As we continue exploring the story of Buddha’s life, let us take a pause and examine the situation of an ordinary horse, Kandaka.

Kandaka was born on the same day as Prince Siddhartha and I think it deserves a minute of our time for closer inspection and contemplation.
The story of Kandaka within Buddhism is uniquely inspiring from a religious point of view. The significance of this story might have been overlooked by many people for centuries. So what happened to Kandaka?

Well, Kandaka was led away by Channa after Siddhartha’s renunciation. As intended by Siddhartha, Channa was supposed to go back to Kapilavastu along with Kandaka. Unfortunately, the long journey was too arduous for Kandaka and it collapsed shortly after leaving Siddhartha, breathing his last breath. Some said Kandaka missed Siddhartha too much and died of a broken heart.

Yet, death was not the end for Kandaka and he was reborn in the Tavatimsa heaven as a great deity bearing the same name, Kandaka.

In that manner, Kandaka was alleviated to a deity and became a protector of Buddhist practitioners, much like Sakka and other devas who watched over Siddhartha.

Now, here’s the twist.

Gods and goddesses are regarded as the epitome of existence in ancient cultures and perhaps today too. They represent absolute power over the world and mankind. People believe that gods or goddesses are to be respected and feared. Aspiring to become a god is unheard of and considered blasphemy.

But in this Buddhist tale, such a god-fearing perspective is challenged to the core!

While divinity is regarded as mysterious and unfathomable by most people. The story of Kandaka suggests that a god residing in heaven might be an ex-horse! An animal that was once tamed and ridden by the ordinary man. Can you imagine how significant this tale is? To fully appreciate the context of this story, we need to understand that at the time of this story, people were still worshiping fire, sun, moon, tree, and whatnot.

Therefore, this tale is educating us not to be entranced or misguided by the concept of divinity. By looking at the story from this angle, wouldn’t you agree that the author of this story was a wise and humorous educator? And who is the author of this story? None other than the Buddha of course!

Now let us examine this story from another angle.

If an animal like a horse can become a god in heaven, why can’t humans? Suddenly, mankind is no longer resigned to being a slave to the almighty divine being but can aspire to be a god one day. According to Buddhist teachings, we just need to be virtuous and be of service to others if we aspire to be reborn a god. Some may think, really?

Well, imagine this.

For example, when an honest taxi driver returned a briefcase of cash to a careless businessman. That taxi driver was equivalent to a benevolent god for the businessman. Similarly, a janitor who performed CPR on the CEO who suffered a heart attack is the CEO’s “saviour” ?

This message encourages people to have grander aspirations. To become the epitome of existence through virtues. In simple words, dream big and do not lose hope in virtues. For those who are new to Buddhism and have always regarded the divine as supreme, this message can be earth-shattering!

However, Buddhists do not aspire to become divine. This is because Buddha taught that gods and goddesses die too. They will one day be forgotten and will no longer be worshiped by their devotees. Nothing to be envious of. Just like the thunder god, Thor of Nordic Culture. He is mostly remembered in a Marvel movie nowadays.

Instead of aspiring to become a god, Buddhists aspire to attain enlightenment.

Last but not least, this story also taught the god-fearing people of ancient society never to disrespect anybody. 

In the olden days, social discrimination was common. People who engaged is menial work were despised and regarded as no better than animals. Slavery in different parts of the world also subjected fellow human beings to harsh treatment. Yet, these privileged people would spend vast fortune worshipping an imaginary god. God of fire, mountain, wind, etc.

In the story of Kandaka, a “lowly” horse today can become a mighty deity the next day.

This new perspective encouraged people not to disrespect any living beings or take them for granted. From this perspective, the story of Kandaka served as a powerful lesson for those fire-worshipping folks.

It is amazing how a simple story that we tend to brush aside now, can be a mind-blowing lesson in ancient times.

Points for discussions

Authorship and Wisdom:

• Analyze the storytelling techniques employed by Buddha in conveying profound messages through seemingly simple narratives.

• Discuss the wisdom behind using Kandaka’s story to challenge conventional beliefs and expectations.

Relevance Today:

• Discuss the enduring relevance of Kandaka’s story in today’s context. How can the lessons from this ancient tale be applied to contemporary ethical and moral dilemmas?

May all be well and happy.