He remains silent and still through years of tests, holding to a choice that the people around him cannot understand.
When the charioteer Sunanda takes him away from the palace, Temiya finally speaks and explains his resolve. He chooses the quiet life of an ascetic rather than the throne. His decision invites his family to reconsider what makes a life valuable: the power to command others, or the freedom to live without harming them.
Themes to explore
- Resolve
- Non-harming
- Renunciation
Read and wonder together
When might a quiet choice take more courage than a loud one?
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: Mūga-Pakkha (Temiya) Jātaka, no. 538, in The Jātaka, volume VI, translated by E. B. Cowell and W. H. D. Rouse (1907). The full source includes material for adults.