Vidura College

Grade 5 - Buddhism (Student Note) - 2nd Term

Sammodamana Jataka Story – (new) – Lesson 11

Once, when the Buddha was residing at Nigrodarama temple in

Kimbulwathpura there was a conflict between the Koliyan race and the Sakyan
race. These two races were related to the Buddha. So, the Buddha summoned
them and advised them not to quarrel with each other. He also said that even
the animals were able to defeat their enemies through working in unity.

The Buddha then related this Jataka story connected to one of his births as the
Bodhisatva. During that period, he was born as a swallow. He was the leader of
about one thousand swallows. He looked after his flock very well.

In that forest there lived a veddha who lived selling dead swallows. He used to
spread a net and catch the swallows. The leader informed his flock about the
activities of the veddha and that he had thought of a plan to overcome the
danger. He said that they should all unitedly act and carry away the net as soon
as the net is thrown over them by the Vedda. All the swallows agreed and acted
accordingly. As a result, they were able to save their lives.

The Veddha made several attempts to catch the swallows by spreading the net.
But due to the united work by the swallows he failed to catch them.

GRADE – 5 - BUDDHISM – STUDENT NOTE –

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SAMMODAMANA JATAKA STORY (NEW) – LESSON 11
The veddha had to go home empty handed. He informed his wife about the net
being carried over by the swallows due to their united work. The veddha was
waiting for an opportunity that would course disharmony among the swallows.

After a few days when the net was carried over one swallow’s foot accidently
hit another’s head. This created a fight between the two, no matter how much
the leader advised them not to quarrel but they did not listen. Due to the
division among the birds only the ones who agreed with the leader’s decision
flew away.

The veddha after a few days laid his net once again. As the swallows were
not once willing to act unitedly, they were not able to carry the net away. At
once the veddha folded net and caught the swallows who were covered by it.
He was able to kill all of them and sell them and carry a few for his meal. Unity
among them were able to save their lives. So, the Buddha said that this proves
the value of unity and disharmony leads to destruction.

In the society we live, we have to face scolding and harassments. At such

instances we should try to work in harmony with them. We should show them
the value of united work. By unity and harmony, we can contribute to the
development of the country and to oneself.

Activity

1. Name the Jataka story that shows the value of unity

2. What instance did the Buddha relate this story?
3. Write two advantages in working in a united way.

GRADE – 5 - BUDDHISM – STUDENT NOTE –

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SAMMODAMANA JATAKA STORY (NEW) – LESSON 11