Papa is at work weaving. He turns his back to his younger

wife and daughter, Dukkhu as he toils away. He does not

care much for them as they go about working from

dawn to dusk. Papas elder wife and daughter, Sukkha,

whom he loves very much are happy doing little sitting

around and chatting.

One day Papa dies. Dukkhu and her mother are very

upset even though have not being much noticed by

Papa. Dukkhu says to her Mother:

'what are we going to do now have no money'.

Sukkha and her mother have taken all that belonged to

Papa and the household for themselves.

Dukkhu is watching some cloth drying in the sun for her

mother.

Suddenly a wind picks up and blows the sheets away.

'Oh no' cries Dukkhu

'how could I have been so foolish, I should have been

watching. Now we will have no money and go hungry’

What lovely things can we buy with Papa’s money?

Bad Deeds Bad EndsA Jataka Tale

Suddenly the mighty wind god appears. The wind god guides Dukkhu along. On her journey she

meets a cow who stops her. Dukkhu feeds the cow

some grass.

Don't worry my child.

It will be alright

Please feed me some

green grass

I’ll show you where you

can find your cotton

Soon after she bumps into a banana tree. Dukkhu waters

the tree.

Please water me

After just a few steps she sees a horse. Dukkhu gives the

horse water.

Having satisfied them all Dukkhu carries on. She

scratched her head, saying to herself:

'I wonder why I am being asked by so many for my help

on today’

‘Please would you

give some water,

I feel so dry

Just then she happens upon an old lady. The wind god

seeing her puzzled face says:

‘Before you is the moons mother, ask her for your cotton'

Dukkhu thinking she should be polite put her hands

together and made a bow to the old lady.

The old lady bowed in return.

She pointed to a doorway 'Inside You can find a towel, a

saree to wear and oil for your hair'.

'Please can I have

my cotton?’

Oh my sweet

daughter first have a

bath and something

to eat'

Dukkhu goes inside and there finds a choice of towels,

sarees and hair oil from the basic to the best quality. In

all cases she chooses the most simplest.

such nice things...too

good for someone like

me

She does as the old mother asks and enjoys the cool

water that fills the pool. Without noticing herself Dukkhu is

suddenly transformed into a beautiful being her face

looking as if it is lit up by a bright light. She also looks as if

she is covered with shiny jewels.

Going back to the old mother Dukkhu wonders why she

has such a big bright smile on her face. Dukkhu is asked

to go inside again and invited to have some food. The

table is piled with sweet and savoury riches.

The old mother noticing and now behind her looks kindly

on her and gently caresses her hair, pointed to some

boxes on the floor. She says:

This is too much for a girl such as me I

will just take a little piece of plain bread

On her way home she passes the three friends she met

before. Seeing her the horse gave her a bowl of gold

coins, the banana tree a mala of golden bananas and

the cow a young cow who could be milked anytime.

Arriving home Dukkhu is greated by her mother who

barely recognises her. Opening the box after nightfall

they are overwhelmed to see a prince spring from

inside.

My beautiful princes, please will

you marry me?

Of course dear prince,

we all three will now live

happily together

Dukku’s mother takes some gifts to Sukkhu’s mohter to celebrate. But Sukkhu’s mother is jealous and sends her away.

How can I get such things for myself?