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The Lion & The Old Hare

Sutradhaar—Nidhi Kundra

There was a huge jungle near the banks of Sabarmati river. A wild lion was always on the loose, attacking big and small creatures. He would feed on some, while kill the others just for fun.

The animals could not move out without the fear of being killed. Tired,they called for a secret meeting and discussed a way to get rid of the problem.

“We must think of a way out!” said the deer.

“Yes, we must or else we will keep losing our near and dear ones,” said the rabbit.

“We all must stand in unity and face the lion...or else we will never be able to lead peaceful lives!” coughed the old jackal.

After a very long discussion amongst themselves, the animals finally agreed upon a proposal. They all mustered the courage and set off together to propose the same to the lion, the next morning.

They stood waiting outside the lion’s cave for him to wake up. When the lion came out, he was taken aback to see the huge group of animals —big and small!

“We have decided that we shall send one animal to you every day so that you don’t have to move out.”

The lion was really amused, “That is a great idea! Finally, you have got the wisdom!”

“But remember,” he warned, “If you fail to send an animal on any one day, I will come out into the wild and kill you all!”

From that day onwards, each day an animal would reach the lion’s cave, ready to be his food. One day it was the turn of a naughty little hare. The hare had already made up his mind to get rid of the lion that day. He jumped and hopped and deliberately delayed his visit to the lion. He came across a deep well on his way. He looked into it andsaw his own reflection. An idea struck him and he rushed to the lion’s cave.

The hungry lion was furious and when he saw the tiny little rabbit, he got very disappointed. “What took you so long?” he shouted, “And what am I ever going to do with such a tiny creature as you!”

The rabbit responded meekly, “My Lord! I would have reached you a long while back, but for another lion who stopped me on the way.”

“Another lion?” he interrupted.

“Yes, My Lord! He calls himself the king of this jungle...” said the hare.

The lion roared furiously.

“Take me where he is,” he ordered.

The rabbit quickly led him to the well and announced, “Master! He stays right inside this well.”

The lion looked into the well and saw his own reflection. In his fury, he mistook it to be the other lion and roared. His roar echoed in the well and he felt as though the second lion was challenging him. In great rage, he jumped into the well, pouncing at his own shadow. The water was deep and the lion drowned in a matter of a few minutes.

Moral :

Conviction and wisdom can turn things around any time!

#Buddha #Buddhism #Zen #Life #Lifestyle #wisdomwinds