Mahakapi Jataka — The Monkey King

Long ago, the Bodhisatta (the Buddha in a past life) was born as a magnificent Monkey King. He ruled a tribe of 80,000 monkeys who lived in a massive mango tree by the banks of the Ganges. The mangoes were divinely sweet, and the monkeys were careful never to let one drop into the river.

However, one mango, hidden by an ant nest, ripened and fell into the water. It floated downstream and was found by the human King of Benares. Tasting it, the king became obsessed and led his army up the river to find the tree.

When the soldiers arrived, they saw the monkeys eating the mangoes and prepared to shoot them with arrows. The monkeys were terrified. The Monkey King comforted them, saying, "Do not fear. I will save you all."

He leaped across the river to a bamboo grove on the opposite bank, tied a strong bamboo shoot to his waist, and leaped back to the mango tree. However, he had miscalculated the distance; the shoot was slightly short. He held onto a branch of the mango tree tightly, making his own body the missing link of the bridge.

"Quickly! Step on my back and cross to safety!" he ordered. One by one, all 80,000 monkeys ran across his back to the other side. The last monkey, Devadatta (who harbored enmity toward the Bodhisatta), jumped heavily on the King's back, breaking his spine.

The human king, who had watched this incredible self-sacrifice, was deeply moved. He ordered his men to gently bring the dying Monkey King down. When asked why he sacrificed himself, the Bodhisatta replied, "A true leader bears the burden of his people." He then passed away peacefully.