A Collection of Buddhist Wisdom Verses - Ancient Buddhist Texts

17: Wealth
Jā 335 Jambukajātakaṁ
Knowing one's Strengths
A jackal (Devadatta) who lives on the food left
over by a Lion decides to act like a lion himself
and against all good advice attacks an elephant,
only to be slaughtered on the spot.
322. Asīho sīhamānena, yo attānaṁ vikubbati,
Koṭṭhū va gajam-āsajja, seti bhūmyā anutthunaṁ.
The one who, though not a lion,
Assumes the pride of a lion,
Like the jackal and elephant,
Will end up groaning on the floor.
323. Yasassino uttamapuggalassa,
Sañjātakhandhassa mahabbalassa,
Asamekkhiyā thāmabalūpapattiṁ,
Sa seti nāgena hato va jambuko.
He may be famous, considered supreme,
He may have bodily power and strength,
But being hasty he will be slaughtered
By the powerful, just like the jackal.
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