The Swan and the Hunter – A Jataka Parable About Mercy and Self-Sacrifice

Description: This Jataka parable tells the story of a swan who shows mercy and self-sacrifice to save a hunter. The story illustrates that kindness and compassion can change even the hardest of hearts.

Long ago, in a forest full of the sounds of nature and birdsong, lived a swan named Sundara. He was regarded as the embodiment of kindness and mercy. All the forest inhabitants knew they could turn to Sundara for help, and he never refused.

One day, a hunter entered the forest, exhausted from a long journey. He had failed to catch any prey and felt drained. In search of shelter, he came across a large tree where a swan was perched on one of its branches. The hunter, seeing that he had no strength left, sat under the tree and said, "I am starving and freezing. No one in this forest will help me. I am doomed."

Sundara heard these words and looked down. Seeing the hunter, he felt pity. "This man has come into my forest. If I do not help him, who will?" – thought the swan.

Sundara flew down to the ground and approached the hunter: "Good man, why are you so sad?"

The hunter was astonished to hear the swan speak. "I am a hunter. Today, I failed to catch any prey. I am starving and freezing. If no one helps me, I will not survive till morning."

Sundara pondered. "I must help him, even if he is a hunter. Mercy knows no bounds. Kindness belongs to everyone."

He returned to the tree and began collecting leaves and branches to light a fire. As the flames ignited, Sundara flew down to the hunter and said, "This fire will warm you. But to ensure your survival, I will give you the most valuable thing – my life."

With these words, Sundara jumped into the fire to become food for the hunter. But a miracle happened. The fire did not harm the swan. Instead, a bright light illuminated the forest, and the hunter felt warmth and kindness filling his heart.

The hunter fell to his knees and said, "You showed kindness even though you knew I am a hunter. You saved my life with your mercy. From today on, I will stop hunting and live as you have taught."

Sundara replied, "True kindness can change hearts. If you have truly understood this, my sacrifice was not in vain."

From that day on, the hunter became a protector of the forest, and the story of the swan who sacrificed himself for an enemy spread worldwide, reminding everyone of the importance of compassion and mercy.

Moral: Mercy and kindness know no boundaries. Even the hardest of hearts can change when we show compassion.

Questions for Kids:

• Why did the swan decide to help the hunter?
• How did the swan’s self-sacrifice affect the hunter?
• What lesson does this parable teach us?