The Bodhisatta was once a tree-sprite in a sāla grove. A new king Vessavaṇa was appointed by Sakka, and the king gave orders to the tree sprites to choose their abodes. The Bodhisatta advised his kinsmen to choose trees near his own. Some did not follow his advice and dwelt in the lonely trees. A tempest came and uprooted the lonely trees, leaving the trees in the grove unscathed.

This story was one of those related by the Buddha to the Sākyā and Koliyā, who fought for the waters of the Rohinī. He wished to show them the value of concord (J.i.327 ff).

For another Jātaka, not found in the Jātaka Commentary, but quoted in the Aṅguttaranikāya and sometimes (e.g., ThagA.i.397) referred to as the Rukkhadhamma Jātaka, see Suppatiṭṭha.