Palomino: Jatakamala Antelope

Throughout the jataka entitled "The Antelope" there is a great focus on the vulnerability of human nature towards rapacity and the effects of selfishness on the individual. It is implied that desire emerges from the notion of the self which in turn leads to suffering (duhkha). The antidote to the very root of suffering can be found in compassion (karuna). It is from this that good virtues (sila) arise. Despite the numerous themes and morals illustrated throughout this story, I have decided to focus on the few that seemed most important.

"The Antelope" pays great attention to the nature of humanity which ultimately predisposes the individual towards rapacity and attachment (upadana). This theme is illustrated through the motives of the king when ordering his huntsmen to go in search of the antelope. The king agrees to his wife's suggestion not only because of his desire to please her, but also because, "he was eager to get hold of this jeweled deer"(pg. 181). It is here that the king is used as a symbolic manifestation of mankind whose very nature is that of selfishness.

This theme is again illustrated when the man decides to inform the king of the deer's location. Readers are given the opportunity to observe the thoughts of the character, as well as the internal conflict taking place within the character's mind. Like many individuals, this man is torn between greed and gratitude and faced with the choice between good fortune and plain modesty. Unfortunately, this man is overcome by the evils of acquisitiveness and eventually surrenders himself to this thirst (trishna) for acquisition. The man's decision was most likely trumped by his misconception of reality, for his very nature led him to think that possessions lead to happiness.

The effects of selfishness on the individual are best illustrated through the passage that states, "It is when their minds are steeped in unbearable misery that men-attracted by the prospect of great gain as silly moths are attracted by the fight of a lamp-take to evil ways"(pg. 183). This light, most likely originating from fire itself, symbolizes the great "heat" and power of desire on human kind as a whole. Drawn by the powers of desire, individuals tend to forget all that is important for the sake of satisfyring this notion of the self Blinded by self-indulgence, individuals succumb to feelings of hatred and envy, both having their root in greed.

"The Antelope" seems to put great emphasis on the importance of compassion, otherwise seen as the "antidote" or remedy for greed and suffering. The importance of compassion is best illustrated in the passage stating, "...if one felt the same compassion for others as one does for oneself or one's family, who would be so evil-hearted as to desire what is contrary to the Law" (pg. 184). It is here that the Bodhisattva is stressing the fact that if individuals were to have compassion towards other's as they have towards themselves, there would no longer be hatred and greed. Greed originates from desire, yet compassion tends to make an individual concerned about the well being of others rather than themselves.

"The Antelope" provokes many paradoxical questions about the nature of humanity, the origin of desire, and the effects it has on individuals. It was extremely well written and the number of underlying themes and morals that can be found in this work are simply astounding. The author of this work does not point at morals or impose insights, but lets adept imagery, powerful symbolism and the voices of characters speak for themselves.