The Story of Queen Mandalā and Her Upadeśa (Teachings)
Once upon a time, there was a wise and noble queen named Mandalā.
She was known not only for her beauty and compassion but also for her deep understanding of dharma (righteousness) and the subtle truths of life.
She had four sons, all born together, and when they were infants, they would often cry all at once — as babies do.
Each time they cried, the queen did not call the nurses or maids, but instead she herself came to comfort them — and with every cry, she gave them a teaching (upadeśa).
Even though they were too small to understand words, she believed that the soul absorbs truth even before the mind does.
Hence, her Mandalā Upadeśa became famous — the mother’s teachings given to her crying infants.
The Four Teachings of Queen Mandalā
Different versions exist, but the essence of the “Mandalā Upadeśa” is usually summarized as four short teachings, one for each son’s cry:
1. To the first crying child, she said:
“Do not be distressed by the loss of what is not yours.”
— Teaching on non-attachment and acceptance.
2. To the second, she said:
“What is destined for you will reach you, no matter where you are.”
— Teaching on faith in destiny and trust in divine order.
3. To the third, she said:
“Do good even to those who wrong you; your virtue is your strength.”
— Teaching on forgiveness and righteous action.
4. To the fourth, she said:
“Remember, all that begins must end — be calm in both joy and sorrow.”
— Teaching on impermanence and equanimity.
These four upadeśas became the guiding principles of her sons’ lives when they grew up — each becoming a great ruler, known for wisdom and fairness.
Thus, Mandalā’s Upadeśa came to symbolize the mother’s wisdom, the power of early impressions (saṃskāras), and spiritual instruction given with love.
The story is found in several old moral collections and is sometimes quoted in subhāṣita (wise saying) anthologies in Sanskrit and regional languages (especially in South Indian and Nepalese traditions).
In the hush of dawn’s first light,
When palace lamps still softly shone,
Queen Mandalā, serene and bright,
Sat near her four sons — newly born.
Their cries rang pure, like temple bells,
Unknowing yet of joy or pain;
She smiled — for every tear that fell,
She offered truth’s sweet, healing rain.
To the first she whispered low:
“My child, weep not for what you lose —
What isn’t yours can bring no sorrow.
Let go of grasping, calm your heart —
What’s meant will come, today or tomorrow.”
To the second, still in tears:
“My son, the hand of fate is kind,
What’s yours will find you, near or far.
The fruit will ripen in its time —
Trust the heavens, they know who you are.”
To the third she softly said:
“When wronged, do right — forgive, endure.
For hate burns only its own core;
The noble heart stays ever pure —
Give love, and you shall shine the more.”
To the fourth, whose cry was deep:
“All things that bloom must fade away,
Joy and grief are twins that part.
Be still, my child — both night and day
Are passing guests within your heart.”
The four grew wise, and brave, and kind,
Each ruling with a steady hand;
Their mother’s voice still in their mind —
Her cradle songs became their dharmic stand.
So lives the name of Queen Mandalā,
Whose love became the world’s upadeśa —
That even a mother’s whispered word
Can turn a crying soul toward divya dēśa — the realm of truth and grace.
