The roots of the story of Prince Sutasoma come from the Jataka tales and an old Javanese text Mpu Tantular's kakawin, a poem written in the fourteenth century.
One day Prince Sutasoma quietly leaves the Palace to meditate on Mount Meru. In the foothills of the mountain Sutasoma enters a cemetery to worship Durga, the goddess of the Temple of Majesty. She teaches him ritual incantations, which enable him to dispel all harmful forces in the world.
On entering into deep woods Prince Sutasoma encounters three wild creatures: a fierce elephant-headed giant; a serpent and a tigress, who in hunger forgets her limits and is about to devour her cubs. He tames them all and they become his faithful pupils.
The Prince teaches his pupils the path that leads to absolutely purity and inconceivable emptiness. He explains that goodwill should be extended to all beings. He teaches the practice of non-violence, even if this involves death. According to Buddhist teachings, the two qualities of wisdom and compassion must be activated in a person seeking insight.
In contemporary Balinese drama Prince Sutasoma is distinguished by his wisdom, goodwill and unlimited compassion for all living beings.
