Fables for the Moral Desert

By Larus Thorhallsson

Copyright © 2015 by Larus Thorhallsson

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

ISBN 978-9935-9250-5-3

Contents:

1. The Ostrich

2. The Parrot

3. The Lion

4. The Bull

5. The Cat

6. The Monkey

7. The Gorilla

8. The Lamb

9. The Raven

10. The Sloth

11. The Stork

12. The Frog

13. The Hippo

14. The Ant

15. The Butterfly

16. The Jellyfish

17. The Skunk

18. The Mole

19. The Pig

20. The Dog

21. The Rooster

22. The Hyena

23. The Crow

24. The Fox

25. The Sparrow

26. The Owl

27. The Crocodile

28. The Wolf

29. The Turtle

30. The Vulture

31. The Sheep

32. The Bear

33. The Spider

34. The Horse

35. The Stag

36. The Ducks

37. The Panther

38. The Cat (pt. 2)

39. The Dog (pt. 2)

40. The Snake

41. The Pigeon

42. The Eagle

43. The Donkey

44. The Hamster

45. The Rabbits

46. The Crab

47. The Giraffe

48. The Squid

49. The Rhino

50. The Elephant

51. The Tiger

52. The Boar

53. The Gulls

54. The Fish

55. The Whale

56. The Octopus

57. The Walrus

58. The Scorpion

59. The Shark

60. The Dolphin

61. The Killer Whale

62. The Panda

63. The Arctic terns

64. The Ptarmigan

65. The Swan

66. The Camels

67. The Goat

68. The Geese

69. The Falcon

70. The Hummingbird

71. The Flamingo

72. The Starling

73. The Turkey

74. The Cow

75. The Hen

76. The Ferret

77. The Snail

78. The Grasshoppers

79. The Gnat

80. The Earthworm

81. The Bee

82. The Seal

83. The Sea lions

84. The Starfish

85. The Puffer fish

86. The Wolffish

87. The Eel

88. The Swordfish

89. The Cod

90. The Haddock

91. The Mosquito

92. The Beetle

93. The Cockroach

94. The Termites

95. The Moth

96. The Mantis

97. The Dragonflies

98. The Silverfish

99. The Caterpillar

100. The Wolverine

101. The Wolves (pt. 2)

102. The Hyena (pt. 2)

103. The Lion (pt. 2)

104. The Swine (pt. 2)

105. The Man

106. The Man (pt. 2)

1. The Ostrich

There was once an ostrich that had become mature enough to start a new life on his own. So the ostrich set out to the wilderness, hopeful that everything would turn out like he had foreseen. The ostrich had been walking for some time when he became hungry, so the ostrich put the head into the sand and decided that he wanted to eat fruits. The ostrich kept moving forward with his body, while the head turned upward, since he was only giving attention to the trees above. But all this time the ostrich failed to notice all the insects that were crawling on the ground, and which could easily be eaten.

The ostrich had been doing this for some time, without finding anything. But when the ostrich decided to continue the travel then he no longer knew where he was. The ostrich was now lost, and was beginning to ponder in what direction he should travel to. It however happened that a horse was passing by, which seemed to know where it was going. The ostrich asked the horse for assistance. But the ostrich never bothered to wait and listen to that what the horse had to say, since the ostrich immediately heckled over it and came up with another question. The horse became perplexed that the ostrich was constantly switching to new topics, even before the previous ones had been answered. So after many failed attempts the horse gave up and went its way.

After the horse had left the ostrich found himself in the same position as before, but he was hopeful that any path he would take would turn out well. When the ostrich had covered some distance then he came upon two different paths, leading to the same destination. The path to the left was supposed to be short, while the one to the right was much longer. The ostrich decided to take the short path. But as he was about to move forward then a bird came and warned of the dangers ahead, while it claimed that the longer path was safe. However the ostrich then put his head into the sand, and decided that he would still take the same path. But the ostrich hoped that it would turn out differently, and that the dangerous animals there would perhaps change their mind.

Later on the path the ostrich met with dangerous animals, which gnashed their teeth and attempted to kill him, but the ostrich managed to outrun them until he reached safety. However afterwards the ostrich put his head into the sand and thought to himself that surely the animals in question had not intended to harm him. But they had merely tried to greet the ostrich with their touch and speak about some important matters. So the ostrich decided to turn back to the previous location and there meet up with the same animals, but in the end they managed to encircle the ostrich and eat him.

We must learn to make more use of our perceptions, when it comes to notice what the circumstances testify about and adapt to them. But all idle contemplations make us incompetent in expressing ourselves about the situation, in the meantime before and after events.

2. The Parrot

It happened that the lion needed an advisor to help it govern the forest, so the lion came up with a riddle and proclaimed that the highest honour waited for the animal that would solve it. In this tale the riddle itself does not need to be described, but it took some time for the news to spread around in the forest, and many animals made the attempt but failed. At the exterior of the forest lived a clever fox, but it was however the last one to hear about the news. The fox presumed it was all alone, and began to think out loud, by repeating the riddle and interpreting the clues, until finally solving it. But the fox failed to notice a parrot nearby, which managed to overhear everything.

The parrot immediately grabbed this opportunity and flew straight away to the lion. There he succeeded in solving the riddle, at the very same day, while the fox was still making the journey and would not arrive in many days. The lion became glad that it had obtained such a wise creature as an advisor, so the lion gave the parrot the highest honour and allowed him to accompany it. But shortly after this the forest was afflicted by a problem, for there was not enough food for all the animals, so that many of them had become more aggressive. The lion became troubled over the matter, and asked the parrot what it should be done about the matter. It seemed that there were not enough resources available in appeasing one group, unless it was at the expense of another group. But to the lion’s surprise the parrot always came up with the same old answer, regarding the previous riddle, no matter what questions the lion directed to the parrot.

This began to anger the lion, for it thoughts that the parrot was in some way mocking it and belittling the problem. The lion took the parrot with it to a specific field, where many servants were working. The lion pointed at the wolf that hunted food for it, the raven that carried messages for it, and the monkey that entertained the lion in the end of the day. The lion said to the parrot that each of these animals had their unique role, and could provide some kind of service to it. So that none of them needed to be best in everything, but had only to make the best of the station assigned to it. Then the lion asked the parrot what kind of service he could provide to the king, but when the parrot failed to give any answer then he ended in the lion’s stomach. Now the lion looked for a new advisor, and proclaimed another riddle in the forest. The fox was able to get there in time, and solved that riddle as well. The fox was not only able to deserve that honourable position, but it also managed to solve any problems.

We should not become puffed up with that of having a good memory, in recollecting the creations and achievements of other people, while we fail to grasp its independent understanding. It is not enough to imitate after other people and obtain an important position, since we will either way be incompetent with its responsibility and practical skill.

3. The Lion

It happened that the king of the forest died from old age, so his son inherited the crown and the power which followed. The animals were now meant to acknowledge the authority of the new king and obey him in all matters. The previous king had been just and wise in his dealings, so there were great expectations that the son would live up to the same standard. But the new king seemed to show little interest in ruling the forest, so he did not bother to visit the animals, nor hear their petitions. The lion did on the contrary spend most of his time upon games and pleasures, surrounded as he was by flatterers. The animals needed to work harder in order to provide for the debauchery at the court. But it seemed that as the animals became more industrious the less they received, while the opposite thing applied to those who were friends to the lion.

The animals began to murmur among themselves, but they did still not speak openly about their disaffection, since they hoped that the lion would later repent and make amends to them. It however happened that the king was no longer contented with his inheritance, but he began to crave after more resources to support even more splendour at the court. The king came up with fabricated claims, where other forests were supposed to be part of his inheritance, so the other rulers were nothing more than usurpers. The animals sincerely believed that their king had a rightful cause, so they fought valiantly against other animals that were supposed to be evil. In the end the animals managed to overcome all opposition, and acquire new territories for their king.

But after the victory then the same process began to repeat itself. The lion continued to spend most of his time upon pleasures, except that now the new subjects were in the same position as the original ones. All of the animals gathered together and protested the lion’s regime. The lion replied that he possessed the birthright to govern them, since his great-great-grandfather had originally been elected king by the animals’ forefathers, so there was nothing they could now do about it. However at that moment then another lion was revealed among the animals, now stepping forward to challenge the current ruler. That lion claimed that he was also descended from the same forefather, and he would champion the rights of all the animals if they would follow him.

The animals eagerly embraced the new lion, and fought under his banner. It resulted in a victory and the new lion was elected a king, while the other was banished from the forest. But after the new king had strengthened his position then he became just like the previous ruler, spending most of the time upon pleasures and flatterers at the court. So the animals were yet again forced to endure much hardship, without any rewards. The animals protested again and the new king provided the same excuse as the other lion, why he possessed the right to rule over them. But this time the fox stepped forward, stating that the forest had existed long before the lions, and the forest would continue to exist after they were gone. And the lions could not claim that which they had never created. This speech encouraged the animals to fight for their freedom, and after the victory they not only banished that lion away, but also all other lions as well.

The root of all unequal division lies in the practice of inheritance. For the descendants of the leading men will become even more powerful and wealthy, without sharing the same hardship and responsibility as their founders. It can happen that two warlords fight against each other for the supreme power. But in the end the name of the ruler will be different, while the government will remain corrupt, just like the one before it.

4. The Bull

There was once a great bull that was unrivalled in strength among all the animals. Nobody was ever bold enough to challenge the bull to a fight, since the bull was unstoppable when it rushing upon a target and knocking it down. Now there was a red gnat in the forest which was slanderous and crafty in its nature, but it had become very envious of the bull and wanted to undermine it by any means possible. One day the bull was among the animals and biting the grass on the field, when the red gnat appeared from behind and sat inside the bull’s ear. The bull could not see the gnat, nor had he felt anything touch his skin, so it was like the bull was still alone. The red gnat began pretending to be the bull’s mind, speaking with a soft voice about the bull’s prowess, as the greatest one among all the animals. Next the gnat said that that most of the animals slandered the bull behind his back, and credited him with all kinds of bad traits.

The bull became perplexed by these words and looked around to various animals, but at that moment then one animal was so unlucky to be smiling in the direction toward the bull, even that the animal was merely responding to another animal. But the bull failed to perceive this and became aroused to great wrath, so he sought to make an example of that unlucky animal, as a warning to prevent similar disrespect in the future. The bull rushed upon the poor animal and beat it almost to death, so that the other animals became horrid by his actions, as something entirely unprovoked. But the red gnat would not stop pestering the bull with constant slander and suspicions, so the bull was unable to obtain any peace while alone. The bull presumed it necessary to satisfy his revengefulness, and then these thoughts would finally stop. So the bull went on a rampage in the forest, rushing upon all kinds of animals that he came across. But even for all such acts then the bull was no nearer in obtaining a peace of mind, since the red gnat would instantly point to new scapegoats instead.

Finally the lion arrived and commanded the bull to cease all hostilities, for the lion ruled the forest and possessed a voice of authority in all great matters. The bull was about to calm down and submit himself to the lion, but at that moment the red gnat flew in front of the bull’s eyes. To the bull it seemed that the lion was painted in red, in which made the bull furious so he attempted to rush upon the lion. But the lion managed to dodge his move so that the bull crashed upon a nearby tree. The result was that the horns became stuck on the bulk, and the red gnat was squashed to death. When the bull found himself in this position then he became embarrassed and asked the lion to forgive his rebellious behaviour. The lion was in a generous mood and pardoned the bull, although the bull was still stuck to the bulk of the tree and needed to find a way to get loose. But the bull’s horns would not come off, no matter what he tried to do. In the end the animals needed to saw the horns off, before the bull would starve to death. Now the red gnat was no more and the bull finally received a peace within himself, but the absence of his horns would become a daily sign about his former brutality.

The enemy is not to be found in other people, nor are the external matters a problem in itself. But the real enemy is rather to be found from within us, making a problem out of everything. The delusions of the mind implicate their lies to all other things which can be noticed, and a compliance with it does create discord among the human people.

5. The Cat

There was once a cat that knew how to spin other animals around her fingers, and get what she desired from them. For the cat would often feign an interest in some animal and make it live in the false hope that the cat would be its lover, but as soon as the cat had received a favour then she ceased all further dealing with that poor animal. This had been practiced for a long time, so that most of the animals in the forest knew what kind of character the cat possessed. Then it happened one day that a fox and dog arrived in the forest for the first time. The fox possessed a degree of charisma and intelligence, while the dog was simple in its manners and inexperienced in the ways of the world.

One day the fox was walking alone when it came across the cat, but the fox became instantly charmed by her beautiful looks and wanted desperately to impress the cat. The cat feigned an interest in the fox, attempting to discover what the fox possessed which could be obtained from it. So the cat walked around the fox and rubbed her body to it from the time to time, while the fox wanted to keep the conversation alive. Later on the cat discovered that the fox mostly possessed talents and knowledge, but no valuable objects, so the cat began to despise the fox and shun its company. At first the fox did not understand what it had actually done amiss to get such a bad reception from the cat. So the fox began to blame itself, thinking about that what it should rather have said and done during the previous encounter. When other animals noticed the fox in such a sorry state then it reminded them of their own misfortune, so they comforted the fox and informed it of the cat’s bad reputation. This did indeed free the fox from its anguish, but it did still not choose to pass that information to the dog, since the fox became curious how the dog would fare with the cat.

Later on in happened that the dog had successfully hunted for a food, and it was now carrying the food in its mouth on the way back home, when it chanced that the dog came across the cat. When the cat saw the food in the dog’s mouth then she desired to obtain the food for herself, so the cat began to assume a charming posture and offer a friendly gesture to the dog. However when the cat and the dog met each other for the first time then an unexpected thing happened. For that when cats are in good mood then their tail is downward, while their tail is however upward if they feel threatened. But when dogs are involved then their tail’s position is made from an opposite intention. So when the cat began to approach the dog in a friendly way then the dog interpreted the cat’s advance as a threat to itself. For the cat did not say anything but relied only upon her body posture, as if to intimidate the dog or provoke it into a fight about the turf. The dog then sprang forth and chased the cat away from the forest, so the dog became the only animal in the forest that had not been deceived by her.

We should beware of that when a specific person feigns an interest in us. It will only last as long as that person can be obtained some advantage from us, or to make us become centred upon its selfish needs. But the humble man can overcome all such things, for there does not exist any selfishness from within which such temptations can appeal to.

6. The Monkey

There was once a monkey that had a normal life in the forest, like there was neither anything special nor blameworthy about it. It happened one day that the monkey was walking at a beach for no special reason, but then it happened all of a sudden that a shark called to the monkey. A royal ship had recently sunken, and with it a great treasure, but the shark offered to loan it to the monkey. For that the creatures of the sea did not have any use for it, while those upon the land valued it very much. The monkey became exceedingly glad to hear of such generous offer, and agreed to receive the treasure, since that the wealth could last for a long time, before he needed to pay it back. When the monkey returned to the forest then he purchased a bigger home, and filled it with all kinds of luxurious objects, so long as they were bigger and more expensive than those of other animals. The monkey became puffed up by his good lot and looked down upon other animals, which had previously shared the same normal life. But the monkey’s arrogance reached its zenith when he decided to look up to the heaven, and proclaim with confidence that he was the happiest animal in the world.

However not a long time had passed when there began a war in the ocean, between the sharks and the dolphins, so that both sides needed every available allies and resources. That particular shark had good contacts win the forest, so it decided to send a bear to the monkey, to demand an immediate repayment of the treasure, along with interest. But the poor monkey had already wasted a considerable part of the treasure, and he was forced to sell everything that he owned, within that same day. The monkey had already lost everything, but he was still very indebted to the shark, so the monkey was at loss what to do next, fearing what the bear could do to him. The bear would most likely eat him on the spot, or enslave him for the rest of his life. Then the monkey became so dejected that he looked upon the heaven for the second time, and proclaimed with a lamentation that he was the unhappiest animals to have ever lived.

But the animals in the forest had heard about the monkey’s miserable state, and they decided to pay up all of his debt, so the monkey found itself free again. The animals did even return the monkey’s old home back to him, along with its possessions, so the monkey was now back in the same position as before he had received the treasure. Now everything went back to normal, where the monkey was neither better nor worse off than other animals, but he experienced and owned similar things. The monkey then looked up to the heaven for the third time, neither glad nor sorry, but proclaiming with equanimity that his life was no different from other animals’.

Prosperity and adversity do often accompany each other in turns, but we should receive both with a stoical mind and the same resolve. And we should not ascribe mere possessions to our own credit. For that a true happiness is not about transient riches, blind to the merit of its owner, but it does rather consist in a good sense and moderation.

7. The Gorilla

There was once a gorilla that was the toughest fighter in the forest. He could easily beat other predators in a duel, by using all kinds of wrestling moves, so that most of them would be knocked down and held so fast that they were unable to free themselves. It happened one day that the gorilla was walking in the forest and he needed to cross a narrow passage, but it turned out to be over-clouded with a swarm of gnats. The gorilla became afraid of the gnats, for he had never fought against so many adversaries at the same time, so it seemed that like he would be overwhelmed by their sheer number. The mere thought of it gave the gorilla a shiver, what would happen if the all those gnats would bite the gorilla, as if the pain would be overwhelming. But while the gorilla was lost in it thoughts then it suddenly witnessed a tiger nearby, in which was ready to attack an innocent deer, completely unaware of the danger. The gorilla then immediately forget his own troubles, and made haste in defending the deer from the tiger, without the least regard about his own personal safety.

The gorilla managed to drive off the tiger and save the deer, although he was covered in wounds. But even that the gorilla had suffered many wounds then he had still not been aware of it until afterwards, as if the pain had failed to make any impression upon him. However at that moment then a single gnat came upon the gorilla and attempted to suck blood from his wounds. So the gorilla was at first afraid because of the memory of all the other gnats, as a group in whole. The gorilla attempted to drive that gnat away, but the gnat was too small and floating in the air, regardless of the gorilla’s movements. After some time had passed the gorilla became tired and ceased to defend himself, so that gnat could finally land upon his body and bite it. But it seemed like the gorilla felt nothing at all, no matter how often that gnat bit him. Then the gorilla realized that the every one of these bites were of no significance. So it would be absurd that the gorilla cared not about serious wounds from tigers, while being afraid of tiny gnats which had even smaller mouth, of no consequence.

The gorilla returned to the narrow passage, and walked with confidence through the swarm of gnats. Now there were thousands gnats biting the gorilla at the same time, but it still always felt like one gnat was biting him, with one little bite at a time. The gorilla no longer looked upon the gnats as thousand adversaries, a big group that was powerful in whole. For that each and every one of the gnat was weak, and their bites could not be united in any way. So it was like the swarm consisted of thousand weak individuals, separated and not deriving any strength from each other. The gorilla travelled past that swarm of gnats, until all of them lay behind. The gorilla would from now on not bother to be aware about the gnats, never mentioning them at all.

We should not become troubled by the number of our adversaries, whom will never cease to produce forth short-sighted opinions. It is not quantity which makes the opinion right, but it is rather depended upon their quality and what kind of person does give it.

8. The Lamb

It once happened that a farmer was having a birthday, so he proclaimed to all the animals that the best position on the farm would be given to the one that offered the greatest gift. Now many animals upon the farm made their attempts, but it seemed that none of these gifts appealed to the farmer. In the end the lamb and the goat were the only animals left, who had yet to choose a gift and present it to their master. Both of the animals had planned to search for a gift in a nearby forest, but the goat set out earlier and was thereby some distance ahead of the lamb. The goat first came across a rabbit that was fleeing away from a hungry wolf, but the goat disregarded its plea for help and moved on. Later when the lamb met with the rabbit then he received the same plea, so the lamb decided to draw the wolf’s attention to himself, to give the rabbit time to escape. It took some time to shake the wolf away, which delayed the lamb from the search in question, while the goat seemed to have even more head-start than before.

Next the goat came upon a deep river, which it was unable to cross, but the goat came to notice a horse that had taken the first steps into the river. The goat immediately grabbed the opportunity, and took a long jump to land upon the back of the horse. But the horse was still in the middle of the river, barely hanging on, to the degree of almost drowning, while moving rest of the way to the other bank. Later on the lamb came upon the same river and it noticed the same horse on the other bank, still deeply shaken and with a little strength left to survive. So the lamb gathered various materials and created a device to cross the river. After the lamb arrived at the other bank then he cared for the horse, until it regained a sufficient strength. The horse became so grateful for the lamb’s assistance that it dug up its secret treasure in the ground, and rewarded the lamb with gems, although the lamb did not know its true value.

The goat had now travelled deep into the forest, and it came to notice a young monkey in the tree. The monkey was playing with a gold in its hands as if it was a toy, and most likely unaware how precious the gold proved to be. So the goat spoke with the monkey and tricked it into trading the gold for some worthless junk. Then the goat made haste in returning back to its master, for purpose of offering the gold as a gift. However when the lamb came upon the same place then he stumbled upon the young monkey and its mother, whom were crying because the goat had cheated them. But the lamb then decided to give them the gems, in order to make them happy and at peace. However it was now late in the afternoon and the lamb had to return back to the farm, at a loss what to do since the lamb had not managed to find any valuable gift for his master.

When the goat arrived to the birthday party then it presented the gold to its master, confident that it would succeed in winning the prize. Later in the evening the lamb appeared to the master, with nothing to offer at all, so that everyone was afraid that the master would become angry and punish the lamb severely. But to everyone’s surprise the master too the lamb to his bosom, and proclaimed that the lamb had given him the greatest gift. For the rabbit, the horse, and the monkey had appeared to the farmer and told him everything, in what way the lamb had conducted himself in their affairs. The farmer explained that he already owned enough at his farm, but he did most of all appreciate the lamb’s good intentions and honest means, regardless of the outcome.

It is the greater thing to possess sincerity and innocence in all undertakings, rather than by being what most competitive without such virtues. For the divinity exalts the humble man, not necessarily because of some great accomplishments. But it is rather because of his humanity, in what way deeds were achieved and inner purity preserved.

9. The Raven

There was once a raven that had become old enough to support himself, so the raven began to find a suitable home. There was no problem finding a proper tree as its location, and then in collecting junk for the creation of a nest, until the raven had made his home. The raven was next going to concentrate upon that in finding a suitable wife and have family. But it happened the same day that a human traveller threw away a bottle, which broke upon the ground and the glass glittered in the sunlight. When the raven passed by the area then he noticed the glittering objects, and became amazed by its appearance. Therefore the raven put his current goal on hold, in obtaining a family, but he instead began to collect such glittering objects and store them at his nest. However after the raven had admired the glittering objects for some time then he felt like something was amiss, as if the rest of the nest fitted not with the glittering objects. So the raven went out and spent many days upon that in flying around the area, for the purpose of noticing new junk that could replace the old ones at his nest.

The nest would later become full of junks, so the raven presumed that it had been finished once and for all. The raven began to invite other ravens to its nest, and show them how beautiful it looked in whole. The other ravens admired the nest at first, but they later found fault with it, since there was no more space left for the raven himself, to sleep in it. When the raven heard their answer then he realised that the nest was unfit for a family in the future, so the raven began to walk back and forth, while deciding what objects should be kept and which ones should be removed. However each time that the raven wanted to take one object away then he always felt that its removal would not fit with the rest of the glittering object. So the raven dared not to take anything away, but he merely rearranged the objects to different locations within the nest.

The raven became troubled in his mind, considering whether he should leave the nest altogether, and make a new one. But the raven could not find it in himself to abandon the glittering objects. It later happened that the sky was covered with clouds, so the sun could not be seen. It meant that these objects would no longer glitter, being made of glass, so the raven became perplexed by the situation and resorted to all kind of means to restore their original condition. The raven spent much time upon that in cleaning the glass, and even in moving the glass between places, but the glass would not glitter again. The raven had now become so tired that he slept during the day, and was awake during the night. Therefore would the raven never know any better, but he was constantly wasting his time upon the glass, disregarding everything else at the same time.

We should never grow attached to material objects, or trouble ourselves about such cares. For it will otherwise hinder our personal growth and aspirations for greater things in life. It is much more important to have mobility, than beautiful and expensive fetters.

10. The Sloth

There was once a sloth accustomed to that in staying always at the same tree, where he had the most comfortable position to relax his body and take it easy most of the time. Since the tree in question was very tall then it gave the sloth a good overview of the forest, and what various animals were doing from time to time. The sloth was often first with the news, and it rarely happened anything of note in which the sloth was not already aware of. When some time had passed the sloth seemed to know everything about everyone, and began assuming himself capable of interfering in their matters. For the sloth thought to himself that he knew enough to give a good counsel, and that he could even do better than other animals when facing a similar position and difficulties.

Now the sloth began to call to other animals that were passing by his tree, or within his reach. The sloth rebuked the deer for being so afraid of the wolf, since the deer proved to be taller than the wolf and could thereby easily beat it. Then the sloth advised the deer to stand its ground, and not flee when the wolf appeared. When the deer asked the sloth in surprise whether he had fought a wolf then the sloth denied it, but he remarked that it was similar to that when brushing his pelt of lice. Next the sloth started to criticize the kingship of the lion, and he asserted what should rather have been done about the forest, so it would be easy to make it a perfect place. However when the lion asked the sloth in surprise whether it had once ruled a kingdom then the sloth denied it, but the sloth remarked that it was very similar to that when he decided what should be picked for a dinner. Finally the sloth preached to the sick swan that it should be courageous against its illness, and encourage itself with positive words. But when the swan asked the sloth whether it had ever experienced a disease then the sloth denied it, but remarked that he had once stepped on a thorn and been stung.

The sloth had now become the busybody of the forest, meddling with the affairs of every animal. This began to enrage the animals, so they consulted with themselves what to do about the sloth. First the lion called to the sloth and asked him to come down from the tree. Then the lion proclaimed that sloth could be a king for one day, so that the forest could be governed in a better way. The sloth agreed to this proposal, and followed the lion to the petition of other animals. However since the sloth confronted new matters then it was unable to give any good counsel, lacking all certainty about the outcome. For the sloth had never before heard about it, nor knew what the lion would have done. The sloth became somewhat shaken by his own irresolution, but he was still confident about his other abilities. However at that moment the sick swan appeared to the sloth and bit him, so he became infected by the same illness. Now the sloth experienced it by his own accord, where his body become weak, drained of all energy, and constantly distracted by the pain that ensued. But the sloth could not in any way improve his condition, through positive words and methods.

The sloth needed to hang at his home and take it easy, while other animals cared for him. When some time had passed then the sloth managed to recover from the illness. But just as the sloth stepped down on the ground the wolf suddenly appeared and made itself ready to attack him. The sloth now experienced fear for the first time, the danger of experiencing permanent harm or death. Then such fears began to overwhelm the sloth, where he hesitated and lacked all certainty about his own capability in overcoming the wolf, so the sloth dared not to stand his ground but ran away. The sloth managed to flee back to the tall tree, and there he became rebuked by all the other animals, for his bad personal example. So the sloth would from now acknowledge the fact that he had great eyes and ears as a spectator, but a poor spirit as a participant.

We should beware of the hypocrisy in passing harsh verdicts on other people, even that we have never experienced their position, the heat of the moment and its uncertainty. It is always easy to sit at some comfortable place, distant from all hard choices, as an idle spectator of things which have taken place in the lives of other persons.

11. The Stork

It once happened that a stork was flying over a human settlement, curious about the activity below. But the stork became alarmed when it noticed a small child in a garden, whom was beginning to approach an idle snake. It seemed that snake was asleep, soon to be disturbed by the child. So that time was of the essence if the stork was going to prevent the snake from attacking the child. The child knew not what kind of animal the snake was, and the dangers involved, but the child only wanted to pet the snake. The stork made haste and managed to come down in time, so the stork positioned herself between the child and the snake, but still facing the child with her posture. The child did not understand what was happening, but it tried to move past the stork. Then the stork gave a threatening sound and opened her bill, as if she was about to bite the child if it came near. The child did no longer dare to move forward, but it tried instead to go around the stork, although it did not make any difference. For the stork moved accordingly and always came up in between, distancing the child from the snake.

The child was always forced to retreat before the stork was supposedly about to bite it, so the child began to grow angry at the stork and consider it a bad animal. The child called the stork all kinds of bad names, and even hurled objects at it, so the stork would be driven away, but the stork always stood firm, without budging. Finally the child had enough of this encounter and spoke angrily to the stork, asking the stork why it was protecting the long green animal. The child claimed that it had done nothing to deserve such bad treatment, since the child was only going to pet that animal. But then the stork replied calmly to the child that she was not protecting the snake from the child, but she was rather protecting the child from the snake. For the stork said that the snake was a vicious animal, which seemed to be charming with its hissing sound, but it was slippery upon touch and poisonous with its bite. So the child came to understand that it had been saved by the stork, and that she was really its benefactor.

The child decided to take up a stick from the ground, and was about to attack the snake, but the stork forbade it. The stork stated that there was no need for the child to fight alone against the snake, nor even bother itself about the snake’s existence. It was rather the stork’s role to hunt down snakes, and eat them wherever the stork stumbled upon them. After the child heard this remark then it replied that it still wanted to be of some use and help the stork. For the child was afraid that the stork would not be able to do it alone, and could even get seriously hurt in the fight with the snake. The stork yet again replied that the child had not been born for the purpose of fighting snakes, or in fulfilling the same service as the storks. But it was rather the child’s role to play with other children, and continue in the innocence of its youth. The child heeded the stork’s counsel and gave the snake no further attention, while playing with toys in the garden. Then could the stork finally turn around and devour the snake completely, without the child being ever aware of it taking place, or how it was done.

We should never become bitter over unfulfilled desires. It is not like the divinity is taking a personal stand against us, but the divinity is rather protecting us from the corruption that would have ensued. We should keep continue to be free and love one another, while having faith in the divinity, allowing it to fight the evilness from within ourselves.

12. The Frog

There was once a frog that had a good life in the lake, and an abundance of everything. But the frog had the bad habit of chasing after any insects which passed by, no matter how petty such pursuit proved to be, involving a trivial gain. It happened one day that the frog had already eaten his fill, and was relaxing on the riverbank, but then came a little gnat that flew past the frog and landed upon floating log in the lake. The frog had a long history with that gnat in question. For the frog had often attempted to eat it, but the gnat always managed to get away by some unexpected means, only to return back at a regular interval, as if to remind the frog of its failure. Therefore when the gnat appeared this time the frog could not control himself nor let this opportunity slip by, since the frog was beginning to carry a grudge toward the gnat for being so resilient. The frog jumped to a rock nearby, and aimed carefully with its tongue, targeting the gnat while it did not seem to notice what was going on.

The frog finally sent out its long tongue to catch the gnat, but it missed the mark. The tongue landed upon the floating log, but the frog could not remove it by any means. Then all of a sudden the floating log began to tremble, revealing itself to be the tail of a great crocodile. The crocodile was still the same not aware of the frog, so the crocodile did not know it was dragging the frog wherever it went. The crocodile went up the riverbank and headed for the jungle, which frightened the poor frog very much, since it had never before left the lake. They were already deep in the jungle before the crocodile killed a prey, and the poor frog was forced to watch the crocodile eat it, a horrible scene to behold. But then tiger appeared all of a sudden, challenging the crocodile for the carcass, so that a hard struggle followed between them.

Now while the crocodile and the tiger were having their brutal fight then the frog got tossed back and forth, getting bruised all over his body. But when the frog was about the cry out loud from pain then he managed to separate himself the crocodile, so he left the scene as soon as possible. However the frog was now in the middle of the jungle, having no idea how he could return back to the lake, so the frog was forced into hiding most of the time, and needed to sneak between places. It was an unfavourable situation, and the frog was now almost starving to death. But then the frog saw the very same gnat he had attempted to eat, buzzing and going its usual way. The frog calculated that the gnat would head back to the same lake, and he thereby decided to follow the gnat wherever it went. So after some time had passed then the frog had indeed managed to return back to his old place. And from now on the frog would be contended with its current lot, and he would no longer chase after the gnat in question, since the gnat had proven to be the frog’s benefactor and guaranteed his survival.

We should beware of all avarice, in which can never be satisfied, no matter how far people can go. It is often only a tip of the iceberg, which marks the beginning of all kinds of troubles. We should also not look down upon virtues that do not seem to help us obtain material profit, because the same values can redeem us when things look dim.

13. The Hippo

There was once a hippo that spent much of the time gazing upon her own reflection in the pond. For the hippo was much concerned about her image among other animals, what they thought about her appearance and reputation. Up till now the hippo had lead a sober life, in which might have been quiet but it still made the hippo healthy enough. But one day the hippo looked upon her own reflection in the water, and became puffed up by her fine appearance. So the hippo began to presume that she deserved some time off, in making some use of her good looks, when dealing with other animals. The hippo would now participate in all kinds of debauchery and pleasures, revelling with animals that were considered to be beautiful, popular, and funny. At first the hippo had much fun and got excited by such practices, but on top of that then it seemed that the hippo had obtained a multitude of friends, in sharing such revels.

However when some time had passed then such debauchery had affected the hippo’s health in a considerable way, making her weak and slow in movements, pale and sickly in her face. The hippo could notice her bad condition through the reflection in the pond, but the hippo merely attempted to change the reflection in the water, by splashing it here and there, or by adding flowers to the reflection in order to make it look better. The hippo would continue to repeat her debauched habits, so that her health would become even worse, until she got infected by a disease or was too weak to ward it off. Even then the hippo was too much concerned about her image among the animals. So the hippo was constantly asking someone what other animal’s thoughts about her reflection in the pond, and whether they still thought that the hippo was healthy.

But all the hippo’s friends that now abandoned her, neglecting to visit her during the illness, since they did not want to miss out of debauched festivals and its entertainments. These false friends did still the same attempt to come up with some kind of an excuse, that they did not want to bother the hippo while she was recovering her health. So the hippo found herself all alone, and on the very verge of death, but she still the same managed to hang on, and obtained gradual recovery while being sober. Now the hippo was back at her full strength and good looks, just like in the beginning, so the former friends again pretended to show her interest and invite her to their feasts. For these animals had consulted among themselves that the hippo offered an advantage to them, so they were willing to give her another chance to be one of them.

However the hippo had become disillusioned about her former way of life, and all these faithless friends. So from now on the hippo not only abstained from debauchery, but she did also shun all animals that were involved in it, deeming them to be a bad and useless bunch. Later on the hippo managed to become the most beautiful and healthiest animal in the forest. But the animals that were envious of her attempted to justify their own shortcoming, by saying that the hippo had merely pretended to be sick (as if her hard effort in obtaining a cure meant that she had never been sick at all).

We should beware of all vanity about our self-importance. For it can be upheld a glamorous image in the eyes of other people, while we really prove to be corrupt and practice evil in secret. It is better to be scrupulous with discretion than by craving for undeserved recognition, since we do at least experience good condition from within ourselves.

14. The Ant

There was once a contest held in the forest, for the purpose of deciding which animal was physically the most powerful. Therefore would be a couple of trials to test different abilities, and the fox was appointed the judge, to give a grade for the overall performance. The most powerful animals gathered together for the competition in question, where it would include the lion, the bear, the tiger, and the bull. But to everyone’s surprise there also appeared a single ant, which was just like any other ant in appearance. Many of the animals began to despise the ant, where some laughed at his foolishness while others considered him to be mad, for taking his chance against the toughest animals in the forest. However the ant did not seem to be bothered by any of these remarks, but the ant resumed his silence and continued to be confident as before.

The first test described itself in that of carrying a heavy burden for a long distance. The bull carried the burden easily, and proved to have the most endurance among the animals, while the ant was the last one in finishing the race, by carrying a small rock. The second test was meant to discover the quickest runner for a short distance. The tiger easily outran everyone and arrived in the mark after a couple of seconds, so it did indeed possess the greatest agility. The ant did on the other hand spend the whole day upon the task, because of his small size, which multiplied the steps required. The third test described itself in that of wrestling with the other competitors. The lion proved to be the best fighter, easily outmanoeuvring the other animals. The animals had spent a little amount of time in crushing the ant beneath them. But the ant had still the same never surrendered by his own accord, since the ant would continue to fight until no energy was left in him, or he was knocked down unconscious. The fourth and the final test described itself in that of lifting up some of the heaviest objects in the forest. That test revealed the bear to be the strongest animal, while the ant did merely lift up a fruit, which did not even belong to the challenge.

Now the fox took its time in deciding which creature was the victor in the contest. It seemed that all the contenders had an equal chance of winning, because all of them had won in at least one challenge, while having mixed success in the rest. The ant was the only exception, because he had lost in all the challenges. However when the fox was ready to give a verdict then it proclaimed the ant as the victor, to everyone’s surprise. The fox explained that it was true that the ants had not won any of the challenges, but he had still the same finished them all, by enduring much more hardship, in comparison to its size and the proportion of the objects involved. The ant had always done everything to the utmost of his power, while the other contenders often held themselves back, if they experienced a test that did not appeal to their best ability. So the animals were forced to acknowledge the ant as the victor, contrary to their expectations.

Sometimes the matter is not about that who is the best, or better than others in comparison. But we should rather focus upon making our best possible effort, during the undertaking in question. We are perhaps unable to accomplish the tasks in a splendid way, but it is still only sufficient to carry determination in completing them in the end.

15. The Butterfly

There was once a larva that lived among the earthworms, unaware about her own origins. The larva presumed that she was also an earthworm, and she thereby sought to imitate after their behaviour, although the larva did not really feel like it in her heart. For the larva dreamt about flying, but did not dare to be any different from the earthworms, since she feared to loose their esteem and companionship. However the earthworms had a rather petty and ignorant life, in an overcrowded and desolate place. The earthworms could only crawl upon the ground, and spent most of the time upon rivalry among themselves. But even that the larva did practice the same things as them then it was still like the effort lacked a conviction, and was badly carried through. So the larva’s speech often missed its mark and made the earthworms embarrassed about her. It had escalated to the point that the earthworms began to look upon the larva with suspicion.

The earthworms consulted with each other and decided that they would have no further dealings with the larva. The earthworms namely disliked all creatures that were different, and saw it as a sign of weakness that the larva was not insolent as them. Therefore the earthworms began to shun the larva and hold her in contempt. At first the larva did not understand what had caused their hostility, but the larva presumed that she must surely have done something wrong, in calling it upon herself. The larva attempted to be as friendly as possible, and used every opportunity to be helpful toward the earthworms, as if she could prove herself in their eyes and be received back. It did however not matter what the larva managed to accomplish, surpassing the earthworms in many things, but they were already determined in rejecting the larva. The earthworms could no longer restrain their ill will, but they gathered together and drove the larva away, threatening to mistreat the larva if it ever came back. The larva now found herself all alone and abandoned, not knowing what to do or where to go.

However after the larva had become accustomed to the solitude then it was like she could now finally be herself and follow her own conviction, without any influence from the earthworms. The larva acquired a proper space to discover new things about herself, what the larva was interested in and what she was truly capable of. It then happened one day that the larva went to sleep, at peace with herself and contented with her lot, having no regrets about the way she lived. But that sleep marked a new beginning, for the larva became a pupa and experienced rapid stages of metamorphosis. Finally the pupa transformed into a beautiful butterfly, flying with grace and over any obstacles. All things on the ground seemed to be so small from above, while it had seemed to be great from below. The butterfly did never again have to know about the earthworms and their troubles, since the butterfly was no longer one of them.

We should not become troubled that we are different from other people, and do not belong to their group. It should rather be followed our inner calling, begun a new life and sought for answers upon another basis, when it comes do things according to our own premises

16. The Jellyfish

There was once a jellyfish that tended to be idle, and would not share the toil of other sea-creatures. But the jellyfish still desired to be important in the eyes of other sea-creatures, even that he was altogether unwilling to work hard for it or accomplish something of note. Now all the sea creatures showed reverence toward the whale, for being the mightiest and the wisest being in the sea. For if the whale passed by then it was a magnificent sight, and a powerful force followed its presence. But nobody had ever managed to get close enough to touch the whale, or obtain a reply from it. The jellyfish decided to exploit that fact, by inventing a story that he had managed encounter the whale and have a secret conversation with it. This boastful tale appealed to the sea-creatures’ credulous nature, because they were a simple and honest creatures, unaccustomed to deceit and not suspecting it in others. The jellyfish next began assert that he had been chosen by the whale, to become its representative among the sea-creatures, but the jellyfish really wanted them to provide him with a livelihood.

The jellyfish began to think about that how hungry he was, and that he wanted some food. Then the jellyfish ascribed his own opinion to the whale, and proclaimed that the whale wanted the jellyfish to have delicious food. For the jellyfish was the whale’s representative and could not do this service for free, since the jellyfish would otherwise be unable to support himself at the same time. After this order had been carried out then the jellyfish would not stop at that, but he began next to think about that how frugal his home was, and that he wanted to fill it with luxurious objects. Then the jellyfish ascribed his own opinion to the whale and proclaimed that the whale wanted the sea-creatures to pay tithes to the jellyfish, but it would in return bestow blessings to them. After this order had been fulfilled then the jellyfish would not stop at that, but he began next to think about his own body, and how he wanted to have the most comfortable life. So the jellyfish ascribed his own opinion to the whale, by preaching that the whale wanted the sea-creatures to carry the jellyfish on a litter, and even give the jellyfish a massage. The jellyfish was supposed to travel and spread the whale’s message to more sea-creatures, but the jellyfish was unable to do so alone by himself.

But the sea-creatures were unable to carry out this last order, because the jellyfish was poisonous upon touch, so that an agonizing pain would befall those that made the attempt. The sea-creatures began to notice that the jellyfish was sweet in his words, but harmful upon touch, so that nothing good would ever come from him, contrary to their expectations. Then the sea-creatures began to murmur among themselves, wondering why a great being like the whale had chosen the jellyfish as it representative, such a slimy and dangerous being. Many sea-creatures began to loose faith in the whale, because of the jellyfish’s bad personal example and contradictory message.

However then it happened all of a sudden that the whale appeared to them, not passing by like what it had usually done, but the whale was now contacting them for the first time. Then the jellyfish became so fearful about his life that he threw himself on the ground, begging the whale not to punish him for all the recent pretension, and the jellyfish kept confessing about all his wrongdoings and how he had cheated everyone. However the whale did not seem to notice the jellyfish, but it instead proclaimed to the sea creatures that it did not have any need for an intercessor, nor should the sea creatures look for the whale here or there. The whale always watched over the sea-creatures, whether they knew of it or not. And the sea creatures only needed to heed the whale’s song while it echoed, whether they were able to see the whale or not.

There exist many hypocritical preachers, whom are always crediting the divinity with their own opinions, seeking to exploit other people’s misfortunes in return for a profit. It is marketized the faith as any other product on the market, promising a whimsical experience, in which is all altogether irrelevant to the goodness and its personal growth.

17. The Skunk

There was once an arrogant skunk that always sought to get his way, in utter disregard to other animals. However as the skunk became more insolent the bad smell increased, which emitted from himself. But it was like it was something wrong with his nose, because the skunk was keen in noticing flaws in other animals, real or imaginary, while the skunk never managed to notice the bad smell from his own body. The skunk would often refuse to give attention to other animals, nor speak to them by his own initiative, unless the skunk thought the animal in question was worthy enough, in sharing his company. The skunk still obtained more pleasure by discriminating and excluding other animals, for no apparent reason, as if it was a hobby to him.

Now it happened that the bad smell had become so foul that all other animals would run away, every time the skunk was approaching, no matter what they were doing at that time. Therefore would many animals forget or leave their food on the ground, before running off. And even the predators could not stand the smell, even for their powerful bodies. However the skunk misunderstood the real reasons behind their flight, for he presumed that all other animals were afraid of him, as if the skunk was a powerful being. The skunk also presumed that the food on the ground was meant to be an offering to him, as if the animals were showing reverence to him, like when a king or deity was involved. The skunk was now full of self-conceit, presuming himself to be the master of the forest, able to behave in any way he wanted, and seem to get away with everything. The skunk began to rob or sabotage the homes of other animals, since they were either way always empty, at least when the skunk was in the area.

However after some time had passed the skunk became bored and lonely, wishing to have a company with other animals, so the skunk could treat someone in an arrogant way. But the animals would always run away, no matter how loud the skunk called to them from a distance, by commanding them to obey the master of the forest and stand still. The skunk thought that the situation was strange, because the animals had been reverencing the skunk as a deity, but they did still not obey his authority. Later it happened that the skunk stumbled upon the lion, the king of the forest. The skunk asked the lion whether it was bold enough to stand its ground and confront the skunk, instead of running away afraid like all the other animals. But to the skunk’s surprise the lion made a quick move and jumped upon it, holding the skunk on the ground, while the lion maintained an expressionless face and determined eyes. The lion replied to the skunk that it was not his physical strength or cleverness that had made all the animals run away, but it was rather because of his foul smell. And it was not the skunk which had managed to exclude all other animals from his company, but it was rather the animals that had managed to exclude the skunk from their lives. After this remark the lion tore the skunk to pieces, without eating any of his remains.

This story applies to wicked men whom are dictated by violence and lust. But their bad reputation is not caused by their merit, superiority, or because they willed it so. For that other people are really avoiding their corruption, bad luck, and an error of judgment, since it would otherwise have led to complicity in crimes or invited misfortune.

18. The Mole

There was once a mole that had a simple life, and only searched for necessities from time to time. It happened one day that the mole was digging, when he discovered a silver nugget for the first time. The mole returned home and spent some time in admiring the silver. It encouraged the mole to seek for other valuable objects, so that he began to dig deeper than usual, having high expectations what the search would next reveal. When some time had passed then the mole stumbled upon a gold nugget, where the sight of it was so striking that the mole forgot completely about the silver nugget. The mole stored the silver and the gold at his home, and he would show it to other animals. The mole would soon learn that the specific metals offered a good price on the market. The mole decided that it would from henceforth search for such objects, so the mole could sell them and become rich, obtaining a better home and more comforts.

The mole would first collect enough gold to store at his home, next sell it altogether to buy a bigger home, and then repeat the same process, to get even richer than before. This had been going on for some time, and the mole thought he had everything sorted out, until he heard that gems like diamonds were more valuable than gold. However it was supposed to be more difficult to discover gems than metals, because the mole would need to penetrate a rocky ground for a considerable distance. This is why the mole needed to buy special mining tools, to fulfil that particular task. But such mining tools were incredibly rare, so expensive that the mole needed to offer all his gold and possessions for the bargain, including his big home and everything within it. The mole still considered the bargain to be worth the effort, once he could discover and collect diamonds, since the mole could then become the richest being in the world.

Now the mole dug deeper into the earth, further and further below, without actually knowing what lay ahead or where he would end at. For the mole had become so greedy that he only thought about diamonds, but of nothing else, thereby becoming too restless about it. There was no end to the labour, but no diamonds were to be discovered. The mole no longer knew where he was located, or how much distance had been covered, since the tunnel seemed to be endless, like a bottomless pit. But the earth was beginning to become hotter, making the labour more difficult in enduring. Then one day it happened all of a sudden that lava started appearing from the earth, about to fill the tunnel and reach up to the surface. The mole found himself in a great danger, so he was forced to make a quick escape, abandoning all the mining tools in the process. In the end the mole lost everything, as if the previous effort had all been for nothing.

It is in the nature of avarice to gaze always upon the things which we do not have, while it is at the same time neglected or never appreciated the good things already in our care. But a greed does always tend to overreach itself, knowing no bounds and becoming too unrestrained, until the final destination leads to more loss than the very beginning.

19. The Pig

There were once two pigs that owned a farm, a father and a son. Their affairs had hitherto been prosperous, when it came to work the fields and gather its harvest. There was always enough food to sustain the pigs, and in maintaining a decent life. The father proved to be frugal and moderate, only concerned about that what made them alive and well, but never spending their wealth upon a luxury or anything deemed to be too costly. The son did on the contrary want to take it easy, holding a grudge against his father that they two should work so much, but never enjoy the wealth they earned. However the son was still the same obedient to his father, never complaining of anything, since it would either way not have made any difference. The father would not allow himself to be convinced of his son’s views, nor seek to change the pattern of his life. The pigs had a bull for a neighbour, which was very similar to the father, simple and industrious, having worked hard to earn and maintain the things that it owned.

It happened one day that the father passed away, having reached an old age, so the son inherited everything. For some time the pig mourned for his father, and kept continuing with his duties in maintaining the farm, as what he had been accustomed to all his life. Not long afterwards the pig became tempted by the thought about his inheritance, in finally spending the riches in which had been accumulated for all this time. The pig began to slacken his daily work, often beginning with it later in the day, taking longer pauses in between, and s quitting the work sooner, even before it was finished. The pig began to purchase all kinds of luxuries, spending a considerable amount of time upon idleness and entertainments, as what the pig had always wanted in his life. It even happened that the pig did not eat the food which could be reaped at the farm. But he did instead purchase the food elsewhere, either because that food was tastier or to make up for the negligence of the fields, in not obtaining enough food in time. Finally the pig had squandered all the wealth which he had inherited, although he still owned the farm and would be able to support himself, if he worked hard enough.

The pig tried to work the fields but he was no longer in a good shape, so the pig attended fewer fields than usual and it yielded less harvest. Then the pig turned to its neighbour for a help, the bull in question, so the pig would have enough food to live through the winter, and then do better next season. The bull had pity for the pig and decided to help him, even for free. However after the winter the pig did nothing to improve the situation, but he continued to be lazy in delaying the work and in dragging it on, until the pig found itself in a similar distress. Then the pig asked the bull to help him for the second time, but the bull hesitated and would not give an immediate answer. For the bull wanted to help the pig, but deemed it to be unreasonable, since it would only support the pig’s dissolute living, at the expense of itself. But the bull had been a friend to the pig’s father, and honoured his memory, so the bull experienced guilt over the matter, not knowing what it should do. However that same night the bull dreamt that the pig’s father appeared to itself, rebuking the bull for its hesitation. The pig said that the bull should not help its son, because then the son would never learn from his mistakes, nor assume responsibility. But if nobody helped the pig’s son then he would be forced to help himself, and show more gratitude for being alive. So the next day the pig arrived to the bull for the same request, but was turned down.

Too much prosperity can make us soft and weak, while a hardship can endow us with sobriety and moderation. Where there is a debauchery there is also a withdrawal symptom. But we should never look upon the debauchery alone, as the good old times, without the troubles that followed, since that these two are inseparable parts of the same whole.

20. The Dog

There was once a dog that had been raised by a human from its birth, so that he had been taught to be obedient and disciplined in all matters. The dog had a good master, a man that cared for the dog and deserved his loyalty. But that man would later have a wife and children, and for some reason he was unable to provide for the dog at the same time. Therefore the man took the dog with him to a forest far away, and released the dog from his service. The dog did of course not want to leave his master, but the dog did still the same understand his gesture, so the dog did not try to follow the man back. Now the dog would make his habitat in the forest and attempt to provide food for himself, but he found it hard to be alone and desired to share company with someone.

When some time had passed then the dog stumbled upon animals for the first time, during a dire situation. For that a pack of wolves was fighting against a lion, while a carcass of a deer was nearby. He thought the wolves were also dogs like himself, since they were similar enough in looks, so the dog decided to intervene and help his own kind. The dog’s involvement was the thing that decided the fight, so that he and the wolves managed to drive the lion away, without enduring any loss on their own side. While the wolves were recovering themselves then the dog asked why the lion had attacked them. Then the wolves replied that they had attempted to save the poor deer from the lion, but they had intervened too late and not prevented the lion from killing it. However since the lion had already killed the deer then nothing was to be done, but the wolves could just as well eat the carcass so they would not starve to death. This tale was of course an utter fabrication, because the wolves were the ones that had killed the deer, and the lion had arrived afterwards, so they had fought over the food.

The dog was credulous to the lie and presumed that the wolves were noble beings, worthy in deserving his loyalty, to be served in the same way as his previous master. Then the dog asked the wolves whether he could become one of them, and share their company, which the wolves eagerly agreed to, although they already knew that he was not a wolf. Now the wolves were always getting into troubles, but they managed to deceive the dog about its causes and explanations, before they picked a fight with somebody. So the dog was always fighting their battles, and often contributed to victories over bigger foes, since he was endowed with a great fighting spirit and many virtues. The wolves became more powerful with the time, possessing more tributaries and territories, so that many animals were either forced to serve them or flee the area. The dog did not suspect anything, because the wolves were always coming up with sweet reasons that the dog should do this or that in the name of the forest, and all its dwellers, along with that how glorious it would be to fight and die for a good cause. But even for the dog’s accomplishments then he never acquired a better lot, while the wolves became fatter and lazier, hiding behind these or those excuses.

It happened one day that the dog was doing an errand on its own, while the wolves were far away. But then many of the animals grabbed the opportunity and approached the dog, throwing rocks at him and calling the dog a traitor to the forest. The dog came surprised by these remarks and asked the animals why they thought so of him, since the dog had always done everything on their behalf, to ensure a safer forest. But the animals revealed the wolves’ crimes and showed the dog what had been done to them. The animals were drive from their homes, forced to live in a small and remote place in the forest, in which had now become overcrowded and lacking in food. The animals were forced to pay a heavy tribute to the wolves, having already lost most of their possessions, and what they gathered was immediately taken away. And if the animals failed to pay taxes they were either enslaved or eaten by the wolves. The wolves owned most of the forest, having amassed a great pile of food for themselves, more than enough to feed all the animals many times over. After the animals’ account the dog became disillusioned about the situation, having already seen the facts for himself, rather than by hearing everything from the wolves. So the dog consulted with the animals and championed their cause, until they had destroyed all the wolves.

We should not implicate loyalty to corrupt persons, often possessing the most power and wealth in the society. But we should rather be loyal to truth and justice. Our virtues should aim to serve the greater good, but not the selfish policy of unworthy leaders.

21. The Rooster

There was once a quarrelsome rooster, always having fights against other animals at the farm. For the rooster easily got angry if somebody disagreed with him or showed disrespect, so the rooster sought to beat up or humiliate the opponent. The rooster had hitherto won all its fights, no matter the opponent. So the animals at the farm had a high opinion of the rooster, where many envied his success and wished that they were like the rooster, instead of having so ordinary and uneventful lives. Now there was one gnat which was the rooster’s greatest fan, and wanted to imitate him in all things. But the gnat was shy and afraid that the rooster would not welcome its company, so the gnat hid itself at top of the rooster’s head while the rooster continued with his daily business.

Early in the day the gnat watched the rooster while it supervised other animals on the farm, so it seemed at first that that the rooster was friendly and fair in his dealings. But it was not so after all the animals had left, and the rooster was alone by himself. For the rooster began to think out loud how much it scorned and hated these animals, for being so simple and stupid, even wishing to be rid of them forever. When the gnat listened to these arrogant remarks then it became a little shaken, but the gnat still believed that it was an isolated incident, a single exception in the rooster’s splendid career. Later in the day the rooster met with the chickens, where the lowly ones gathered around the rooster and craved after him. But there was one noble chicken that would not follow in their footstep, and refused to give attention to the rooster. The rooster sought to flatter the noble chicken and seduce it, but all his attempts failed, so the rooster rather turned to the lowly chickens, to mate with some of them. Later the rooster left the chickens and found a place to be all alone by himself. Then the rooster began again to think out loud, fantasising about the noble chicken, wanting to treat that chicken in a violent and degrading way, to get what he wanted.

When the gnat listened to these despicable words then it began to have doubts about the rooster. But the gnat still thought that it should give the rooster another chance to redeem himself, since the rooster must surely also have a good side, not yet revealed. It was now an evening and the rooster went to a feast, where most of the animals were gathered together, relaxing and enjoying themselves after the day’s hard work. The rooster became very talkative, asserting about everything and everyone, no matter how foolish and improper it proved to be, or beyond his personal experience. Most of the animals pretended to agree with the rooster, because they were afraid to upset him, since he tended to react in an extreme way and resort to violence. But there was one lamb that stood its ground by speaking the obvious truth, pointing to the facts of the matter, revealing how ridiculous the rooster’s assertion sounded, and how little he really knew. It did not seem that the lamb did so through any rivalry, but it was merely stating the humble truth, to correct the rooster and promote understanding. Everyone nearby became silent after this remark, waiting to see what the rooster would do to the lamb, but to their surprise the rooster merely smiled and changed the subject.

The rooster left when the feast had ended, and went to a place only known to himself. There the rooster began to think out loud, how angry he was at the lamb for having spoken against him. The rooster became afraid of loosing the esteem of other animals, every time he misspoke or made a mistake openly. He presumed that they would immediately speak about him among themselves, use the incident against him, and grow bolder in not yielding to his demands. The gnat noticed that the rooster never spoke about the actual topic between himself and the lamb, which one was supposed to be right, or when it came to understand the actual context of the lamb’s answer. But now the rooster began to conspire against the lamb, planning to invent some kind of pretence in order to provoke the lamb to a fight, or to justify its mistreatment, so the rooster had already decided to beat up the lamb during their next encounter. After hearing these wicked words the gnat finally gave up on the rooster, so the gnat flew away and returned back to its normal life, never again admiring violence.

There is nothing envious about the internal state of troublemakers, regardless of that whether they obtain victories over their opponents or seem to get away with crimes. Their violent encounters is merely the tip of an iceberg, reflecting much more time wasted in dwelling upon it from within, as if constantly burdened by unnatural desires.

22. The Hyena

There was once held an election in the forest, between the lion and the hyena, but the victor would be appointed the leader of all the animals. The lion had hitherto been the king of the forest. But even before that time the lion had been known for many accomplishments and benefits to animals in distress, let alone those during his rule. The hyena was on the other hand a new player, which had nothing to brag about, but he did still the same attempt to make up for it by flattering the animals with sweet promises.

First the hyena spoke in great lengths about that how he wished the forest to prosperous and everyone to be happy. No animal would need to pay any taxes to the government, but everyone could relax and keep their own share to themselves. But the lion had a different view, claiming that there was need for taxes in order to have an emergency fund, if some kind of shortage or disaster would befall the animals or the forest. Now the hyena did not have any idea ‘how’ he could actually fulfil his promises to the animals, in making all these good things come true, after he had been elected the leader. But the hyena wanted to divert the animal’s attention away from himself, his cause and manner of life, by criticizing and slandering the lion in everything.

Next the contenders were meant to describe their own life and its history, which the lion looked forward to while the hyena wanted to avoid it at all cost. The lion spent a great deal of time in recollecting incidents in which confirmed its good qualities, whether it was a courage during battles or generosity to the petition of other animals. At this point in the election the animals were beginning to favour the lion the most. For there were many concrete evidences about the lion’s reliability, while the hyena tended to boast about imaginary things that he would achieve in the future. Now the hyena was meant to do the same thing, but he did not want to reveal anything, since the hyena only remembered idleness and indifference toward other animals. The hyena needed to come up with a trick to distract the animals from the inquiry, so they would forget all about him or no longer consider it necessary. So the hyena began discrediting the lion in the eyes of other animals, by coming up with a shocking revelation, which had been planned for a long time, but made to look like unexpected news.

The hyena began revealing a true story that had happened to a certain duck. For the lion had once spared the life of a wolf, after the wolf had pleaded for a mercy and begged for another chance to redeem itself. However that same wolf had later broken the promise, by attacking and eating innocent ducklings, all belonging to the same mother. The wolf had managed to escape and is now still free, while no amends had been made to the poor duck. The hyena now produced forth that duck as a witness, to blame the lion for this misfortune, as if the lion itself had both caused it and failed to bring retribution. This tale was indeed true, but it was also true that the hyena did not actually care for the duck itself, but the hyena only sought exploit its misfortune and make a profit from it. But the animals did not know this, and began to favour the hyena.

Finally the animals were allowed to ask the contenders some questions, if they were willing. Now the lion answered truthfully each and every time, regardless of that how it would affects its own self-interest, since the lion valued honesty most of everything. But difficult questions were directed to the hyena, which he did not know the answer to, or was unable to answer truthfully, without harming his own self-interest. Then the hyena came up with all kinds of formalities and technical gibberish, completely irrelevant to the questions involved, without any context, assumption, or conclusion. The animals either became bored by listening to his quibbles, or they mistook this nonsense for being a good answer, so the animals ceased all further inquiry. In the end the hyena managed to win the election, by relying upon the animals’ credulity, but the hyena’s life would still continue to be just as worthless as before.

This story applies to politicians whom do not possess any merit in themselves, or in their cause. But their do only resort to flatteries for the voters and personal attacks against opponents. The people do only have themselves to blame for electing incompetent leaders, because the political campaign has been centred upon their ignorance.

23. The Crow

There was once a crow that lived at a remote place, and was accustomed to solitude. But that place ceased to become habitable, which forced the crow to leave it, so he moved to a well known location where many animals were gathered together. Now the crow had hitherto been contented with his life, since it had never stopped to notice the lives of other animals. But this new place changed everything, because the crow had a regular contact with other animals, noticing in what way they spoke and behaved, what they owned and had accomplished, what kind of family and group they belonged to. This began to trouble the crow, because many of the animals seemed to have happier lives than himself, or the animals did at least act like it. But all of these animals practiced different things, and owned different things, so it was not easy to know what to do, if the crow was going to become happy like them. The crow desired to become like these animals, and decided that he would attempt to imitate after their lives.

The crow began to imitate after the sloth, by eating and drinking as much as he could, since the sloth possessed an abundance of everything and a very comfortable life. However the crow had failed to realize that the sloth had inherited everything from its relative, but the sloth had never worked for it nor supported itself during its whole life. The sloth was always at the same tree, and in the worst possible shape, so the sloth would never have survived out in the wild. Next the crow decided to imitate after the eagle, by flying high up in sky and circling around the area, waiting with patience, until he would have an opportunity in capturing a prey on the ground. But the crow failed to notice that the eagle was in a top shape, and its manner of life required a great finesse, in calculating the location and movements of a prey, before dashing for it. The crow had now already overeaten like the sloth, but he now attempted to move like an eagle, so the crow overexerted itself and failed miserably in the attempt. These contradictory things were to the only effect in disrupting the crow’s health, so he soon became very ill, and had a hard time in fully recovering from it.

The crow would instead imitate after other animals, but it lead nowhere, since the crow either failed to achieve the same things or did not become happy after its success. After some time had passed then the crow became very unhappy, but he did not know what made him unhappy, since the crow had been doing so many things at the same time. So the crow decided to exclude one thing at a time, so it could be revealed whether it was to the better or worse, in regard to the crow’s happiness and health. At first the crow did not seem to notice any changes, so he continued to exclude more things from his life. In the end the crow had excluded everything except his own former way of life, when the crow had lived like a crow and not imitated after anyone. But it was precisely that state in which made the crow healthiest and happiest, above everything else. The crow was perhaps not excited with joy, in his facial expression and body gesture. But the crow was still glad in his heart, and at peace with himself.

We should always keep to our independent understanding and potential, in continuing to be free in spirit and enjoying our life’s work. For that by doing so it will merely confirm who we already are. But it does never work when we seek to imitate after other people, for that our heart will either way never accept it, whatever we attempt to do.

24. The Fox

There was once a fox which nobody could surpass in cleverness and resilience, both when it came to hunt for a prey and escape from bigger predators. The fox had always some trick up his sleeve, so he presumed that this repeated success would last forever. Now it happened one day that the fox was travelling in the forest, but he stepped on a hidden thorn in the ground, so the fox began to limp and was unable to run. However at that moment a mighty bear arrived to the scene, so the fox needed to make a quick decision before it was all over. The bear had still not noticed the fox, so the fox grabbed the opportunity and dropped on the ground, pretending to be dead. The bear walked to the fox and sniffed at him, looked for some signs of breathing or movement, but the fox managed to hold his breath the entire time, and remained motionless.

But when the bear was about to move away then a vulture appeared on the scene, because that vulture had also been fooled by the fox’ pretension and wanted to eat the carcass. The vulture began to bite the fox, while he played dead, while the bear watched the vulture, waiting for a chance to attack the vulture if it dropped its guard. The fox found itself in a vicious cycle, because the bear would only seek to eat animal killed by its own hands, while the vulture would only eat an animal which was already dead. If the fox would remain motionless then the vulture would kill him in the end. But if the fox rose and drove the vulture away then the bear would kill him instead. Not much time had passed when the fox became wounded all over his body, after the vulture had repeatedly bitten him here and there, so his life began to hang on a thin thread.

The fox was still healthy enough to survive the encounter, if his body would not get worse, but the fox did not have any control of the situation, nor certainty about its outcome. The vulture had hitherto pecked at the fox’s skin, and sometimes at his muscles, but the vulture was now about to attack critical locations, containing his main organs. However just at that moment then bear made swift move and killed the vulture, since the vulture had become careless and not bothered to take more notice of the bear. Then the bear took the carcass with his mouth and went away, forgetting all about the fox. This did indeed save the fox’s life, even that he had not done anything at all.

This story applies to that when we have to endure a daily share of delusions and distractions, in which tend to haunt us and affect us in some way. Even that it is a bad thing then we must still learn to endure it with a stoical mind. For that moderation is more acceptable than submission to its complete slavery, in being carried by the two extremes.

25. The Sparrow

There was once a sparrow that was brought up in a zoo, living in a giant cage among other birds. The sparrow had never experienced how it was to be free and what lay beyond the cage, so the sparrow thought that the environment around the cage was the whole world. It happened one day that a dove was put into the cage, but that dove had been captured somewhere in the wilderness. The dove was thereby the only bird in the cage which had experienced how it was to be free and wild. Now the sparrow received the dove with a friendly greeting, but he became surprised that the dove cried and lamented its lot, since the sparrow did not understand its cause. Then the dove explained that it missed the sky, which had given the dove freedom to fly anywhere it wanted. But now the dove was only constricted to a small place in which could barely be flown in.

The sparrow did not understand what this answer implied, since the sparrow had never experienced anything beyond the cage. But the sparrow still tried to cheer up the dove, by saying that surely the dove would not miss its old life, because in this place the birds were always fed and given shelter. Then the dove tried to explain the benefits in which followed freedom, by saying that from the sky the birds could find any food they wanted, and travel to any shelter when needed. It was something to be looked forward to, just by doing the search, and enjoying the way to the destination. But here in this cage the food was always the same, tasting the same, while the birds received a shelter at the expense of their mobility, which made everything rather pointless.

The dove’s answer began to perplex the sparrow, having never witnesses such comparison by his own accord. But the sparrow still continued to comfort the dove, now by asking the dove whether it was not happy that there were so many birds to share company with. Then the dove began to explain that it had could once choose to have a company with birds that it liked, while it could also avoid the company of those it disliked. However in this place then all the birds were constrained to live together on each day, whether they wanted it or not, even that they did not have anything in common.

When the sparrow heard this answer then he felt sorry for the dove, but he then asked the dove why it did not just fly away from this place, if the dove yearned so much for its old life. The sparrow claimed that surely the birds were free, and able to always leave this place if they wanted. But up till now the sparrow had never considered the possibility, since he already had a good life and had nothing to complain. The dove knew however the truth about this place, that it was actually a prison, so the dove asked the sparrow to show it how it could be flown away and lead the way. But the sparrow always failed to notice any exits in the ceiling, after having inspected it thoroughly, and he could never break the bars by flying upon them, no matter how often he tried. The sparrow came to realize the true nature of the cage, and his own position.

It might at first seem that we are free and that there is nothing wrong with our life, while we agree with the selfish influence of the mind and know no restraint in its self-gratification. But as soon as we attempt to become a virtuous person then the mind will turn against us, harassing us with all kinds of delusions in order to keep us in check.

26. The Owl

There was once an owl that tended to sit upon a tree, quiet and keenly watching his surroundings. The owl did everything with discretion, and would never draw any unnecessary attention to himself, unlike the monkeys that lived nearby. There was a group of monkeys that tended to be loud and talkative, constantly prattling about the news of the forest and their opinions about it. But the monkeys scorned the owl for never participating in their discussions, presuming that his silence was the same thing as stupidity.

It happened one day that the monkeys were doing their usual work, when they heard of the news that a specific bird spent all its time upon idleness, and never worked like other animals. Then the monkeys stopped working and began to talk about their dislike for that bird for being so lazy, but they did nothing else while the topic lasted. Later in the day the monkeys received more news, that the king of the forest was favouring his friends, giving them important positions, and never holding them accountable. So the monkeys stopped working and began to talk about their dislike for such an unjust rule, wishing that the guilty parties should be punished as severe as possible. But not far from the monkeys were was a carcass of a rabbit, still rotting away, because a wolf had killed it and taken all its possessions. At that time the monkeys had been spectators, watching the rabbit facing the peril of a nearby wolf. But they monkey had not done anything to warn the rabbit, because it was not one of their group.

It was now an evening and the monkeys were holding a banquet, revelling and dancing. Then it happened that the owl appeared to them, warning the monkeys that a pack of wolves was nearby, heading in the direction of their home. The wolves were still some distance away, not able to hear the noise from the monkey’s banquet. But the wolves were ever getting closer, so the monkeys needed to keep quiet before it was too late. After hearing this advice the monkeys laughed at the owl and drove him away, presuming that the owl was too much of a simpleton to be taken seriously. So the monkeys continued to revel and dance, only concerned about that in having a good time. Not much time had passed when that pack of wolves arrived and knew what was going on. The wolves did not attack instantly, but they decided to wait until all the monkeys had gone to sleep, and were too drunk to be bestirred in time. So in the end the wolves killed all the monkeys, while the owl managed to keep his presence hidden from them.

The wise man is excluded from the company of other people, and considered to be an outcast, because he has not chosen to participate in their hypocritical discussions and petty habits. But during critical times then it is always the wise man that benefits the whole, if his advice will not be disregarded, even that so many fools opposite it with their loud noise.

27. The Crocodile

There was once a crocodile that had the dreadful reputation of destroying everything in her path, and in showing no mercy toward animals that fell in her grasps. But the crocodile had recently kept herself on the riverbank, at the exterior of the forest, seldom crossing the boundaries to go deeper into the forest. There were no other predators around, so the animals in the forest led peaceful lives, eating plants and fruits, considering the crocodile to be an old history. But it happened one day that the crocodile became restless, so she decided to leave the riverbank and search for a new home in the forest. To begin with the crocodile moved slowly and the birds spotted her presence, so they made haste in proclaiming the news to everyone, to warn of the danger ahead.

There was now a great uproar among the animals, and there was need for a quick decision, so they turned to the owl, which was known for its prudence and wise counsel. Now the owl advised the animals to unite and make haste in driving the crocodile out of the forest, but calculating that a couple of animals would die during the attempt. But the animals became afraid and were unwilling to take such a chance, since that all of them feared to be the one which would be killed by the crocodile. The animals thereby sought to delay the matter, and avoid confrontation with the crocodile, so they began to invent excuses and consider alternate options. The animals began to contemplate whether they should allow the crocodile to have a home in the forest, hoping that the crocodile would become grateful enough in leaving them alone. So the animals disregarded the owl’s advice, deciding to sit back and wait what would be the crocodile’s next move. For a time it seemed that the animals had made a right choice, because the crocodile was busy establishing her home and not doing anything wrong.

However after the crocodile had finished building her home then she became restless again, and started to attack animals, although only targeting the deer’s. The animals again met to consult with each other, what to do about the crocodile. Then the owl repeated the same advice as before, and added that they needed also to destroy the crocodile’s nest. However the animals hesitated again, and now agreed among themselves that the crocodile was not their problem, but it only concerned the deer’s as a species. The animals presumed that the deer’s must have done something to upset the crocodile, while other animals were free of blame, so the crocodile had nothing against them. After some time had passed then the crocodile had managed to kill all deer’s in the forest, so she now began to attack other animals, regardless of their species. The crocodile had also managed to begat offspring’s, which were just as vicious as her, although much smaller. These little crocodiles were obtaining a rapid growth, after being fed upon so many animals, so they were beginning to pose further threat.

Now the animals held their third and final gathering, because the situation had gotten considerably worse with the time until reaching a critical point, with no turning back. The owl yet again encouraged the animals to unite and drive the crocodile away. But now the animals did also need to kill her offspring’s before they became fully mature, any eggs that could be found in her nest, and the finally the nest itself. Now the animals did no longer possess the luxury in rejecting the owl’s advice, so the animals did finally engage the crocodiles with everything they had. After a long and hard struggle the animals became victorious, having destroyed the crocodile and everything which had belonged to her. But the animals suffered much casualty during the fight, loosing about half of their numbers, far more than originally calculated by the owl.

This story applies to that when the wicked men aspire for a tyranny, and when a criminal organization is threatening the society. Needless formalities and regulations should never get in the way, as if it would be merely followed the initiative of the wicked men. But it should rather be prevented them from becoming powerful in the first place.

28. The Wolf

There was once a wolf that was rather be mediocre in everything, without having any special ability. The wolf would become very bold if he had the greater odds on his side, in obtaining an easy victory over an opponent without experiencing any dangers to himself. But the wolf would just as easily become a coward if the odds seemed to be against him, not only in regard to tougher opponent, but also when involving a fight against equal. Now there was lion renowned for being the greatest fighter in the forest, through the combination of its fighting spirit, physical power, and unique fighting style. It however happened one day that the lion stumbled upon a carcass during its travel, in which was still fresh and mostly intact. But when the lion began to eat the carcass then it failed to notice a dead snake inside it, hidden in the bowels, until it was too late. The lion accidentally ate the head of the snake, which immediately poisoned the lion, making the lion so sick that it became delirious and paralyzed.

Now that specific wolf was in the neighbourhood, and he scented the smell from the same carcass, so the wolf went into that direction, until he came upon the lion. The wolf had never expected the lion to be there, so he became filled with dread, presuming that he would be instantly killed on the spot. But to the wolf’s surprise the lion lay on the ground, neither roaring nor moving at all, not even to look the wolf in the face. The wolf did not actually consider whether the lion was alive or dead, but he rather presumed that it was the lion which was afraid of him, since it had not dared to do anything. And since the carcass was nearby then the wolf imagined this to be a struggle over it. The wolf began to gnash his teeth and bark at the lion, but when the lion failed to show any reaction whatsoever then the wolf became even bolder in the process. The wolf now approached the lion from behind, and took a big bite at its back, but when it seemed to stir the lion to some degree then the wolf grew afraid and ran away.

When the wolf met with other animals then he boasted about his victory over the lion, recollecting the encounter just like how the wolf had imagined it to be, with its exaggerations. For the wolf not only retold what it had done to the lion, by leaving a mark on its body. But the wolf also presumed that it could explain why the lion had acted in the way it did, and the emotions the lion felt for while it yielded the carcass. The wolf had been bragging about this for some time, and many animals began to believe his tale, that it proved the wolf’s superiority over the lion. For the lion was nowhere to be seen, and it gave the impression that the lion knew about the wolf’s claim but the lion did not dare to do anything about it, like by punishing the wolf to disprove it. But in the meantime the lion had managed to recover from the poison, and when it heard about the wolf’s tale then it became indignant, and would not delay to act.

In the end the lion found the wolf, surrounded by a great crowd of animals, which praised the wolf as their champion and were confident that he would again win the fight. The lion assumed an intimidating posture and was ready to attack the wolf, which should have made the wolf aware of the danger ahead. But the wolf had become puffed up by his own self-conceit, now overly confident of himself and no longer fearing the lion, so the wolf prepared himself in the same way to take the lion head-on. Then the lion attacked and the fight was soon over, with the result that the wolf was beaten so badly that most of his bones were broken, and he lay there almost breathless. Now the lion proclaimed to all the animals that the wolf’s tale was a mere fabrication. For the lion had already been overcome by a poison  from within, even before the wolf had encountered it, so it had nothing to do about the wolf and his performance.

If the man is already weakened from within then all his decisions and resolve will become weak as well. And then only afterwards will his enemies be able to overcome him. Such a defeat is merely the consequence, but not the actual cause. So it has nothing to do about the merit of the wicked men, when they exploit the misfortunes of other people.

29. The Turtle

There was once a reclusive turtle, having little interest in the sea and what its inhabitants were doing from time to time. The turtle’s shell was the centre of his life, serving as a refuge every time he experienced circumstances that were not entertaining enough, or too uncomfortable. The turtle could hang inside the shell most of the time, never having to worry about changes in the sea, or a contact with other sea-creatures. It happened one day that young fish was passing by, and noticed the turtle-shell for the first time. This made the fish curious, where it first to began to inspect the shell, then next to touch the shell and even knock upon it, to see whether anyone was inside. This disturbed the turtle, so that he was forced to peek out, and check what was going on. Then the young fish began to inquire from the turtle what kind of creature he was, what that thing was which he carried on his back, and to what purpose.

The turtle actually became excited over the matter, for he loved the shell so much that he wanted to talk about it forever, and its remarkable features. First the turtle explained to the fish that many of the sea-creatures needed to work in one location and have their home in another, so they would have to travel long distance back and forth. But the turtle did on the contrary carry the home on his back, so he could go there and relax any time he wanted, while still being close to the available food. Now this explanation puzzled the young fish, which replied that the turtle did still the same become burdened by his home everywhere he went. So the turtle would always be slow in movements, and thereby less likely to survive out in the open. After hearing this answer the turtle smiled, and looked upon the young fish as a simpleton, which did simply not know any better, and the turtle began to explain further the benefits following the shell. The turtle added that the shell was not only his home, but he could also fill the shell with all kind of objects, and play with them. So the turtle had the most fun inside the shell, while the sea was boring and gloomy place in his eyes.

This second explanation confused the young fish, which then replied that nothing could stand comparison with the sea, so full of life and covering endless distances. The sea had never ceased to surprise the young fish, when it came to explore the unknown, while the turtle’s shell was like the smallest prison, and heaviest chains. The turtle became somewhat disturbed after hearing this, not knowing how to react to the comment, but he still the same continued to defend the utility of his shell. Then the turtle began to explain that the shell offered him a protection against predators. For that if somebody threatened his life then the turtle could always hide inside the shell, until the predator would go away, having failed to break or infiltrate the shell. But then young fish interrupted the turtle in the middle of his speech, replying that it was not a good idea that the turtle should isolate himself from everything. For that if the turtle would always resort to the same trick then he would never learn anything new, nor obtain more personal experience, but he would always be the same. But now the turtle became irritated by all these comments, and gave up on further attempts to defend the shell, so he simply went inside it until the young fish swam away.

This story applies to that when we spend too much time upon fictional entertainments and virtual reality, involving all kinds of discussions and tasks that are only imaginary. But even after all this invested time and effort then we are still stuck at square one, having neither become a better person nor contributed anything of lasting value.

30. The Vulture

There was once a vulture that hunted for food according to the nature of that species. For the vulture first waited until a specific animal died of natural causes or got killed by somebody else, and then afterwards would the vulture arrive to the scene and eat the remains. The vulture had been doing this successfully for a long time, so that he became puffed up by his prosperity, and considered himself to be on the top of the food chain. It did namely happen that the vulture had often eaten animals which nobody had managed to capture and kill, or the remains of animals that had been left by the predators. But the vulture himself had never been killed and eaten in turn, so it was like the vulture always had the final word, and seemed to get away with everything.

Now the eagle was the undisputed king of the birds, but the vulture did not agree with it, so the vulture wanted to inquire into the eagle’s life and see that fact for himself. The vulture went to the eagle and asked for a permission to interview it, which the eagle agreed to, mostly because it had nothing better to do at that time. The eagle took the vulture with it to its favourite hunting ground, and showed by its own example how things were done. The eagle was high up in the sky, flying in circles, searching for a living prey on the ground, calculating the distance and its own moves. The eagle had hitherto been accustomed to silence while hunting for a prey, in which helped the eagle to concentrate upon the task ahead and have the right feeling in its body. But now the vulture would not keep quit, for it was constantly coming up with questions about the hunt, what the eagle was now thinking and going to do, or demanding an explanation about its reasons. There were also other questions completely irrelevant to the hunt, like what the eagle thought about the opinions of other birds, or the background of the prey in question. And even that the eagle would give a proper answer then the vulture would not acknowledge it. But the vulture asked why the eagle did not rather do this or that, as if the vulture knew more about the hunt than the eagle.

These endless questions began to interrupt the eagle during its hunt, where it had a difficulty in maintaining concentration in the long run. So the eagle would often loose its balance and come up with a clumsy move, which had either been too soon or too late. That day the eagle failed to hunt anything, and could thereby not prove its superiority to the vulture. The vulture considered the outcome to confirm his own suspicions and theories, what should rather have been planned ahead and taken into consideration. So the vulture began to summon all the birds to a conference, so that he could teach them how to hunt for food, and make their own methods become even more efficient. The vulture did indeed come up with long arguments about the matters in question, but it only involved issues before and after the hunt. He utterly failed to describe its very means, how to spot a prey and overcome it upon contact, while on the scene. So the other birds laughed at the vulture, for knowing nothing at all about the hunt.

The mass media knows how to interrogate people in an aggressive way, and come up with difficult questions. But the same reporters are not in any position to be judges. For the reporters would not have done any better, nor discovered a solution, in the same situation.

31. The Sheep

There was once a credulous sheep, only concerned about gossip and what was deemed to be popular. The sheep lived on a farm in which was surrounded by a great fence, both to keep the livestock inside and predators outside. Now it happened one day that a fox was skulking around the farm, attempting to discover any weak points in the fence, so the fox could get inside and have a prey. But since the fox failed to notice anything then it decided to resort to diplomacy, by calling to an animal that was close to the fence. The fox had luck on its side, because that same sheep was nearby, alone by herself, and heeding the fox’s call. So the sheep approached the fox, still safely within the fence, and they were mutually curious about each other. The fox began asking the sheep many questions about the farm, in which first seemed to be casual and harmless. But they would later evolve to different topics, so the sheep would accidentally slip out important information, which could later be used against her. Next the conversation began to be centred upon the sheep itself and her desires, so the sheep began talking at great length about herself, seeming to have an opinion about everything.

The fox grew tired by listening all this prattle, often so petty and trivial in itself, so the fox was about to give up on the sheep and rather turn to some another animal. But then the sheep begged the fox to tell her what was now considered to be most popular in the forest, because the sheep wanted to improve her own standing among the animals. Now the fox did not let this opportunity slip by, but it sought to appeal to the sheep’s vanity, for the purpose of preparing her as a dinner for itself. So the fox told the sheep that it was now popular to be lazy and eat twice as much food than usual, since that a fat body was meant to be a sign of prosperous and noble life. The sheep heeded the fox’s words and acted accordingly, until she had become extremely fat. Then the sheep met with the fox for the second time and came up with the same question, namely what was now deemed to be popular in the forest. The fox replied that it was now popular to be a loner and rely only upon oneself, without having any company with domestic animals, in which were not already free and wild. The sheep believed this report as well, so she began to shun other animals on the farm, until the sheep had lost all her friends and nobody bothered anymore to watch out for her.

Then the sheep met with the fox for the third time, fat and abandoned, so there was only one thing left, in which the fox needed execute before obtaining her as a dinner. Now the fox encouraged the sheep to escape from the farm, if she was ever going to have a popular life in the forest. The fox said that there were many wild animals desperate to become the sheep’s friends, including the fox itself, and the forest would also be a perfect place for her, offering an abundance of everything. So the fox begged the sheep to open the fence from the inside, if she was ever going to have a free and happy life. And then the fox would escort her back to the forest, with great honour. The sheep was unable to resist such flatteries, so she opened the fence and followed the fox to the promised land. But the final destination would be the fox’s stomach.

We should never become vainglorious about our own self-importance, and what is supposed to make us so. For the world will otherwise marketize our lives for a profit. First appeared avarice for a dishonest gain, and then everything else became invented.

32. The Bear

There was once a young bear that had been overprotected in his youth. The bear had hitherto received food from his mother, but he had never watched her hunt for a prey, so he did not know what the meat was and where it was originated from. The bear thereby believed that his own kind was a peaceful one, living in harmony with other animals. But now the bear had become mature enough to move out and provide for his own life. At first the bear mostly ate berries and mushrooms, the only things that he could find, but it was still not enough. After some time had passed the bear began to starve, and it aroused his longing for meat, so he felt an uncontrollable urge to kill someone.

The bear could only think about that in eating someone, but he experienced guilt over the matter, so he began to create rules about the necessary conditions and its approach. He reached the decision that it would only be killed and eaten predators, because they had been doing the same to defenceless animals, thereby deserving retribution. So the bear began to act accordingly, where he would first wait until a predator would attack another animal and then next the bear would intervene and kill it, so it gave the impression that the bear had put himself into danger in order to save that animal. This had been going on for some time until the bear had made a name for himself, so that all the peaceful animals believed that he was their champion and defender.

But now had all the predators been killed and eaten by the bear, so the bear found himself in the same situation as before, an uncontrollable urge to kill and eat meat. Then the bear attempted to invent new pretences which could make his appetite seem to be justified, as if there were understandable reasons behind it and like he was a victim of circumstances. The bear proclaimed to the animals that he wanted to create a just forest, and remove any corruption. So that if the any animal misspoke or made a mistake then the bear would immediately bite it, to enforce discipline to it and the rest of them. After hearing this then the animals believed that the bear was a true idealist and sincere in his intentions, so that his harsh measures were supposed to be for the greater good. At first the bear only bit an animal once, so that he could have one mouthful of meat. But the bear would grow bigger with the time and thereby need more food to sustain himself. So the bear began to bit more often, and take a bigger portion, sometimes eating a whole limb from an animal, making it permanently disabled.

The situation now looked very dim for the animals, for it seemed that it was only a matter of time until the bear would attack and kill all of them. So that many animals fled from the forest or went into hiding, while other animals tried to resist his rule. Now the bear proclaimed that he gave himself a licence to kill and eat any animal, but he would still the same honour the remains and give it a magnificent burial. That animal should consider itself lucky to be dead, because of the beautiful entourage during its funeral, which that animal could never have hoped for while being alive. But all the animals had now become disillusioned about the bear and his true nature. The animals decided to invite other predators into the forest, so the predators would keep each other in check, and nobody would be able to obtain the supremacy.

It might at first seem that fanatics are defending their own people, while they are fighting against some common enemy or an external threat. It is however merely a pretence, so the fanatics can get a convenient opportunity to unleash their ill will and hatred. It had existed long before the given reasons, and dictated their heart in all things.

33. The Spider

There was once a spider that lived inside a deserted house. The spider never had any trouble capturing flies in her web, for that most of the flies were easily fooled and always repeating the same mistakes, so the spider had enough to feed herself and her children. Now it happened one day that there appeared a giant ant into the house, and ate one of the baby spiders while the mother was away. The ant had already left when the spider returned, so she began perplexed about the matter. But the spider decided to create another web at this location, and then she waited until the ant would reveal itself again.

However the ant did not come back to the same place, but it rather went to the old web, which the spider considered to be the best place to hunt for flies. There the ant ate all the flies that were stuck in the web, and then destroyed the web before leaving. The spider would later discover this, and become even more perplexed than before, since she could not both hunt for food and defend her children at the same time. Therefore the spider began to create many webs in the house, where most of them were decoys in order to distract the ant or entrap it, while the flies were located elsewhere. But the ant never took the bait, for it ignored all these webs and moved past them, until the ant managed to get near the baby spiders and kill one by one, if a spider got careless and isolated itself. So the mother spider was beginning to become desperate, since it could afford such losses in the long run, being unable to replenish them.

There was only thing left untried, so the spider decided to move toward the door of the house, standing guard and eager to have a decisive engagement with the ant. Then it happened that the ant appeared and there was a hard struggle between them, although the ant was superior to the spider and able to inflict many injuries upon her. But just as the spider was about to loose the struggle then its children arrived to the scene, attacking the ant from many directions at the same time. This did indeed manage to distract the ant, so it gave the mother spider a chance to release herself from its grasp. The ant could easily drive back the baby spiders, but while doing it the ant exposed itself to the mother spider, so the spider could attack its vulnerable spots. So in the end the mother spider managed to kill the ant, and save her children.

A war is not concluded by defending these or those places. But it does rather consist in that of overcoming the opponent in direct way, by breaking his resolve in opposing us. If we attempt to defend everything at the same time then we will defend nothing, but we should rather keep pressing on with an offensive and have the initiative on our side.

34. The Horse

There was once a horse that lived on a farm, and considered himself to be the most important animal. For the horse was the only animal that the farmer would ride upon, so they would travel together to various places and share the same experience. It was like the horse had been given a special treatment, and excluded from the hard labour of other animals, which were meant to provide food and material to the farmer. So the horse became puffed up by the relationship with the farmer, as if the farmer considered the horse to be his best friend, while other animals were merely ignorant slaves.

But it happened one day that this country went to war with its neighbour, so the farmed needed to bring a steed and present himself to the army, to serve as a cavalry-man. So the farmer began to put shining armour on the horse, and dress it with colourful clothes, which the horse mistook for being a sign of the farmer’s affection. Next the farmer rode on the horse to a nearby city, and marched through the streets with other soldiers, while a crowd of people watched and cheered them on. The horse also misinterpreted this incident, as if the parade was for the sake of himself. So the horse put up a proud look and continued to move on, without looking to either side,

However when they arrived to the barracks then the horse was taken away and forced to train very hard, so the horse could carry more weight, run faster, and be able to execute complex moves on the battlefield. But if the horse showed the least sign of disobedience then he would be beaten and have its rations reduced, as if he was a mere slave. It did also not matter whether the horse was too tired or wounded to continue with the training, because there would never be made any exception nor shown mercy. The horse did indeed want to give up and lay on the ground, but he did not dare to make the attempt, since the horse had noticed what had befallen to other horses. For that a horse would be trained until it had become perfect in everything, but if the horse failed to meet the requirements it was killed for food and replaced by another horse.

At last the horse had become ready enough to engage in a battle, carrying the farmer on his back, but working with other cavalry-men as a group. It was a brutal struggle, where the horse was not only forced to help the farmer kill men that belonged to the other side, but it also applied to their horses. These horses shared exactly the same position as that horse, where they were constrained into serving their masters like slaves, while theses horses had never wanted any of these things to happen. In the end the horse managed to survive the war, and it now carried the farmer back to his home. The horse was awarded with a little medal, for having helped the farmer to kill so many men and horses. But the horse had now become frail and spent, having his body covered with scar, limping with one of his legs, and lacking stamina. The farmer simply bought another horse instead, and discarded the old one.

We should not be deceived when warmongers attempt to flatter us with titles and costly equipment. For it is merely a device to deprive us of our freedom and exploit us as tools. It is better to do one mistake in a perfect freedom rather than by being successful in countless matters during slavery, which does only profit the tyrannical rule.

35. The Stag

There was once a timid stag, which did indeed have a great body and antlers as a powerful weapon, but this did not prevent him from fleeing every time he sensed a predator nearby. And there was still so much distance in between that not even the predators knew this, but the stag had instantly abandoned the area after noticing the slightest sign. All the animals did thereby still consider the stag to be a powerful fighter, because nobody had witnessed anything that seemed to imply otherwise. It was thereby like everyone had faith in the stag, except the stag himself. Now it happened one day that there appeared tiger in the forest, fierce and wreaking havoc everywhere. So the animals gathered together and decided to appoint the stag as their war chief, which was supposed to lead the animals forward and inspire them by his example. The stag was indeed afraid of the tiger, but he was also too timid to refuse the title, so the stag did now find himself leading the animals, against his willing consent.

When they finally met with the tiger then the animals were over hundred in number, but everyone waited for the stag’s initiative, in being the first one to attack the tiger. The stag did however hesitate and remain stationary, hoping for some unexpected turn of event, which could save him from this situation. But nothing happened, so the tiger grew bold and began to attack one animal at a time, while everyone watched and did not dare to intervene. So it was sounded a retreat and all the animals fled, having experienced some casualty on their side, while the tiger was still at large. Everyone began rebuking the stag for his hesitation, but he tried to defend himself by making promise, that the circumstances would be more favourable in the future. The stag tried to convince himself that he would be more courageous during the next encounter, as if the right mood would come over him and do everything on his behalf. But the same story would continue to repeat itself, where the animals suffered further loss on their side, while the tiger was becoming more ruthless in the war.

The situation had reached critical point, where the animals now found themselves stuck at an unfavourable location, while the tiger besieged them. The animals had been promised a reinforcement from another forest, but it would still take many days too arrive, so the animals needed to repel the tiger in the meantime. During one of the encounter the animals were skirmishing with the tiger, when it happened that the tiger stepped on a group of ants, which were passing by and carrying food back to their lair. Some of the ants got crushed, so the rest got infuriated and attacked the tiger. It was like the ants were of one mind, giving the fight everything they got, not caring about their own survival or whether they could actually overcome the tiger. But the ants were only contented with that in provoking the tiger, and hurting it in any way they could. In the end the tiger managed to kill most of the ants, but it had now become tired after the struggle, so the animals grabbed the opportunity and managed to overcome the tiger in his weakened state. From now on the animals would appoint one of the ants to be their war-chief, because that ant had a bigger fight in itself than the stag.

We should confront all adversity with courage and fortitude in outlasting it, without the least regard for our own safety and certainty of victory. For those whom stand their ground and are ready to suffer in honourable way are more likely to overcome the danger. But the coward merely invites the same danger to overcome him at another place.

36. The Ducks

There were once ducks that lived in a pond near the sea, in which had originally been a secure place. But later on the seagulls discovered their home and began to prey upon the ducklings, every time the ducks looked away or were not careful enough. If the seagulls began flying over the area then the ducks would hurry to secure their own ducklings, but nobody bothered to help ducklings belonging to someone else. So the ducks could never relax, but the danger from the seagulls did always hang above their heads. This did also distract the ducks during their search for food, because half the time was already spent upon guard-duty, in looking around at regular intervals. Therefore would be less food available to the duck’s community in whole, so that if someone found a food while others did not then they would all fight over the food and its scraps.

It happened one day that a lone duck was searching for a food, but the duck travelled too far and he was unable to return home in time, since it was now already a night. The duck was unable to see anything due to the darkness, but he still the same tried to make a correct guess, where he was located and in what direction he should head for. The duck had been flying for a very long time and gotten completely lost, but when a morning came then the sunlight revealed a community of arctic terns nearby. It seemed that everything was going well with them, where it was like the arctic terns worked as one team, combining their effort in everything that was undertaken. For that one group was supposed to search for food and distribute it equally to everyone, another to care for all the youngsters, and the third to ward off all the seagulls. It was like the arctic terns did not consider themselves to be anything else but a group.

After witnessing this blissful place the duck tried to find his way back home. He succeeded in the end, and told his fellow-ducks everything that he had seen, so the whole community became persuaded to make their new home near the arctic terns. Now the arctic terns did not seem to be bothered by these new neighbours, but they did on the contrary allow the ducks to stay, and even in making their nests among the arctic terns. Henceforth then no seagull dared to approach the ducks, because the arctic terns considered the ducks to be within their own territory, and part of their own community.

No man is able to be best in everything, in doing everything at the same time, or by searching for and building everything for himself. The human society would otherwise have remained primitive, with all the time centred upon food, shelter, and security, but nothing else.

37. The Panther

There was once a panther that lived in a forest ruled by a lion, but they were still equal in merit, unless the lion was more popular with other animals. The affairs of the forest had hitherto been going well, where the animals were supposed to gather all their food into one giant heap, and then next would the lion distribute the food equally to everyone. No animal had ever starved, but there were still many that complained that they had found more food than other animals, and thereby deserved a bigger portion. It did however happen that a famine came over the land, so the animals found less food than usual, until there was no longer enough food available to feed everyone. But since the lion was unable to improve the situation then the animals became dissatisfied, now demanding that the lion should step down and another take its place. The panther was now elected king, because he had always been the second-best choice.

Now the panther was come to the same conclusion as the lion, that there was nothing to be done about the famine, but everyone needed to endure the shortage to the very end. But the panther did still the same need to appease the animals, if he was going to hold the title, so he began to devise tricks in order to change their perception about the problem. The available resources were the same, and no more food could be collected, but the animals needed to believe that they had more food, to make their lot seem to be more bearable. The panther went to that single heap of food, and began to change the way it looked. One day the food became divided into many parts, while another day the heap became spread out, so the food seemed to cover more distance than usual. It also happened that the panther gathered another heap in which consisted of junk, and he did now cover that junk with food, as if the food had been multiplied by him.

The animals admired the panther for his wisdom, and his ability to work miracles, so the animals presumed that this was the beginning of a new golden age. However when some time had passed then the animals began to notice that the distributed food was precisely the same as before, and nothing changed in regard to their body. The animals still experienced hunger, where they had not become any fatter, and the animals did not possess more energy than usual, while continuing with their work. So the animals began to complain openly and demand explanations from the panther, suspecting some kind of conspiracy. The panther avoided giving them any definite answer, but he instead resorted to a new stratagem, quite unlike the previous ones.

The panther now decided to deprive the minority of food, while offering a bigger portion to the majority. In this case the rabbits were excluded from food, while everyone else benefited from their distress. So the animals presumed that more food had been found, and that the famine would not last for long, since things were getting better. The rabbits were the only ones that complained, claiming that they had not received any food at all, and were now starving to extinction, unless something was done to help them. However everyone else were having it much better and they disregarded the rabbits, since that no animal wanted to deprive itself of food for their sake. Now all the rabbits were gone, so the panther needed to repeat the same trick against someone else, so that many animals died before the rest of them knew the truth of the matter. But nobody complained, because the remaining animals shared the same guilt.

This story applies to politics, where the available resources are the same and merely transferred to a different location. If there is increases the luxuries of one group then it is to the detriment of another group, but it is still always the taxpayers that have to bear the burden.

38. The Cat (pt. 2)

There was once a domestic cat that had always lived in a small village. It did however happen one day that the cat’s owner decided moving to the nearest city, and there live in an apartment building. In the previous house the cat had come and gone through the window, since she only need to take a small jump to land on the ground. But in this new home there were a couple of storeys below. The cat began to experience acrophobia for the first time in her life, so she would not even dare to get close to the windows. Therefore the cat decided to run away, to escape from her fear of the windows, in which had been bothering her for so much time. So the cat managed to go through the door, and down the stairwell, until she got outside the building and to the ground.

Now the cat was constantly on the move, fearing that the owner would find her and take her back to that dreaded place. However the cat would not stop thinking about the acrophobia, but she began to implicate her fears to everything, and everything to her fears. For an example then if the cat would notice a man carrying glasses, then it would remind her of the windows, and then the windows would remind her of the great height. So the cat became distracted by such thought, where she would attempt to make the fear go away but only sink deeper into her mind, forgetting everything around herself. The cat could not endure this torment any longer, so she decided to commit suicide, but she was still unsure in where it should be done and in what way. The cat was on the move and still pondering about the matter, when she came across a human child. That child wanted to capture and play with the cat so the child began to run in her direction, with its hands outstretched. This sudden and unexpected movement scared the cat, so she instantly jumped up to the nearest tree.

This had been done on the first instinct, but not through any forethought, so the cat did not know what she had done until afterwards, when she was already hanging in the tree, somewhat high up in the air. The cat now found herself in a similar position as what she had originally dreaded so much, that of falling down and getting herself killed. The cat was neither able to pull herself up the branch she was hanging on, nor in climbing down the tree. It seemed that this would be the end of the cat, like the intended suicide had been forced upon her. It did thereby happen the cat closed her eyes and let off her grip, so she began to fall down and expected to loose consciousness any moment. But when some time had passed then the cat did not experience any change in her condition, so she began opening her eyes. To the cat’s surprise she had landed on her four feet’s, without any harm to herself. This did indeed puzzle the cat, whether this had merely been a lucky coincidence, or something that had a valid reason. So the cat decided to climb up the same tree and make further attempts to die, but it always turned out the same way. This made the cat realise that all her previous fears had been groundless, so she could now just as well return to her owner.

It is not the things themselves which we fear, but rather the thought about it. The very assumption can prove to be more harmful than the original incident. But the human spirit will still the same continue to do its work, in bestowing to us a proper perception and feeling in our limbs. So that everything will come naturally of its own accord.

39. The Dog (pt. 2)

There was once a dog that lived on a farm, and was supposedly meant to guard the livestock. It had hitherto been a success, because the dog had never engaged any wild animal at all, so the dog presumed he was doing a fine job and there was nothing wrong about it. It however happened one day that a wolf was about to approach the farm, when it heard a loud bark from a distance, but it did not know what it was. The wolf became afraid, imagining that such loud bark belonged to some great monster, so the wolf hastily left the scene. But the next day the wolf had regrets over the matter, rebuking itself for cowardice, so the wolf decided to approach the farm for the second time. The wolf heard the same loud bark, but continued to move forward, until the wolf could see the dog, and the dog could the see the wolf. These two had a similar size, and the fox did not know anything about the dog, so the wolf hesitated and did not attack. The wolf decided to watch the dog from a distance, waiting for the dog to make his first move, in revealing something about himself, and what he was capable of.

The dog did however only put up angry look and barked out loud, as if the dog was about to attack the wolf, but it never actually happened. After a considerable time had passed then this gesture failed to make further impression upon the wolf. So the wolf simply ignored the dog, and moved past him, going for the hen-house and taking one of the chickens, and then returning the same way to the wild. But the dog only continued to bark, because it had always seemed to work up to this point, and the dog did not know anything else. This had now been going on for some time, where every night the wolf would get into the farm and make away with one of the livestock, until the farmer began to notice significant decrease of their numbers. Then the farmer suspected the truth and became angry at his dog, so the farmer banished him out to the wild.

Now the dog was forced to endure daily hardship, where most of the time was spent upon that in searching for food and shelter, and fighting with other animals for the turf. But this made the dog bolder and stronger with the time, familiar with all kinds of dangers and hardship, so the dog was now ready to face anything. The dog decided to get back to the farm, to prove himself in the eyes of the farmer and make amends to him. The dog arrived to the farm during the night, while the farmer was asleep and unaware about his presence. Then the dog waited until the wolf appeared and attacked it immediately, without having ever barked at all, before or during the encounter. In the end the dog managed to kill the wolf, and now waited by its carcass, until the next day. So when the farmer came to know about it then he received the dog back.

Mere words are unable to accomplish anything, unless we are willing to confirm them in concrete deeds. The subsequent actions and reactions will testify what we are truly capable of. And we do not need to persuade our enemies to cease their hostility, through some clever word. But we should rather seek to persuade ourselves to act properly.

40. The Snake

There was once a snake that was mean spirited and envious, hating everyone that did not crawl upon the ground like himself. The snake especially hated the birds, for being able to fly above him and take no notice of the snake. Now it happened one day that a falcon got wounded and it was forced to land on the ground, so the falcon began to pass the time with other animals. The animals admired the falcon for its majestic appearance, courteous speech, and noble dealings, so the falcon obtained more friends with each passing day. However when the snake heard about this then he got bitter, presuming that the falcon did not deserve such honour, but was only stealing it from the snake. Bu the truth of the matter was that the snake was shunned by everyone in the forest, having done nothing to deserve their respect, and infamous for his shameful dealings.

The snake arrived to the place where the falcon was gathered with its friends. Then the snake began to treat the falcon as the representative of all the birds, coming up with all kinds of accusations and assertions about birds in general. First the snake claimed that all birds were lazy, because they could easily fly between places and have little effort in finding food, while the opposite thing applied to animals living on the ground. The falcon replied that it was true that birds could fly, and cover much more distance. But it also increased the dangers involved and the competition for a food in the areas, since that other birds could do the same thing and cross each other’s path. The snake found himself unable to challenge the validity of this answer, so he began to look for new means to attack the falcon, hoping to undermine its position and humiliate it. Now the snake claimed that he could easily conquer the falcon in a duel, if the falcon would not make use if its wings and also crawl on the ground like the snake. But then the falcon became amazed and replied that it would indeed be a strange thing, if a bird would pretend to be a snake, rather than it would be the other way around. And the falcon would be utterly mad if it would seek to behave like a snake in order to defeat a snake, since it would be unbecoming it as a falcon and degrading.

This truthful answer also belittled the snake’s claim, and he knew it just as much. But the snake did still the same attempt to make the falcon look bad in the eyes of other animals, by conceiving all kinds of insults and personal attacks, no matter how farfetched, so long as it might seem to affect the falcon or his reputation. At first the animals presumed that the snake was winning the argument, because he was constantly on the offensive and interrogating the falcon, while the falcon was on the defensive. But the snake became so intent upon discrediting the falcon that he no longer took his own life into consideration, what were his own bad qualities and faults. The snake was now accusing the falcon of all kinds of evil things that the snake himself had committed, and belittling virtues which the snake himself did not possess. In the end then all the animals laughed at the snake and drove him away, after the snake had only revealed how mean spirited he was, and humiliated himself during the attempt.

We should not take it too personally while we are being slandered and opposed by the wicked men, For such men had already been intent upon doing it, regardless of the truth in that matter. No external things are able to humiliate us, or instil bad qualities into our person. But it can only happen through our own ill will, in persecuting innocent men.

41. The Pigeon

There was once a carrier pigeon that served in a great war among the human people. The message could involve information about the enemy’s location, his movements, how much soldiers were involved and their manner of equipment, along with other things. It was thanks to the pigeon that many lives had been saved, while many enemies had been killed, although the pigeon did not actually know the role she played. But it happened one day that that pigeon was captured by the enemy, along with her message. The enemy decided to change the message, and then allowed the pigeon to continue with her journey, so the information could deceive and entrap the other side.

The other side now began to experience many setbacks, based upon the false information. However nobody suspected the pigeon, but everyone presumed their failure was due to coincidence and bad luck, or unexpected changes with the enemy’s army and plans. What made thing worse was that the enemy could calculate the pigeon’s movements in advance, and thereby ambush her at specific locations, making use of tamed falcon to that effect. The war had now reached a point that everything would be staked upon one great battle, which would determine the outcome of the entire war. Therefore the enemy sought to lure the other army to an unfavourable ground, so the other side would become trapped, surrounded, and utterly destroyed. The enemy first sought to increase the pigeon’s credibility at the other side, by allowing it to carry true message for a couple of times. And the enemy did even deliberately loose many skirmishes, to make the other side more confident of ultimate victory.

The enemy captured the dove and released it for the final time, as what had been happened. However during the travel then an eagle attacked the pigeon, wounding the pigeon but failing to capture her, so the pigeon managed to get back to the other side. This unexpected turn of event led to unforeseen consequences for both sides, because that blood had dripped from the pigeon and then been absorbed by the message. The blood had distorted its meaning, by covering some letters while making others seem changed, so the other side misunderstood the sentence in whole. It actually led to the opposite effects, because it warned the other side of the ambush which lay in wait for it, although in somewhat ambiguous terms. The other side did not know that the entire enemy army was located at that place, but it was still wary of that area, approaching it from another direction than what the enemy had planned for. So in the end the enemy army fell into its own trap, and was unable to escape total destruction.

We should never loose faith in the noble cause. For the divinity does always win in the long run, in the greater matters concerning our survival, freedom, and dignity as human beings. Success in small matters has often been the undoing of armies, because it made them overconfident in hastening confrontation upon unfavourable ground.

42. The Eagle

There was once an eagle considered to be upright and impartial in his verdicts, so that many animals turned to the eagle and asked him to judge between them. Then it happened one day that the lion died of old age, so that someone needed to replace it as the king of the forest. The animals did unanimously elect the eagle as their new leader, although the eagle did not originally seek for it, and tried to protest, but to no avail. At first the eagle did not care much for the title, not understanding why the animals valued it so much, since he was accustomed to modest and frugal life. But the eagle became surrounded by an abundance of luxury and comfort, so he was able to satisfy any desires and appetites. And it seemed that the eagle possessed unlimited power over other animals, having their respect and obedience in everything. This position began to affect the eagle, changing the way he beheld himself and other animals.

The eagle now decided to stir a war with the neighbouring forests, so that he could also become king of the animals that lived there, demanding more power and wealth for himself. So the eagle proclaimed that all the animals should gather for the military campaign, and he tried to convince them the war was just on their behalf, by making use of some long forgotten incident, interpreting it as a pretence to suit his own interest. Now the animals still admired the eagle and believed him to still upright as before, so they acknowledged his given reasons and allowed the eagle to lead them in the war. So the war began and the animals were constrained to fight against their brethren, committing all kind of atrocities to scare the other side and prevent further resistance. But at the same time the eagle was promising glory to everyone which served in the war and died for the king, as if they were making all the forests a better place. The eagle and his army managed to be victorious in the end, multiplying his territories and number of servants, so the eagle only needed now to establish this success.

With a greater power came greater responsibility, and also a greater fear of loosing it away. So the eagle began to become paranoid, imagining that the animals were secretly plotting against him, and only waiting for their chance to overthrow the eagle. Then the eagle became tyrannical and oppressive, punishing animals for the slightest fault, making a brutal of example of anyone that could threaten his power. Many animals got mistreated and killed, not because they had said or done anything wrong, but it was rather because the eagle was afraid what they ‘could’ do in the future. And the eagle began to proclaim all kinds of restrictions to the rest of the animals, reducing their right and rations, forbidding them to travel between places, and in not staying outside after it got dark. However as the eagle became the more determined in maintaining his rule at any cost; then it alienated him the more from the animals, so the animals did no longer have faith in the eagle, but did on the contrary loath him. In the end the eagle deprived himself of all friends and allies, so that nobody was willing to support the eagle and uphold his rule. The animals revolted and overthrew the eagle, but they still the same decided to exile the eagle, instead of killing him. It was because the animals wanted to honour the memory of his past life and dealings.

Many men are able to become successful with their ambition, and in obtaining a specific advantage. But they do not know how to maintain it, or make a good use of it. If the man fears to experience loss and seeks to save himself then it can lead to extreme assumptions and reactions, which will then cause or contribute greatly to the very fall.

43. The Donkey

There was once a donkey that lived on a farm, and was accustomed to the hardest labour among the livestock, since he often needed to carry heavy burden between places. There was also a rooster at the farm, unless it had the exact opposite role. For the rooster was meant to wake up the animals in the morning, and supervise all their work. But the rooster never endured the same hardship, although he did not do so intentionally, since the rooster could not afford to neglect an overview of the whole activity. The rooster did of course keep these reasons to itself, while the donkey never knew any better. The donkey did namely despise the rooster, because it seemed like he did all the hard work, while the rooster merely issued orders for somebody else to work. The donkey was prejudicial about the rooster and its supposed role, ridiculing it for being unnecessary and even useless, while manual labour was the only thing to have value.

Now it happened there was a crisis in the country, and a great demand for bread, much more than could actually be supplied to the human population. The farmer began excited about the matter and wanted get rich by selling flour, so he decided to build a mill. The donkey was the only animal chosen for this task, because he was strong enough to carry the building material for a long distance, throughout the day. After some time had passed then the donkey became exceedingly proud, over himself and the mill, since the donkey considered the mill to be the pinnacle of his career. Therefore the donkey began to exalt himself at the rooster’s expense, by claiming that the rooster had never accomplished anything that could stand comparison to the mill, which was like a memorial about the donkey’s greatness. But the rooster merely replied that the farmer was not the only person building a mill, but everyone were doing it at the same time, so there would be oversupply of bread in the land. The donkey did not comprehend what these words seemed to imply, but he only presumed that the animals would get more grain to eat than usual, and become overfed.

Later the farmer finished building the mill, having already spent about half of his savings. The farmer used the other half to purchase as much quantity of grain as he could, in which could be processed into flour through the mill, and then finally sold on the market. Everything was now ready, so the farmed took all the supplies to the nearest city, hoping to sell everything for a maximum profit, multiplying his previous wealth. However after the farmer had arrived to the city then he noticed many millers like himself, and countless supplies of flour, which the people no longer had any use for. For the people had already bought more than enough to last the entire year. The price of flour had dropped considerably to the point of becoming cheaper than anything else on the market. The farmer could not even sell his supplies, so he was stuck with them and now totally broke, having wasted his whole fortune upon the business. When farmer came home then the mere sight of the donkey made him angry, because the donkey’s involvement reminded the farmer of his foolish undertaking and its ultimate failure. The farmer thereby decided to slaughter the donkey, so he would forget everything about the matter and finally obtain a piece of mind.

An education is always greater than a manual labour. It makes us capable of evaluating each project at the outset, whether it is prudent or not, before the work is begun. But we should never neglect intelligence for physical power. For that by doing so we will follow the whims of someone else, and be the first one to suffer when it fails.

44. The Hamster

There was once a foolish and impulsive man, often heading from one thing to another in a careless way, never considering the consequences of his desires until it was too late. Now that man spent much time upon that in reading and watching fiction, but one of his favourite tale involved absurd character and his pet hamster. The man was often joking about the matter, in his own eccentric way, until he finally decided to get a hamster of his own. So the man went to a pet store in a city, but there was only one hamster available, an albino, which the man bought along with the necessary equipment. At first the man was very interested in the hamster, and often played with it in his hands. But not many days had passed when the man lost the interest, so he only attended to the hamster if it needed to be fed, the cage to be cleaned, at regular intervals.

At that time the man was working in a shrimp factory, where one week he needed to work during the night, while another week he needed to work during the day, and then that process would repeat itself. The man thereby needed to adjust accordingly, what time of the calendar day he needed sleep and wake up timely for the work. The hamster did however never comprehend this, but the hamster always behaved in the exact opposite way, sleeping while the man was awake, and keeping awake while the man was asleep. The hamster was constantly giving a loud noise from itself, which tended to interrupt and distract the man while he was trying to have some rest. First the hamster was always using the running wheel, so the man took it away. The next the hamster was always gnawing the bars of his cage, which put the man into a difficult position, since he did not know how to contain the hamster without it. This had been going on for some time, so the man became somewhat restless and unstable, not fresh enough while he was awake and not tired enough for a sleep.

It happened one night that the man could no longer restrain himself, but he wanted to make the hamster silent through any possible means, although without harming it. The man decided to take the hamster from the cage and put it atop a closet. So the hamster would become stranded there and unable to gnaw anything, while the man tried to sleep. But after a short while the man heard a dink in the room, so he went from the bed and began to inspect the room. The hamster was no longer atop the closet, but it had managed to get down to the floor, safe and sound. For the hamster had stationed itself between the wall and the back of the closet, sliding alongside it to the bottom.

But the man had now had enough, and he could no longer control himself, after so many weeks of sleepless incidents. So the man took the hamster, opened the window, and threw the hamster out, while proclaiming out loud that the hamster was now free. This is technically a correct statement, although a misleading one. The man lived in a basement, and the window was almost on level with the ground. The man had actually put the hamster softly on the ground, or dropped the hamster few centimetres down, so the hamster had not come to any harm, and would live on to bother someone else. From now on the man could rest when needed, and feel revitalized. And afterwards he invented an amazing story that he had really wanted to give the hamster a freedom, and that the hamster had managed to have a happy life in the wilderness.

A storyteller has often already made his opinion about everything, but he does afterwards invent stories in order to self-justify it. So the stories are not first made and then the message, but it is the other way around. And not all men are given the gift in handling the responsibility of a single hamster, even for all their good intentions. But such small animals can destroy the entire lives of those whom are not careful.

45. The Rabbits

Once upon a time there were rabbits that had a common home, but they lost it to other animals and became scattered to many places. It was still like the rabbits were always able to become prosperous, and often succeeded in things in which other animals could not do. So the rabbit tended to be envied by their neighbours, and were often persecuted in consequence. Many decades had passed, where generation had come and gone, so it seemed that rabbits were one of the animals, wherever they might be located.

But it happened there was a war between the tigers and the rest of the animals. The tigers had become too powerful and could not be stopped, unless that all the animals united under the same banner and used every available resource to win the war. In the end the tigers were defeated, and they were compelled to live under harsh conditions, excluded from the company of other animals and forbidden to defend themselves. These unfair terms had made the tigers indignant and furious, but they could not do otherwise but obey, at least for the time, until the tigers would regain their strength. The tigers could not have their revenge upon animals that were more powerful than them, so they began to look upon the rabbits as scapegoats to be preyed upon. It was like the tigers needed someone to hate, so they could share a unity of purpose. The rabbits were persecuted, robbed, and humiliated in any way possible, until the tigers had no longer any scruples about it, and began terminating the rabbits in a systematic way.

The taste of blood made the tigers become bolder, so they began to attack other animals as well, until another war was started between the tigers and all the animals in the forest. At first it seemed that the tigers were winning the war, but they made stupid mistakes that ruined their potential, so they lost everything in the end. But almost all the rabbits had been murdered, so the remaining ones were pitied by the animals. The animals decreed that the rabbits should be allowed to return to their original home, in which was meant to be the gathering place for all rabbits in the land, to live there in peace and safety. However that place was already inhabited by ferrets, and no animal bothered to consult first with them, whether they approved of the measures or not. The animals had given away a place in which they did not even own, so the ferrets were force to share their home with the rabbits, barely making room for everyone.

There was an uneasy relationship between the rabbits and the ferrets, but it still managed to work out in most matters, while there was a degree of mutual respect. However the new generations of rabbits were very different from the original settlers, because they considered themselves superior to all other animals and treated the ferrets with insolence. These rabbits would lay claim to everything and rob the ferrets of their homes, but then return only a portion of it back to the ferrets, as if they were being generous. The ferrets gathered together and pleaded their case to the other animals. But the animals still lived in the memory about the rabbit’s previous misfortune, so the animals neglected to do anything about the matter, fearing to be called tigers. So from now the new generations of rabbits would oppress the ferrets, and discriminate them as inferior beings, just like what the tigers had once done to the rabbit’s very parents. However the animals would continue to be hesitant and passive, fearing to upset completely different rabbits, which had nothing to do with the previous misfortune.

This story is dedicated to a specific conflict that does never seem to have any fair conclusion. A wrongdoing should always be condemned, regardless of that who is involved.

46. The Crab

There was once a crab that lived in the sea. The crab was often able to point other sea-creatures in the right direction, whereto the fishes should swim and the best way to do it. However the crab himself could not swim, but he could only walk sideways at the bottom. It happened one day that the crab was moving slowly between places, when a big fish appeared and was about to attack him. But just at that moment the same fish got swallowed by a bigger fish, and then it left, without taking any notice of the crab. The crab became very grateful over this lucky incident, believing that the whale had been watching over him and saved the crab from the peril. Therefore was the crab determined to become pious, by dedicating his whole life to the whale, seeking to become like the whale. The crab had never actually seen the whale in his own person, nor spoken to it, but the crab presumed that he first needed to prepare himself before the first contact.

Now the crab began to practice all kinds of things in the name of the whale, as what the crab expected what the whale wanted him to be and to achieve in its name, until the crab could finally prove himself in the whale’s eyes. The crab imagined that he would then finally be rewarded with fish fins, so that he could always swim with the whale. At first the crab would always force it upon himself to think about the whale during solitude, and constantly speak about the whale in the company of other sea-creatures, so that more sea-creatures could believe in the whale and become like the crab. Next the crab began to force it upon himself to starve and endure pain at regular intervals, and even deliberately humiliate himself among other sea-creatures, which was supposed to be some kind of self-inflicted punishments for his own frailty and mistakes. The crab would then force it upon himself to share company with evil sea-creatures, and constantly seek to help them, not because the crab actually wanted to do it, but the crab presumed that the whale wanted him to do it. It could also apply that crab was afraid of that in thinking wrong things, and he became ashamed of himself, so the crab presumed that his pious service would make all such things go away.

The crab had been doing his for a long time, but nothing ever changed in regard to his body, since the crab would continue to walk sideways and he could not swim. This constant strain was beginning to affect the crab’s health and stability, where he would be tired and distracted most of the time, unable to feel any peace and joy in his heart. But then it happened one day that the crab encountered the whale for the first time in his life, which was quite unlike anything which the crab had foreseen. The whale was passing by that place, completely silent and powerful in its force, not only swimming high up in the ocean but the whale also reached up to the surface. The whale was now gone, but it made a lasting impression upon the crab. For the whale’s silence had been more majestic than any sweet words that the crab had ever said. And no crab could imitate after the great force which followed the whale, nor be able to swim up to the surface, to a place where different rules applied than at the sea. From now on the crab would continue to be a crab and be contented with his lot, without ever attempting to be something else, since that only the whale knew how to be a whale.

It is entirely depended upon the divinity alone whether it chooses to reveal itself to us and redeem us. It has everything to do about the divinity’s grace and goodwill in caring for us. But we are never able to deserve the divine grace through our own human effort, because all our offerings prove to be just as imperfect as the person we already are.

47. The Giraffe

There was once a giraffe that towered above all other animals. The long neck reached up to trees, so the giraffe was accustomed to that in noticing and eating things in that height, while he was often unable to notice the small things that took place upon the ground. Now it happened that there were no longer any fruits remaining in the trees, so the giraffe was forced to look for food elsewhere, namely on the ground. Therefore was the giraffe bending his neck toward the ground and look around himself, but everything seemed to be so small or too close to his eyes, so the giraffe failed to make out what it was. The giraffe decided to watch how all the small animals lived, so that he could the next imitate after them, and hopefully have some success in feeding himself. But the giraffe had so long neck that it always got in the way, where he would accidentally bump his head into objects, get entangled in vines, or fail to grab food before someone else did, since the unwieldy neck made it hard to coordinate and respond.

There was also difficulty in communicating with other animals, because they were so small and seemed to whisper most of the time. The giraffe would often misunderstand that what the animals were saying to him, or what the answers implied, by making out only part of the sentence while it was failed to comprehend its meaning in whole. It could also happen that the small animals gave a good advice to the giraffe, but it did still the same only apply to their own lives, while it was unsuitable for big animals. The giraffe was now always making a fool out of himself, committing many mistakes and falling into accidents, since he had misunderstood everything about the approach. So that other animals began to scorn the giraffe and ridicule it as a fool, unable to achieve small and ordinary tasks, which they had been doing their entire lives. The giraffe began to have low self-esteem, and he could not focus upon the tasks at hand, while all the animals were watching him and censoring his every move. This is why the giraffe had ceased to make further attempts to support himself, but he rather chose to be idle and reclusive, even that he would starve in the process. For the giraffe thought that he would at least not make further mistakes, which he had to remember.

It however happened that the giraffe encountered one of his own kinds by chance. It puzzled the newcomer that the giraffe was so dejected in spirit, remaining idle on the ground, and lamenting his own lot. Thereby the newcomer asked the giraffe why he was so miserable, but not contented with his life. The giraffe replied by saying that he had hitherto failed to gather food from the ground, because of his long neck that always got in the way, and his inability in communicating with the small animals. But the newcomer merely smiled after hearing this, and encouraged the giraffe to be of good cheer. He claimed that the giraffe had not been given a long neck so it could bend down to the ground, but he was rather meant to reach up, for things high up in the trees. The small animals were on the other hand constrained to seek for small things upon the ground, because of their small size. Now this speech managed to comfort the giraffe, so he reverted back to his former self. The giraffe did thereby travel to another location where there was an abundance of fruits, and he never looked back.

It can happen that we are blessed with natural talents in spiritual matters, while we tend to be foolish in regard to earthly matters, although they are expendable to our needs. But we should still learn to be grateful. For it is preferable that every man can be a specialist in a few fields and support one another, rather than by being mediocre in all things.

48. The Squid

There was once a squid that lusted after females and only thought about seducing them. The squid presumed that it was the only true measure of happiness, because that everyone else seemed to have beautiful girlfriends, and would enjoy themselves while mating. Now it happened one day that all the squids gathered together for a breeding season, and became a hard struggle for that who obtained whom. For there were more males than females, so that some of them would be left out, and have to wait for the next season. The squid became so eager in chasing after every female that he spent too little time upon each one, so that he would always give up too soon and go for another instead. And the squid would never bother to know the female involved, nor what she had to say. But the squid merely changed the colours of his body in order to impress the female, as if she were only interested in such things above everything else.

The females began to notice that the squid disregarded everything which made each one unique and different from the rest, so the females would gave up on him and shunned further dealings. This made the squid feel dejected, although he tried to seem cheerful on the outside, imagining that the females were rejecting him because of his looks. So the squid gave up on further attempts in convincing the females in a direct way, but he instead sought to attack other males and humiliate them in front of their girlfriends. But even that the squid could achieve such victory then it did still never change anything, because these females would never leave their boyfriends for him. But all these girlfriends gathered together and attacked the squid simultaneously, so he became beaten and humiliated, and would from henceforth not dare to provoke them again.

The squid had now become so desperate that he decided to change his entire colours, and then pretend to be a female in appearance and manners. For that some of the males had more than one girlfriend, so they would seek to seduce him as well. But while doing it the squid could get near their girlfriend and mate with her at the same time. This method was as success, so the squid began to repeat it with other squids. This had been going on for some time and it seemed that the squid could always get away with it, without being ever discovered. But the males began to notice that their offspring’s were of two kinds, even that they belonged to the same mother. But that particular squid was the only one in the area that had similar colours as these offspring’s in question, so that everyone began to guess the truth about his guilt. So from now on the covetous squid would not only be rejected by females, but also by all the males.

We should not admire fornicators of their success and how it does reach to a moment of pleasure, since it does involve base means, degrading to them. It might at first seem that such faithless men are able to escape from the consequences and its responsibility. But it can still the same never be accomplished from within, in their very soul.

49. The Rhino

There was once a rhino that had always lived in the wilderness, free and happy among his own kin. It however happened one day that the rhino became captured by humans, after he had been isolated from the rest and entrapped. The rhino now found himself alone and abandoned, enslaved and encaged, and finally sold to a zoo in a distant land. On each day then new people would enter the zoo and watch the rhino in his prison, sometimes trying to give him food, sometime trying to stroke the rhino if he was near enough. The people only did so in order to cheer themselves upon in the rhino’s presence, so they would feel better about themselves after having been good to him. But nobody ever bothered to notice what the rhino felt about it, whether he had asked to be taken away or not, and separated from the rhinos that he had grown up with.

The people would continue to pay for tickets into the zoo, and then the owners would make use of that same profit to buy new animals, that had been entrapped by poachers. The zoo was centred about animals that lived in a prison and were all for show, while the people’s curiosity and kindness toward the animals upheld it. The rhino had become the favourite animal in the zoo, so that most people came to see him, while other animals received little attention and were neglected most of the time. The rhino noticed this fact, and that all the other animals were constantly being replaced by new ones, while he continued to stay and maintain his popularity. This made the rhino become depressed, because it seemed that he would never be given any freedom, and he was probably to blame what was happening to all the other animals.

But one day there appeared another rhino to the zoo, sharing the same place as the first rhino and also the sentiments about it. The new rhino would come to know the nature of this place and its history, concerning all the animals. The humans would never consent to that in setting the rhinos free, nor were the rhinos ever able to escape the cage through their own effort. Therefore the rhinos consulted with each other and decided to obtain freedom in the only possible way, that by dying. The rhinos waited until the zoo had been closed and there was night, and then they inflicted mortal wounds upon each other, so it would be guaranteed that both of them died in the end. The next day the zoo-keepers found the carcasses of the rhinos, and revealed the news to everyone. It was thereby held a memorial service on their behalf, where many people would mourn for the first rhino and offer him their respect, since the people had experienced such a good time with him (although that good memory was one-sided). And afterwards it was decided to bring another rhino to the zoo, to honour the memory of the rhinos had became before it, so that rhino was also taken away from his own kind.

This story condemns slavery in general, which should never be forced upon any human beings, regardless of that whether the owner seems to be kind and offering decent treatment. It would otherwise be encouraged the existence of slavery and upheld its practice, where the trivial matters seem to justify wickedness in the greater ones.

50. The Elephant

There was once a young elephant that lived among its kin, and he was innocent and sincere in everything. But at that time the humans were preparing for a war, which created a great demand for war-elephants that could be used scare and trample down the other side. One day the young elephant was playing with flowers, lost in his thoughts, when it happened that humans sprung up from an ambush and managed to capture him. The young elephant now found himself the possession of the human ruler, along with other elephants. All the elephant were subjected to a harsh training, which was supposed to make them into perfect killing-machines. But the elephants did not understand why they should be wrathful and attack an innocent target, without any provocation. The elephants were too gentle, and curious about other beings, so the humans responded by isolating the elephants from each other, and brainwashed every one.

This had been going on for a long time, where every elephant became indoctrinated by the humans, to behave like the humans, through fear of that in being punished. Finally the elephants were deemed old and ready enough to participate in a war, which was now finally started, and the elephants transported to the battlefield to come. At first the outcome of the battle seemed to be uncertain, until the other side released its war-elephants, which tended to destroy everything on their path. The elephant were like a living battering ram, crushing many enemies beneath their feet and knocking down the rest, or striking at both men and horses with their sharp tusks. But nobody was able to surpass the young elephant in fierceness, so he had been stationed the fighting was hardest, and succeeded in tipping the balance, with the most kills. The battle was won, thanks to the young elephant, so he was rewarded with a freedom. The elephant was thereby released in the wild, at the very same place where he had originally been taken. The elephant made his way back and managed to find his kin.

But many years had passed in the meantime, and the elephant was no longer young like the other elephants remembered him to be. The elephant had not only grown older and become fully mature, but his appearance had already changed considerably. The elephant had scars all over his body, and he was still covered in blood, that was not his own, since he had killed so many men and horses during the fateful battle. The other elephants became puzzled, uncertain whether it was truly the elephant they had once known, so they needed more proofs that the elephant was who he said he was. The elephant was indeed able to recollect many things that belonged to the past, namely what the elephants had experienced together and their personal information.

But the elephant still failed to confirm his former self, because he no longer knew what kind of person had once been and inclined to, before the humans brainwashed him. The elephant did instead brag about his achievements in the war, how many enemies he had killed, and in the most brutal way possible. However contrary to his expectations the other elephants did not admire him, but they did on the contrary abhor everything about it, as something unthinkable to their peaceful ways. The elephants no longer knew him, and no longer considered him to be one of them. So the elephant failed to convince them of his true identity, and got rejected in the process.

We have all been endowed with empathy and curiosity from our birth. It came naturally to us, even before we came under the influence of the world and knew what kind of place it was. But it is namely the ideology and doctrines of men in which corrupts our understanding, alienates us from each other, and makes us act contrary to nature.

51. The Tiger

There was once a tiger in the forest, which could not live on unless it was at the expense of someone else, since the tiger craved after meat above all other food. It happened one day that the tiger had killed a deer and was about to eat it, when a lion suddenly arrived to the scene, claiming the carcass for its own. The tiger and the lion had a fierce fight, but the lion came victorious out of it, while the tiger was wounded and forced to flee. The tiger became very angry over this incident, but he was still unable to challenge the lion, since the lion was a much better fighter. Therefore the tiger began to plot the lion’s downfall, and he began to consider other means to achieve it. After the tiger had thought the matter over then he decided get all the animals up against the lion, to rely upon their superior numbers. But the tiger first needed to earn the animal’s trust and convince them that the lion was a grave threat to them.

This is why the tiger would pretend to be good, at least while other animals were watching him. The tiger never attacked any innocent animal, nor did he taste any meat, even that he stumbled upon a carcass that was killed by another cause. And the tiger would even protect animals from other predators, and save many lives, even that the tiger had nothing to gain by it except their gratitude. But all of this meant to give the false impression that the tiger had a change of heart and repented of his former life. After some time had passed the tiger had made a name for himself, but the animals still differed in their opinions about him, whether the tiger was to be trusted or not. So the animals summoned him to their gathering place, to be evaluated by the owl, before it could finally be decided whether the tiger would be welcomed as one of them.

First the owl asked why the tiger had decided to stop hunting other animals. Then the tiger answered that he no longer wanted to eat meat, because it tasted bad. But this puzzled the owl, because it had nothing to do with friendly feeling for the animals. Next the owl asked what particular incident had made the tiger have a change of heart. Then the tiger replied that it happened when he saw the lion eat a meat, which was a repulsive sight, so the tiger no longer wanted to be like the lion. To the owl the tiger did not seem to give any direct answer, nor reveal what truly dwelt from within himself, but the tiger was only making use of irrelevant matters and scapegoats. The owl asked the tiger for the third, what the tiger thought about other animals, and what had been coming across his mind while the tiger was sparing their lives. Then the tiger answered that he had saved these animals so that their meat would not end in the lion’s stomach, in which would otherwise have made the lion more powerful.

After having received these answers the owl reached a decision, without bothering to come up with further questions. The owl now proclaimed to all the animals that the tiger had never changed, but his vicious nature remained the same. The tiger would continue to be just as dangerous, and not to be trusted in any circumstances, since the tiger would surely turn against them all of them when given the opportunity. Then the owl turned to the tiger and explained the reasons behind its verdict. The owl had come with three questions, and the tiger had always mentioned that of eating meat, although the context could be different in each answer. It was thereby like the tiger could not think of anything else, where he tended to implicate meat to everything and everyone, so it could only mean that the tiger was still a carnivore. Now the owl had finished speaking and the tiger could no longer keep up his pretence. The tiger suddenly leaped and made good his escape, while the animals were still recovering from their surprise, thereby giving further proofs of his guilty conscience.

Wicked men speak of wicked things through their corrupt mindset, like when it is treated the misfortunes of other people too lightly, prattled or jested about indecent things. For the wicked can mention abominable things in various context, and from different intentions, but it is still as equally wrong to give attention to such evil possibilities.

52. The Boar

There was once a boar that lived alone in the forest, and wanted to be left alone, so he would avoid contact with other animals as much as possible. It happened one day that a human traveller was sightseeing in the area, until both of them noticed each other from a distance. The boar did not show any sign of fear or anger in the human’s presence. But the boar was mostly indifferent, taking no further notice of the human while doing his business, walking here or there. After some time had passed the human left, and everything went back to normal. However the next day there appeared two human travellers, the same person the day before and one of its friends. It seemed that they had only come for the purpose of watching the boar, and in what way he lived. Now the humans did no longer stay back and watch the boar, but they also followed the boar everywhere, although keeping their distance and maintaining silence. The boar became a little bothered about this, but it was still not enough to affect his temper, since the humans did not actually attempt to contact him or provoke in any way.

The situation continued to escalate on the third day, because then appeared eight humans, consisting of the same person, its friends, and the friend’s friends. They would follow the boar like the day before, unless now the humans were making loud noise, constantly talking among themselves, making jokes and laughing. But it became even worse on the fourth day, because then appeared thirty humans, following the boar and making loud noise, unless now they were also taking flashy pictures with their cameras, which tended to blind the boar temporarily and startle him. This had already begun to irritate the boar and interrupt his daily business, but he was still hopeful that these humans would leave in the end and never come back. And the humans had never actually attacked the boar nor laid any claim on his home, so it was not like the boar was defending it from predators or fighting for his very survival. But everything changed on the fifth day, because now the humans would get too close to the boar, so they could touch him and give him something to eat. The humans began to encircle the boar, first from some distance and then they would gradually get closer. In the end the humans managed to trap the boar between themselves, but then one of them decided to be funny, by taking the boar by his ears and attempting to ride him. This was the final straw, so the boar became furious and went berserk, attacking everyone, until all of the humans had fled away in fear, either wounded in their body or pride.

After the boar calmed down then he regretted of having been driven to such extreme, but he was still the same contented with the results, in being finally rid of this annoyance. The boar could resume his peaceful life, where the boar would not trouble anyone, nor would anyone trouble him, so the outside world did no longer concern him. For couple of days then no human appeared, so it seemed that all of them had finally come to their senses, in leaving the boar alone. But then it happened all of a sudden that the boar became attacked by human hunters, whom had come for the purpose of killing him. For humans presumed that the boar was mad and a grave threat to them all, as if it was likely possibility that he would one day come to their settlement. These hunters were constantly shooting at the boar, but when one of them finally wounded the boar then he went berserk, forgetting all pain until they were driven off. But the boar did still the same decide to leave the forest and find a new home far away, since he was now wounded and not able to hold the humans off in the long run. The boar rebuked himself for own foolishness, in having tolerated the presence of the first human, since it was to the only effect in inviting everyone to his habitat.

Every error and mistake is a double waste of time. For we have not only wasted our effort upon that in creating a problem. But we do also need to invest time upon that in making up for it, in solving the problem and making it go away. And then finally can we be back at square one, when we needed to make a right decision before all of this happened.

53. The Gulls

There were once gulls that lived near the sea, and were always aggressive for any available food, even that it would be at the expense of other birds and their youngsters. The gulls would tend to gather together as one huge mob and attack everyone that came up their path, even that the victims were not doing anything to threaten them. And the gulls would often fight among themselves for the remains, causing more wounds and death to their own species than from all their enemies combined.

This ruthless competition had been going on for a long time, until no other birds were to be found in the area, having either been hunted to extinction or driven away by the gulls. There was no longer enough food to support all the gulls, so their numbers were gradually decreasing, although the gulls resorted to cannibalism to buy more time for those left. Finally the gulls decided that they needed new enemies to fight against, and new victims to prey upon, so they could again become united under the same banner. It was thereby planned to move more inland, until the gulls would find a prosperous place inhabited by many birds, which could then be claimed for their own.

The gulls managed indeed to find such a place, and then everything was put into effect, so the gulls went back to their former way of life, in thriving through other birds’ misfortunes. But it could be said that the gulls had too much of a success, and their victims offered too little resistance, so the gulls ate more but moved less in consequence. This made the gulls fat and lazy, so they were no longer in a good shape to fly and attack other birds. Later it happened that that the falcons arrived to the same place, and through similar reasons, as what had previously happened with the gulls. The gulls would now become a prey in turn, until the falcons had hunted them to extinction. So now the falcons were also fat and lazy, because of their recent prosperity. And not a long time had passed until the eagles arrived, and replaced the falcons. However since the eagles were on top of the food chain then they had nothing to fear from other birds. But they did still the same fall in the end, through overeating and diseases.

There is never any ultimate victor in the battle for the supreme power, with its wealth and luxury. For the victor does tend to repeat the vices and weaknesses of the defeated ones, that came before him and once possessed the supreme power. In the end he will fall prey to someone else, who has still not been corrupted by such prosperity.

54. The Fish

There was once a little fish that greatly admired the dolphins, for being so kind in their nature, friendly to other sea-creatures, and often playing light hearted jokes to cheer themselves up. But the fish hated the killer whales for being always so aggressive to everyone, as if the killer whales were waging war against the entire sea. The little fish finally amassed enough courage to ask the dolphin the question of his life, namely whether the dolphins would accept him into their company, and teach him to be like them. The dolphins agreed to the proposal, as if they were gladder about it than the fish himself, so he would from now on begin to follow them to any place.

In the first few days the fish had a great fun with the dolphins, while they were travelling to many exotic places and visiting other sea-creatures. But everything changed after the dolphins came back home, and were now only among their own kind. Then the dolphins revealed an entirely different side in them, because they would quarrel and fight amongst themselves, often for no apparent reason. And the dolphins would even neglect their own children, and sometimes humiliate them, only because they revealed a sign of weakness, or did not seem to be tough enough. However if the dolphins were going outside then they would all become kind and friendly again, at least while they were having company with other sea-creatures, or while being watched by them. It thereby seemed like everything was right about the dolphins’ lives, so long as nobody was invited to their home, or not too intimate with them. This is why the little fish no longer wanted to be one of the dolphins, because the dolphins were worst to their own kind, while being noble and generous to strangers.

But the little fish did not get the chance to confront the dolphins about the matter. For it happened that many killer whales appeared out of nowhere, and the dolphins instantly fled, while the little fish failed to keep up with them and found himself abandoned. The killer whales did however decide to spare the little fish, and they even allowed him to stay with them, although he was not allowed to go too far. Now contrary to the little fish’s expectations the killer whales treated him in a magnanimous way, sharing everything with him and never showing the little fish any disrespect. And it amazed the little fish how noble and altruistic the killer whales were among themselves, since they were always of one mind in everything, and humble in their treatment of each other. The killer whales were more concerned about that in being generous, than by receiving the same thing. And if a killer whale was experiencing a distress then the other whales would be eager to offer help, or those living in a distress would stand aside and make room for someone else to receive it first.

Therefore was the little fish beginning to admire the killer whales, so that he now wanted to become like them. But everything changed after the killer whales left their home and encountered other sea-creatures. For the killer whales would now wreak havoc and treat everyone with cruelty, often prolonging the humiliation and suffering of the victim before it was finally eaten. So the little fish became repulsed by this sight, just like what had applied with the dolphins while they were all by themselves. There was now a great chaos, where everyone was making sudden and rapid moves. So the killer whales forgot all about the little fish, and he managed to escape. The little fish decided to return to his own kin, and continue to be a normal fish. The little fish was now more willing to accept other sea-creatures as they were, for being neither good nor bad in anything, but rather indifferent and harmless to the ocean.

Most of the human people have their good and a bad side, whether it does involve dealings with the closest kin and strangers, or in what way solitude and human relations can affect them. The man can go very far in impressing strangers and in exploring the unknown, while he tends to neglect his own friends and what is already known.

55. The Whale

There was once a blue whale, which considered himself to be the mightiest being of the sea. It happened one day that the blue whale needed to get up to the surface, to expel air through his blowhole and get fresh supplies. However at the surface the blue whale came across fishing vessel of similar size, in which had its bottom painted in blue colour. It thereby gave the false impression that the ship was a whale like himself, so the blue whale tried to communicate with it, making all kinds of gestures and sounds. But it was to no avail, and the blue whale began to get angry. For the blue whale first presumed that the stranger was deliberately shunning him, whatever these reasons might be. And after some time had passed then blue whale felt like he was being mocked, and then finally provoked into a fight, because of the uncomfortable silence.

The blue whale thereby began to attack the fishing vessel, repeatedly crashing upon it, hoping that he could force apology from the stranger. So the fishing vessel was in a danger of being sunk, and the men on board became fearful of their lives. But then a lucky incident happened to improve the situation, before anyone ever came to harm. For that other whales were in the neighbourhood, becoming aware of the disturbance in the ocean, in which resulted from the fight. These whales managed to arrive in time, and asked the blue whale the reasons behind his aggressive behaviour. After hearing this the blue whale decided to take a break and made no further attacks, since the fishing vessel was either way not going anywhere, nor trying to fight back. The blue whale calmed down and began to explain himself, how he had tried to be friendly and courteous to the other blue whale, but had only been shown disrespect every time.

But when the whales came to know his story they became surprised, that he had actually presumed this human device to be a blue whale like himself. For these whales were accustomed to that in seeing ships and the men on board, so they knew that the ship was not actually a living being, and it thereby explained its utter lack of response. The whales did however have trouble in convincing the blue whale about the truth, since he did not take their words at face value, but demanded proofs, concrete ones. At first the blue whale thought that their tale did not seem to make any sense, because that supposable ship was of similar size and colours as himself, and floating upon the surface. So it seemed that the ship in question fulfilled all requirements in being a blue whale, and there was no other sea-creature which came even close.

Then one of the whale thought of a clever solution, which managed to disprove the ship as a living being. It was pointed to the fact that a blue whale needed to come up to the surface, to get some fresh air. However while doing it then the majority of his body was under the sea, since he was a sea creature, but not one living upon land or in the air. It was exactly the opposite thing that applied to the ship in question. For the majority of the ship was above the sea, like it was merely floating, while the ship could not actually swim or dive deeper into the sea. Therefore could that ship not be alive, or was at least not a blue whale like him. After hearing this argument the blue whale became convinced about his error, so he left the ship and went away with them.

We should not become depressed or bitter when the mind does only mention the bad things about our past, interprets everything to the worse, or as a personal affront to us. All memories and imaginations are lies, having no concrete existence, nor rightful claim. So we should not seek for answers upon a wrong basis, as if the mind could provide them.

56. The Octopus

There was once an octopus that was always afraid, mostly of that in experiencing unknown circumstances, imagining that then he would not know what to do or be prone to accident. This is why the octopus tended to isolate him from everything and everyone. It happened one day there was a female octopus in the neighbourhood, looking for a suitable hiding place to breed children, so she came across the timid octopus by a chance. The timid octopus was at first hesitant, but curiosity got the better of him, what the female was actually doing in these parts. The female did however never say anything, but she continued to look around, and finally sat down at the place of her choice. Then the female broke her silence and asked the octopus to stand guard outside her nest, while she would lay eggs and care for them. The timid octopus was either meant to drive away all intruders, or act as a decoy, to be targeted instead.

It seemed that the female octopus had already taken her request for granted, even before the timid had given an answer. But he still began to act accordingly, although unsure of himself, since he was afraid of committing mistake that could lead to disaster. However everything changed after the octopus had grown accustomed to that in seeing the eggs, in blowing upon them, and caring for them. The timid octopus forgot everything about himself and his fears, while he loved the eggs as one of his own. When some time had passed the eggs hatched and out came many little octopuses, so the octopus became excited and turned to the female, wishing to rejoice with her. But the female was now too weak to respond, seemingly rather indifferent about the matter. She had sacrificed most of her energy and transferred it to the eggs, so that she would now die and be forgotten, while the children would continue her legacy.

The octopus became very sad about the matter, and he wondered whether the breeding of children was really worth the effort, since it guaranteed the death of the parent. He was beginning to contemplate whether he should revert to his old life and its solitude. But everything became dispelled by looking upon the little octopuses, in caring for and playing with them, so the octopus became bolder in doing things for their sake. The octopus no longer wanted to live forever, by isolating himself and avoiding all kinds of dangers, but he did instead want to live and die for the children. The little octopuses would grow up and later become mature enough to have own families. It was true that the old octopus had not been their true father, but he had still acted like it, and encouraged the octopuses to treat their children with the same affection.

In this world life and death are intertwined with each other. If everyone would live forever then it would make the earth overcrowded, at the expense of the next generations. It is like the human people have the ability to have children in return for their own mortality, but the mutual love within families does still make our lives worth living.

57. The Walrus

There was once a walrus which was considered to have the greatest tusks among his own kind. If the walrus community needed to make a decision then he would seem to be superior to everyone else, since the walrus would always show his tusks to reassert his authority. It happened one day that that an oil ship sunk near their home, and it did no longer become habitable, since that oil covered everything and would stick to anyone. The walruses thereby had a heated discussion about the matter, whether they should stay and try to hang on, or abandon the place and look for a new home elsewhere. But the walrus with the great tusks became fearful about moving away, since they could perhaps discover other walruses, where one of them might have bigger tusks than himself. Therefore could he loose his pre-eminence, and become like everyone else. This is why that walrus made another proposal, by volunteering to go out to the world and find someone whom could help the walrus community recover itself.

The other walruses did not know his ulterior motives, but they did eagerly accept the proposal and praised that walrus as their champion. So the walrus set out, exploring both sea and land, discovering all kinds of new creatures and inquiring news from them. It did however happen that the walrus was travelling upon an island, or an iceberg looking like an island, when he became encircled and attacked by human hunters. The walrus tried to threaten them with his great tusks, but to no avail, since the humans kept their distance and were throwing nets over the walrus, to entrap him. But the human hunters had been so occupied in capturing the walrus that they neglected to look around, until a white bear had managed to surprise them from the rear. The human hunters became so afraid that they immediately ran away, leaving behind their bag packs, full of provisions, along with the walrus, still entangled in the nets. The white bear did not seem to take any further notice of the walrus, as if the walrus was not threatening or tasty enough. But the white bear merely ate the food from the bag packs, and then went off. The walrus was compelled to get released by his own effort.

After this the walrus continued to travel, until he actually arrived to the mainland, wherever that might be. There he came across a group of turtles being attacked by wolves. The walrus decided to intervene in order to save the turtles, so he jumped into their midst and began to threaten the wolves with his great tusks. But the wolves then merely avoid the walrus from the front, where he was prepared, while they were constantly trying to attack him from the sides or the rear, often simultaneously. And the walrus was unable to attack any wolf head on, because the target would then merely retreat and avoid contact, until the walrus gave up the chase, only to reappear afterwards. Such an evasive battle was beginning to tire out the walrus, and he felt just as helpless as the turtles, which he had tried to save in the first place. But then the turtles gathered around the walrus, and covered him entirely with their shells, while also keeping themselves inside. The wolves were unable to penetrate the shield wall, so they gave up in the end and left the scene. It was thereby wholly thanks to the turtles that everyone got saved, while the walrus had not even used his tusks.

The walrus was wounded in his pride and embarrassed, but he did still the same thank the turtles for saving his life. Next the walrus began to explain his mission, and asked the turtles whether they knew somebody that was capable of helping him. The turtles did then advise the walrus to look for a white seal, which was considered to be old enough to possess most experience and wisdom among all beings. So the walrus set out to find the white seal, according to the turtles’ directions, and managed to find it in the end, in a remote cavern that could only be reached under water. The walrus began to explain his mission to the white seal, and everything that had befallen him during the travel. So the walrus waited for the white seal to offer him a solution to the question, whether the walrus community would be able to stay and recover itself, or be forced to look a for a new home. But to the walrus’ surprise the white seal evaded that question, but instead asked the walrus why he had actually proposed and volunteered for this quest. Then the walrus answered truthfully that he had the greatest tusks among his own kind, and he was afraid of loosing that prestige in a new place. However when the white seal heard the answer then it smiled and remarked that the walrus had too much faith in his tusks, even that the tusks had never benefited him during the travel. Therefore should the walrus forget everything about the tusk and his prestige, and rather submit to the obvious answer, in looking for a new home. After hearing this the walrus was forced to acknowledge the truth about himself and his mission, so he returned back to his own kind and did what was expedient.

We should not rely too much upon transient things, unrelated to our spirit and it’s potential. It does not matter what is our physical appearance, background, ancestry, and gender. For that our tasks do most of the time call for determination and sound judgment, whether we are willing to undertake a task and able to complete it in an efficient way.

58. The Scorpion

There was once a scorpion which could not bear the sunlight, but he instead travelled during the night. The scorpion had more than enough of food, but he still felt lonely most of the time. Now it happened one night that the scorpion came across female scorpion for the first time in his life, although not up close. The scorpion could indeed see her shape, but not the details of everything, since it was too dark outside. He did still the same think that this female was the most beautiful being that he had ever seen, so he became instantly charmed by her and wanted to talk to her as soon as possible. But the female scorpion had not noticed him, and then she vanished all of a sudden, having moved somewhere else. After this incident the scorpion could not think of anything else but the female, so he was indeed in love but he feared that she would not love him in turn. Therefore was the scorpion constantly shifting from fear to hope, without reaching any conclusion, at least until he would be able to meet up with her again.

Some days later the scorpion indeed managed to find the female, and reveal his presence to her. The scorpion began courting her, by professing his undying love, making many beautiful promises that he intended to keep, in sharing everything with her. But the scorpion was rather crude and simple in his manners, unaccustomed to this kind of game, so he did not know what the female wanted or how to appeal to her. The scorpion was too eager to impress the female, in getting her to like him, by saying all kinds of things that he guessed she wanted to her. But it tended to overreach itself and seem too forced. So the female lost interest in him, and moved past the scorpion, without giving him further regard. The scorpion experienced what it was to be rejected, by the very same person he esteemed most above everything, so it made him feel miserable. The scorpion became lost in thought, too distracted to eat, and too tired to sleep, so it seemed like it was only a matter of time until he would have a mental breakdown.

The scorpion was already beginning to consider throwing his life away, since that he no longer had anything worth living for, and only wanted to be rid of his misery. But then an unexpected turn of event remedied the situation, and led to a happy outcome. For the scorpion was experiencing sleep deprivation, so that he was now both awake during the day and the night, even that he had a hard time enduring the sunlight. Then it happened that the scorpion saw the very same female with another scorpion, which she had obviously chosen to be her lover, and was now mating with. But the female scorpion was of a much bigger size than the male, and she was more intimidating to look upon, when the sunlight revealed every detail about her body. After the female and her lover had successfully mated then an incredible thing happened. The female already had the male firmly in her grasp, and then she did all of sudden bite his head off, so that he got instantly killed and devoured by her. This was indeed a horrid sight, but it still managed to benefit the unhappy scorpion. For the scorpion thanked the heavens for having liberated him from his own desires, since if these desires had been fulfilled then it would surely have meant the end of him.

Where there is carnal desire there is also an obsession for pleasure, and a blind affection. But its distraction will only deprive us of even greater things from within ourselves. We can become so self-absorbed in dwelling upon our whims that we completely neglect to know the person involved, whether it does actually prove to be good or bad.

59. The Shark

There was once a shark which tended to be a great bully, constantly oppressing smaller fishes and demanding pay for his protection, in which was nothing more than blackmail. This had been going on for a long time and all the little fishes had already had enough, so they turned to other predators of the sea and hired them as mercenaries. The piranha fishes were the first ones in agreeing to the proposal, mainly because they had never encountered a shark in their life, and were ignorant of his strength. It thereby happened that the piranha fishes made a surprise attack against the shark, so they managed to bite his body from all possible angles, and inflict many wounds. For a time then it is seemed that the shark was loosing the battle, but after smelling his own blood the shark went berserk, and became invincible in consequence. Most of the piranha fishes got killed, and the rest were driven away wounded.

So the little fishes were again compelled to seek for outside help, which in this case would turn out to be a killer whale, also known for being a ferocious bully. The killer whale would approach the shark in a straightforward way and demand a challenge, as if both of them were fighting upon equal terms and relying upon strength alone. The killer whale and the shark began crashing upon each other, and only wrestled with the force of their heavy bodies, but neither one of them tried to bite the other. The fight turned out to be a stalemate, where they could no longer go forward or retreat, but they were indeed equals in power and valour. Both of them began to respect each other as a worthy opponent, so they decided to take a break and have a friendly talk. The killer whale and the shark got to know each other, and discovered that they shared many things, since they were both bullies and vicious brawlers. Both of them became friends, and made an alliance, dividing the ocean into two respective territories, and laying claims to the fish dwelling there, to prevent a conflict of interest. After having agreed to this the killer promised to stay in touch, and left the scene.

The killer whale had already told the shark that the little fishes had hired his service, so that the shark could either be killed or driven away from their territory. The shark could not contain his wrath, over the fact that the little fishes had gone behind his back and challenged his authority, so he wanted to make a harsh example out of them all. Therefore the shark began to attack and kill anyone on sight, not even bothering to stay in order to eat the carcass, but he only wanted to destroy for its own sake. Now most of the little fishes were only concerned about saving themselves, as if nothing else mattered in the situation, so they tended to overcrowd and get in the way of each other. But there was a puffer fish that was unable to swim fast enough to escape in time, so the puffer fish rather decided to stand its ground and die with honour. The shark appeared and attacked the puffer fish, seeking to chew it in his mouth and then later spit it out. But then the puffer fish got all blown up, in which multiplied its size and the body became covered in poisonous spikes. It was not known whether the shark had actually choked to death, or died from the poison. But everyone agreed that the puffer fish was the real hero, having made a noble sacrifice for them.

When it is fought against the evilness then it must always be done in a selfless way, rather than by being stationed upon the evil basis and relying upon similar evil against it. The evilness does thrive upon every concern for our self-preservation. But it does become nullified by altruism, when we are willing to suffer for doing the right thing.

60. The Dolphin

There was once a dolphin that was kind and helpful to everyone she met with, even that the dolphin had nothing to gain by it, except the gratitude of the recipients. Therefore was the dolphin well liked and popular among the sea-creatures, where her mere presence would often cheer them up, since the dolphin was light-hearted and generous. It however happened one day the dolphin stumbled upon a human diver, which aroused her curiosity. So the dolphin began to follow the human everywhere, even back to the beach, where many people were gathered and enjoying the sunlight. At first the people did not seem to notice the dolphin, while she was only having her head above the water. The dolphin wanted to be their friends, so she began playing all kinds of stunts and tricks, in which was supposed to get the people’s attention. That show became successful, because the people would get excited about it, often clapping their hands and cheering for the dolphin, while sometimes rewarding her with food.

This had been going on for many days, and it seemed that the dolphin had managed to win the people’s affection and fit in with them, thereby belonging to their group. But the problem was that the people were constantly encouraging the dolphin to come up with yet another trick, something new that they had hitherto not witnessed. And this had escalated with the time, where the people no longer asked politely for it nor appreciated it afterwards. But the people demanded more tricks, and dared the dolphin to do it, because the people would otherwise not reward her with attention or food. The dolphin was getting very tired from this constant performance, and she could no longer think of any new trick, so the dolphin began to repeat the old ones. This however only made the people angry and disappointed with the dolphin, so they began to boo at the dolphin, call her names, and throw junk at her. This made the dolphin sad, because she had presumed that the people were her friends. But the dolphin did still the same try to prove herself in the eyes of the people, and recover their esteem.

All further attempts did however fail as well, because the humans did no longer care for the dolphin or what she could do for them, having already seen all the tricks. The dolphin was driven away from the beach, but she did still the same keep close to it, hoping that the humans would one day take her back and show more concern. The dolphin waited and waited, until many days had passed, but nothing ever changed in the situation, since the humans never sent a diver to escort the dolphin back. So the dolphin gave up in the end and returned back to her home, where she had always lived. However when the sea-creatures saw that the dolphin was back then they all gave her a friendly reception, even before the dolphin had actually said or done anything. The sea-creatures gathered around the dolphin and became glad in her presence, interested in the dolphin as person, and curious what she felt about everything. But the sea-creatures never asked the dolphin to make any stunts or tricks for them, since it did not even cross their mind. Therefore the dolphin found herself again among true friends, so she became light-hearted and happy with everything in her life.

We should not seek to please everyone, nor attempt to prove ourselves in the eyes of those that do not appreciate our company. It is only sufficient to cultivate relationship with those that do already love us in an unconditional way, and receive us just the way we are.

61. The Killer Whale

There was once a killer whale that always desired to be the best in all things, regardless of the means. But the killer whale could not bear any defeat, in loosing to someone else, since that he would otherwise take it too personally and become angry. It happened one day there was held a contest in the sea, which was meant to decide who would become the champion of the sea-creatures, in defending them from the fishermen. There were three contenders, the killer whale, a shark, and a dolphin, and they would undergo tests that would determine their physical fitness and resource-fullness. The first test manifested itself in a long-distance swimming. It did first seem that three were equals in speed, but soon the killer whale and the shark became gradually slower, while the dolphin maintained the same speed to the very end. But the killer whale did still the same manage to cheat his way to victory, by taking a detour and reappearing on the proper path shortly before the finishing line. This trick managed to work because the spectators were only stationed where the race began and ended, while the dolphin lacked certainty whether the killer whale had passed by it or not.

The second test was meant to reveal the best fighter among the three. The killer whale and the shark had an easy time in overcoming the dolphin, so they would next fight each other. The fight began and the shark was slowly getting the better of the killer whale, so it was only a matter of time until the killer whale became too tired to continue. The killer whale did thereby decide to cheat, by stroking the shark on its nose, thereby promoting tonic immobility, so the shark became unconscious for some time. Nobody knew what had happened, why the shark had become immobile all of a sudden, but everyone thought that the shark had lost his nerve and become too hesitant. The third and the final test consisted in a difficult riddle, to determine who was the wisest among the three. The killer whale did not have a clue what the answer could be, but he decided instead to wait and hear what the shark and the dolphin had to say. For the shark answered and was incorrect, but it did still the same exclude that wrong answer. Next the dolphin answered and was almost correct, unless it misspoke one of the letters in the word. Thereby the killer whale grabbed the opportunity and imitated after the dolphin’s answer, unless that he managed to pronounce it perfectly. So now the killer whale had managed to win all three tests, and was thereby declared the champion.

This made the killer whale become proud and boastful, so he belittled the threat from the fishermen and claimed that he could solve the issue with a minimum effort. The next day the killer whale set out and found the fishermen in their vessel, so the killer whale began to attack the ship in any conceivable way. The killer whale tried to crash upon the ship, and to bite the hull, although without any success, and the killer whale only harmed himself in the process. But the killer whale would continue to repeat the same approach, to the same effects, until he collapsed and died from his wounds. The champion had killed himself, while the fishermen had only sat and watched. So the danger remained from the fishermen, and there was a need for a new champion. But this time the dolphin and the shark were sent together, as two equal champions, and they did indeed manage to drive the fishermen away, through more clever means. The dolphin and the shark had originally lost the contest to the killer whale, but they had still the same been worthy of the position, and lived up to its demands.

It does never work to cheat through tests or training, by exploiting irrelevant elements to obtain a victory. For the cheater will still continue to be as equally incompetent in the real challenges, which such exercises are meant to reflect and prepare him for. He will learn nothing from his victories, what needs to be changed or improved in the approach.

62. The Panda

There was once a panda that had a peaceful life in the forest, and never bothered anyone. At that time there was a war between the predators and all other animals, whether it was through long lasting enmity, or greed for the remaining resources in the forest. The panda was the only animal which had stood aside and picked neither faction, nor had the panda any opinions about the war in general, but only kept to his own business. However when time had passed then the war reached a stalemate, and involved similar casualty on both sides, so that both faction had nothing to gain by resuming the war. But neither side trusted the other, being cynical about everything, so it was proposed that the panda would act as a diplomat and intermediary between them. The panda was at first reluctant to accept the proposal, presuming that nothing good would ever come from it, but both sides would only end up dissatisfied with him. But the panda was promised great rewards for his involvement, so he yielded at last.

The panda went first to the predators and asked them what kind of terms they would offer to the other side, since that most animals agreed that they had caused the war. But the predators were too proud and refused to have the initiative, since it would otherwise make them seem weak and too eager for peace. Therefore was the panda forced to go to the other faction, and he came up with the same question. Those animals were sincere in their heart, where they wanted to conclude the war in a fair and reasonable way, so they came up with terms that were considered decent to the predators. However when the panda came back to the predators then they refused to accept the terms, because the other side has treated the predators as equals, but not as the superior ones. The predators did thereby come up with counterclaims, where they demanded that the other animals should fall on the ground and beg for peace in a humiliating way. The predators were also meant to get more territories and reparations in comparison to the other side, as if the predators had been winning the war the entire time. The panda was now beginning to be weary of the predators, but still continued with his duty.

So the panda went back to the other faction and told the animals about the counterclaim. The animals would never yield to such dishonourable terms, but they changed their own proposal, to make it more appealing to the predators. It was stated that the predators could keep the territories which they had conquered during the war, even that it had always belonged to the other side. But the inhabitants would be allowed to abandon these territories, and be united with the rest of the animals. The panda thought that these were generous terms, so he went back to the predators. When the predators heard the proposal then they were unable to criticize anything about it, but they were still unwilling to accept it. For the predators hated the fact that the other animals had made the perfect peace proposal, but not their own side. And the other animals had also treated the predators in a generous way, more than they actually deserved. Therefore were the predators afraid of the public opinion, that the other side would be praised for the peace terms, and that the predators would be indebted to their benefactors. So the predators invented some lame excuse, and rejected the peace proposal.

But this was the last straw, so the panda lost all patience with the predators. He now went to the other faction, and told his own personal opinion about the whole matter. It would not matter what the animals could do on their behalf, because the predators were already adverse to peace, full of ulterior motives and self-conceit. Therefore should the animals not seek to perfect the peace proposal, with these or those changes, but they should first humble the predators’ pride and dispel their self-deception. So the panda convinced the animals to wage total war, until it would be crushed all resistance, and then afterwards could it be offered peace terms to the predators.

It is not because of these or those incidents that it is failed to establish peace. But it is always originated in the human will, in not desiring after peace or deliberately hindering it. The man had already made a decision, and then afterwards found fault with everything.

63. The Arctic terns

There were once arctic terns that lived in a small community, where everyone gossiped about their neighbour and were suspicious of strangers. The arctic terns were also adverse of all changes and innovations, since they wanted the place to remain the same. It happened that the arctic terns needed to travel south before the winter, and find a hotter place, but they intended to return back in the spring as usual. But in the meantime the favourite place became inhabited by ptarmigans, exactly through the opposite reasons. The ptarmigans were ignorant that the place belonged to the arctic terns, and the ptarmigans were not even aware about their existence. The ptarmigans had no trouble in adapting to the place, and in fulfilling their needs. But the ptarmigans also improved everything about the habitat, planting and filling it with new life, so it was now like a paradise on earth. Still the ptarmigans only stayed during the winter, while they sought for a colder place in the spring, shortly before the arctic terns arrived.

When the artic terns reappeared then they became amazed by everything that they saw, since it seemed that their favourite place was entirely different, and only to the better. The arctic terns asked themselves whether they were actually lost and at another location, or whether all their reverence for the old customs had finally paid off. For the arctic terns presumed that they were being rewarded by the heavens, and experiencing a miracle, in which had everything to do about their sense of duty and obligations. However when some time had passed then the arctic terns failed to uphold the beauty of the place, along with its life, so the place became gradually worse. The arctic terns began to experience lack of provisions, and the environment was filthy to look upon, since there was waste everywhere, along with decayed plants and holes. Therefore the arctic terns proclaimed that they should all fast and offer sacrifices to the heavens, hoping to appease its wrath and get rid of all their troubles. But nothing ever changed, so the arctic terns needed to endure lack throughout the summer.

Then the arctic terns left, and the ptarmigans appeared shortly after. So the same process continued to repeat itself, unless it turned out differently in the end. It did namely happen that the oncoming spring was neither hot nor cold, so the ptarmigans stayed longer in that place, while the arctic terns came earlier than usual. The ptarmigans and the arctic terns encountered each other for the first time. Now the ptarmigans were compassionate and tolerant, so they welcomed the artic terns with open arms, as if the arctic terns were strangers to that place, and seeking for a refuge. But the arctic terns misunderstood the situation and became furious with wrath, presuming that the ptarmigans were usurpers, having deliberately robbed them of the place. The artic terns did not stop to inquire further into the matter, but they immediately attacked the ptarmigans, killing most of them while driving the rest away. Afterwards the arctic terns held a thank offering to the heavens, to rejoice over their just victory over the transgressors, and of having yet again been blessed with a prosperous place. It would however not last for long, but the place was doomed to a certain ruin.

It is the noble few that make great discoveries, inventions, and reforms for the society. For they have already received grace from the divinity and been endowed with spiritual gifts. But the senseless mob feels threatened by such men and persecutes them, while clinging to its empty traditions, even that the original lawgivers were like the victims.

64. The Ptarmigan

There was once a ptarmigan that lived in a secret place in the mountains. There was an abundance of food, but nobody to share it with, since it was only known to the ptarmigan. It however happened one day that a sparrow was fleeing from a falcon, desperately looking around, and trying to find a suitable hiding place. The sparrow found this very same place by a chance, and would come to realize its significance after the falcon left. When the ptarmigan came to know about this newcomer then he was at first hesitant, fearing for the future, but he was still the same forced to accept the sparrow. It was not only because the sparrow could encounter the falcon again, but the ptarmigan also wanted to contain the sparrow in this place, and thereby the secret with it. The ptarmigan was otherwise afraid that the sparrow would become upset, then go away and babble the secret to everyone, so that more birds would arrive in consequence.

But not many days has passed when the sparrow left the place all of a sudden, and it later returned with another sparrow, one of its best friends. When the ptarmigan learned of this then he became indignant, because the sparrow had not asked for any permission, before or after the act. The ptarmigan thereby rebuked the sparrow, and made it promise him that this would not happen again, at least not without his consent. So the matter was concluded, and life seemed to go back to normal. However the other sparrow came to know how blissful this place was, that there was an abundance of food and total security. That sparrow began to think it was a shame that this place could not be enjoyed by anyone else, especially its own kind. The new sparrow did thereby decide to leave and bring back all the sparrows in the area. So the same process began to repeat itself, where more birds would arrive to the place and make it their own, while the ptarmigan came to know of it afterwards and could only rebuke the bird at fault.

The ptarmigan did still the same begin to make new rules for the inhabitants, which was meant to make everyone cautious, and to guarantee further secrecy of the place. Some of the birds were meant to stand watch and spot any predators from a distance. It could then be warned all the birds, so they would either hide or stay silent the entire time. This arrangement had hitherto been working well, because the predators never suspected that this place was a refuge, and nobody ever came to harm. But this very same success made the birds become over-confident and careless, so they would no longer do what was asked of them, or constantly delay to do it in time. What made things worse was that other species came to know of this place, because the inhabitants only showed caution while the predators were nearby, but not in regard to other birds. Most of the time the inhabitants were flying around and calling to each other, but they only took a small break to deceive the predators, as if it was a mere exception of the day. The mountains had now become the gathering place of every bird species, except for the predators, so the surrounding area became abandoned and desolate.

The predators came to know of this fact, and they began to suspect the truth, namely that a secret place was somewhere in the neighbourhood, where most of the birds were hiding. So the predators began to follow the trail that the birds had left, which all pointed to the same destination, regardless of the origins, or the previous homes. After some effort the predators finally discovered the mountains, and had them surrounded, while the predators were examining the environment and planning their next move. It then happened that the inhabitants began to reveal themselves, where their bright feathers were in utter contrast to dark colours of the surroundings, where their loud noises echoed in the mountains, and the birds flew in big groups around the area. The mountains were no longer a secret hiding place, but it was just as exposed as any other place, and even more so. For the area was overcrowded with birds, so many different species with different languages, in which united into one great gibberish. The birds often had difficulty in communicating with each other, or had to repeat everything, because of the many loud simultaneous noises from other species. This place did thereby become a death-trap, a common grave to all the birds, since they did not become aware of the predators until it was too late, and everyone were killed. The ptarmigan was the only bird to survive, because he had long ago left the mountains and now dwelt elsewhere. So he was not even present during the massacre.

This story applies to globalization. It does namely tend to unite the delusions and errors from all cultures, while it is lost the strong factors that belonged to a pure one. There are so many ideas and customs in which contradict to each other. So it promotes lack of conviction in the individual, and a failure in upholding a moral standard.

65. The Swan

There was once a swan, which was considered to be a bad singer among his own kind. There was actually nothing wrong with the voice while the swan was alone, but he tended to become stressed in the company of other swans, so he would stutter and stammer. It happened one day that the same swan became captured alive by a human, in which took the swan to his home, and kept that bird in a cage, to be cooked later on. The swan expected as much, acknowledging that it was the end of him, so the only thing left was to make peace with the heaven and have one last song. The swan began to sing about his life and the swans that he loved, being grateful for everything, and just glad that nobody else came to harm, so the swan was now prepared to die contented.

This was indeed the most beautiful song that had ever been made by a swan. Now that man had two children, a boy and a girl, whom were playing elsewhere in the house. They heard the song and came to inspect who was the singer, discovering the swan in the cage. To the children then this beautiful song reminded them of some far and dreamy place, a magical one, in which was pure in innocence and goodwill. The children began to remember their infancy, while their mother was still alive and held them in their bosom. At that time then it was only enough to love and be loved, while the cares of the world did not seem to matter, or the infants were not even aware of them. The father had gone outside in the meantime, so he had not heard the song in question. He now came back, and was going to take the swan out of the cage, to kill and cook him. But then the children intervened on the swan’s behalf, appealing to their father to show mercy, because the swan was a great singer, and it reminded them of their mother. So the father decided to wait until the swan would make another song, but the swan remained silent, since he did not experience any longing in his heart. Therefore the father presumed that the children were lying, only so that the swan could be their pet. So he reverted to his original purpose, that of making a meal out of the swan.

The children protested, but to no avail, so they began to cry for the swan. Then the swan took pity upon the children, and found the urge to comfort them, in making them cheerful again. The swan did also not want the children to become estranged with their father, but he wanted to effect conciliation between them. The swan thereby began to sing about mutual love and understanding, peace and harmony in all things. This song was different from the last one, but still beautiful in its own way, so the father could not do anything except sit back and listen, with both admiration and wonder. Then the father came to know why the children cared so much for the swan, so he decided to consult with them, what was the right thing to do in regard to the swan. They came to the decision that such a beautiful singer should never be locked in a cage, not even as a pet, but the swan should instead be given freedom, and returned to his home. There the swan could sing for as many beings as possible, every time he felt like it. The man and his children acted accordingly and everything went as planned. The swan would now be the best singer among the swans, every time there was a noble cause to be sung about, since that a beautiful song follows beautiful intentions.

We tend to fail in our tasks through selfish expectations, and avarice for irrelevant things. It will make us look too far ahead and neglect to focus upon the moment. Altruism does bestow free blessings to those that do not want anything for themselves, and can very well live without it. For they only follow the conviction of their heart and its inspiration.

66. The Camels

There were once camels that travelled in a caravan, and as the beasts of burden, while the men rode upon the horses, dressed in silk. This made the horses proud over their own status, while they looked down upon the camels, for being nothing more than slaves. It however happened one day that the caravan became ambushed by robbers, but the caravan was still the same not defenceless, since it was guarded by mercenaries. Then it chanced that all the men were killed outright or bled to death, on both sides, while the animals had never come to any harm, and were the only ones remaining. It took some time for the animals to recover from the shock, but they were now stationed in the middle of the desert, and did not know in what direction should be headed. The horses were quick to gather together as one group, and in claiming the leadership, as if they were always right about everything. Next the horses decided the best course and left immediately, without bothering to consult first with the camels. The camels did not complain, and now followed the horses, although maintaining their distance.

The horses were now at the forefront, leading the way and only carrying themselves, while the camels were in the rear, still having heavy burden on their backs. When some days had passed the horses had begun to become tired and hungry, but they had failed to find anything on the way, except endless sand dunes in every direction. The horses demanded that the camels should unpack and offer the food to them, since the horses were in more need of it than the camels, still fresh and alert in everything. The camels agreed to this and did accordingly, without showing the least sign of discontentment. So the animas continued with their journey, and few more days passed. Then the horses found themselves in the same situation as before, where they became too tired and hungry, but now there were no longer any provisions left to sustain them. Therefore the horses fell on the ground, too exhausted to continue, but they had also given up on themselves, no longer believing that they would find the way.

It seemed that the horses were already doomed, and would most likely be left behind. But then an unexpected thing happened, which made everything turn out to the better. For the camels came by their own accord and decided to carry the horses on their backs. Then the camels went in an entirely different direction, as if they had known about the right way all along, until all the animals arrived in the nearest human settlement. There the horses were given refreshment and a suitable treatment by the humans, until the horses had regained their health and vigour, and came back to themselves. The first thing the horses did was to approach the camels, prostrate themselves on the ground, and ask with admiration how the camels had actually managed to survive the journey without food and water. Then the camels smiled and answered that they had already been filled with water before making the journey. The camels had carried water from within the entire time, regardless of that where they were located.

The human spirit is the source of all truth and virtues, able to satisfy all our needs and solve any problem. But the things of the world prove to be transient and a mere vanity. The selfish man is too dependant upon external things, as if it could bestow some benefit that he does not already experience from within himself, in his inner emptiness.

67. The Goat

There was once a mischievous goat that lived on a farm, and took great joy in playing tricks against other animals, either to deceive them for a gain or to make a fool out of them. There was a domestic fox, which the farmer had captured as a cub and raised up, so the fox was now supposed to fulfil the role of a dog, in guarding all the animals. The fox was perhaps not as vicious as the wild ones, but the fox was still able to retain its natural subtlety. The goat had never managed to get the better of the fox, but the fox had on the contrary stood against many of his schemes and revealed them to other animals. This is why the goat plotted for the fox’s downfall, to get rid of it as a threat.

So that one day the goat approached the fox, and pretended to bring a message from the farmer. The farmer was supposed to hold fox in a great esteem, more than any other animals on the farm, since the fox was like a good and loyal friend. And then the farmer had begun to remark that he did not need to so many chickens on the farm, but the fox could just as well be rewarded with one chicken per day, as a food. The fox should take it for granted, until the farmer would give it further notice, when he deemed it to be enough. But the fox did not need to go to the farmer in the meantime, to confirm everything, check the current status, or to look for further approval. Now the fox knew that the goat was a scoundrel, and never to be trusted in anything, so the fox only pretended to be credulous, as if it had been deceived by the goat. The fox thanked the goat for the message, and promised to act upon the farmer’s good offer, although not immediately, but the fox would take its time and do it later in the day.

So the fox departed and continued to do its daily business, making it certain that the goat was located somewhere else, and thereby not able to see what it was doing. After it became dark outside the fox went into the house where all the chickens were located, and took one of them away, to hide it at a secret place outside the farm. That chicken was still asleep, while the fox carried the chicken in its mouth, so the chicken never came to any harm, but the fox actually fed it every day. The fox repeated this every night, so that new chicken would be taken away each time, and kept alive along with other ones, until two weeks had passed since the first incident. And the fox had often approached the goat in the meantime, boasting about the tasty meal it made from all these chickens, and that the fox was already getting more than enough. Therefore the fox no longer needed the regular rations which the animals usually ate, but the fox rather decided to give it all away to the goat, since it was in a generous mood. So the goat believed everything, and eagerly accepted the extra rations.

But the farmer had now noticed that many chickens had vanished, so he began to investigate the farm and look for clues, in which could reveal their fate or the one at fault. The goat grabbed the opportunity and went to the fox’s lair, screaming as loud as he could, so the farmer would arrive to that place and find the remains of the chickens. The goat could not actually take a peek inside, but he still presumed that there would be drained blood and feathers, which would prove the fox’s guilt and guarantee his death. After the farmer had arrive the goat pointed to the fox’s lair, as if there was something suspicious about it, but the farmer did not find anything after searching it thoroughly. The goat became puzzled that the plan had failed, because he had never expected a different outcome. But that same night the fox went to the secret place, and bit off a couple of feathers from each chicken, and just enough so it would be blood upon the feathers, while the chickens continued to be alive and well. The fox did next carry these feathers to the goat’s pen, and left them there, all around the sleeping goat.

The fox cleaned its mouth of any blood, to eliminate any evidence that could be used against it. Then the fox went near the farmer’s house, and made loud calls near one of the windows, until the farmer woke up and went outside to check what was going on. The farmer began to follow the fox, until they came to the goat’s pen, and everything went as the fox had planned all along. For the farmer saw the bloody feathers around the goat, and the goat was also very fat to look upon. So it seemed to confirm that the goat had eaten the chickens, and showed all the signs in his body. The goat had been eating double rations for the last two weeks, including those belonging to the fox. The fox had on the contrary been deprived of these rations, and it had eaten leftovers from other animals, so the fox had become meagre in the process. This is why all the evidence seemed to confirm the goat’s guilt, while disproving the fox as a likely suspect. So the farmer slaughtered the goat, as a punishment for everything. And the farmer would now trust the fox more than ever, because of the very same incident, so the goat’s plot did actually lead to opposite effects. But the next day the fox went to the secret place, and returned all the chickens back to the farm, although the farmer did never know how it came to be or by whom. This did indeed puzzle the farmer, but it was too late to do anything about it, in regard to the goat.

The wicked men will pronounce their own verdict, and fall into the very same trap that they intended for innocent persons. It does not necessarily involve the same means or external incident, but it is still experienced similar suffering and shame from within.

68. The Geese

There were once geese which travelled in a spearhead formation, to the best interest of the group. It happened one day that there were a couple of humans hunting for wild geese, so they found a suitable hiding place, and put geese-replicas on the ground, although they lacked a whistle. Later that same group of geese was flying in the neighbourhood, although not precisely over the humans, so the humans would not be able to shoot them down. Most of the geese were looking ahead, but one of them did for some reason decide to look down, and he saw the replicas nearby, mistaking those for real geese. The goose thereby called to the leader, the one at the forefront, and mentioned the geese below. But the leader told that goose that it looked too good to be true, so that he should rather be silent, and continue to maintain the formation at all cost. The goose did however not believe the leader, but separated from the rest and went down.

After the goose had landed then nobody responded to his greetings, but all the geese seemed altogether indifferent, or frozen still like they were alert about something. All of a sudden the humans rose up and began to shoot at that goose, but missed most of them time, so the goose was not wounded in critical locations. The goose managed to escape in time, and returned back to his comrades. But he became severely reprimanded by the leader, for having left the formation in the first place. The leader also stated that this place did already belong to the enemy, so that every goose going there would find itself at a disadvantage, even before making any effort. However even after hearing this it did not convince the goose as well, but he tried to get everyone else to his point of view, in forming a rescue team for the geese on the ground.

After much effort the goose only managed to convince one of them to help him, so these two now went to the same spot, and tried to save everyone. But the replicas on the ground would never respond to anything, like they were utterly helpless and did not want to be saved. Then the humans rose up and shot at the geese, wounding both of them in the process. Those two were still alive, and could survive if further wounds were avoided, but the geese were still unable to fly, and could thereby not leave that place. The geese that were flying from above became aware of this, so that four of them decided to leave the formation, and then attempt to save their two comrades. But these four were also shot at and wounded, so they were now six in total. Next there were twelve geese that were about to leave the formation, and undertake the same rescue mission, but the leader dissuaded them from it. He claimed that if this process would be allowed to continue then it would mean the end of them all. It was true that the geese on the ground were able to hang on, but they were still already lost. The rescue mission would be a one way ticket, without any chance of returning.

A wrong practice will always continue to be so. And it is originated from the same evil source, even that we can seek to change the given reasons or hope for a different result. If the foundation is wrong then the building material is also wrong, like when a subjective problem proves to be a mere illusion, and thereby will the applied remedy also be so.

69. The Falcon

There was once a tamed falcon, which the humans used to capture small animals for food. The falcon had hitherto been successful in all tasks, and was thereby greatly valued by them. It happened one day that the falcon had already captured a prey, but on the way back then an eagle appeared out of nowhere and attacked the falcon for his possession. The falcon tried to resist, but was forced to let go of the prey, which the eagle took and went away. But the humans were too far away and did not see what had taken place. So when the falcon returned empty-handed then the humans mistook the reason behind it, and became disappointed, as if he had deliberately disobeyed them and eaten the prey. The humans did still the same overlook the incident, because it had never happened before, so they were willing give the falcon further chances to redeem himself. But the falcon would continue to experience the same loss for many days. For the eagle deliberately waited in the neighbourhood while the falcon was hunting for a prey, and then afterward would the eagle arrive and steal the fruit of his labour.

The falcon got the blame for everything, and the humans became angry over his supposed rebellion, until they did no longer consider the falcon to be of any further use to them. The falcon could no longer offer food on the table, and humans did not want to give him their own food, so they reached the decision that the falcon should be set loose. That was unexpected move in the falcon’s eyes, and he could not believe his luck. For the falcon had been loyal and dutiful during all these years, but had in turn only received leftovers from the humans, barely able to sustain himself. However when it seemed like the falcon had done the contrary then the humans had rewarded him with freedom, so that he could now fly free in the wild and only serve himself. Therefore the falcon decided to go back to place where the humans lived, and reveal these good tidings to the livestock, the animals that were forced to work hard all day long. The falcon encouraged the livestock to be rebellious and stubborn, in refusing everything which the humans were demanding. Because only then would the humans begun to appreciate the animals, offering special privileges or even ultimate freedom.

The next day the animals began to put the plan in action, always behaving in complete opposite of that what the humans expected. So if the animals needed to stay still then they would run away, and constantly avoid approaching humans. But if the animals needed to move or carry a burden then they would lie down and not go anywhere. The humans did however not treat the animals in a gentle and lenient way, but they gave the animals a harsh beating, until the animals could no longer endure it and were forced to work. And the animals were also starving throughout the day, even that they had worked in the end, since the humans wanted to make a further example out of them. The falcon came back later in the evening, to check upon the animals, whether the plan had worked. But the animals showed the falcon their bruises and retold everything, so they blamed the falcon for raising false hope that only made things worse.

This made the falcon puzzled for some time, but he still reached the same conclusion, unless one issue had hitherto been found lacking. The falcon remembered that the eagle had originally robbed him of the prey, which the humans were supposed to have, so that a lack of food must have been the deciding factor behind his freedom. This is why the falcon convinced the animals to either destroy or eat all the available food, which the humans had collected and stored in one of their building. That measure was indeed put into motion the following day, but the outcome proved disastrous. The summer was already over, and it would be impossible for the humans to survive until the next one, since they would never collect enough food for everyone. The humans were thereby compelled to slaughter all the livestock, and preserve the meat in salt. The falcon arrived shortly after the massacre, and came to realize that no animals were to be seen. The falcon never suspected the truth of the matter, but he presumed that they had all been given freedom, and then instantly left the place.

This story applies to white collar crimes. For that a corrupt society does inflict milder punishment as the number of digits increase in the stolen amount, committed by those that already have abundance and know every luxury. But people of humble origin receive the harshest punishment for a petty theft, which they did in order to fulfil basic needs.

70. The Hummingbird

There was once a little hummingbird that could flap his wings at extraordinary rate, but it required much energy, so the hummingbird was ever in need of food to replenish it. It happened one day that the hummingbird came across birdfeeder for the first time in his life, which seemed like a dream come true. For the hummingbird did no longer need to keep himself constantly flying while looking for food, but he could just as well sit upon the birdfeeder and eat to his heart delight. There was so much food that the hummingbird could stay there for many days, without going anywhere. The hummingbird would wake up at the birdfeeder, sit there all day long and eat anytime he wanted. Then he would go to sleep, only to do the same thing the next day.

The birdfeeder became depleted in the end, which forced the hummingbird to support himself in the usual way. But the hummingbird had now become too heavy and sluggish, so he was no longer in any shape to exert himself for long. The hummingbird could only maintain the same speed for a couple of seconds, and then it would gradually decrease, until he began to drop to the ground. This put the hummingbird into a vicious cycle, because he was too weak to fly and could not find any food, but a lack of food would make him even weaker and the prospect far less likely to succeed. But the hummingbird refused to give up in these desperate circumstances, and managed to hang on little by little, until he had fully regained his former vigour.

Some time afterwards then the hummingbird had forgotten all about the peril that had once hung over his life. But the hummingbird would instead cherish the memory of the birdfeeder, which was supposed to be the good old days, when everything was perfect. Therefore the hummingbird returned to the birdfeeder, and found it again full of food, so he could now take it easy and eat as much as he could. The hummingbird would now stay until the birdfeeder became empty, then discover that he was out of shape, and then almost die of starvation, before things got back to normal. But the hummingbird always got back to the birdfeeder, every time he had gotten better and was sober enough, or there did no longer seem to be any problem in his life.

It might at first be presumed that nothing is wrong about addiction for unhealthy things, until we begin to exert our body and willpower, and discover how weak we have become. We should beware of that in taking our sobriety and inner peace too much for granted. For these discreet benefits are far more precious than any carnal pleasures.

71. The Flamingo

There was once a flamingo that lived near a pond, where all the flamingos had gathered together. There was a hard competition for the available spots, which the flamingos could use to build a nest upon, since it did not involve the same quality everywhere. And even that a flamingo obtained a good spot then it was still as equally hard to maintain the nest in the future. For that other flamingos could lay a false claim for the nest of others, attempt to rob the nest during the owner’s absence, or even fight for it. It did namely happen that this flamingo had once a decent spot, but it was robbed from him, so there was now a great feud between him and the transgressor in question. Now both of these flamingos would later start their own family, and each one had only one child, but their homes could not be any different, in regard to quality.

Then it happened one day that the falcons appeared and caused great chaos among the flamingos. In the end the flamingos managed to drive off the falcons, but the aggressors had then already made away with one of the flamingo children. That was the child of the transgressor in question, who had robbed the flamingo of his nest. The parents fell into great mourning, while the flamingo that had been wronged rejoiced over their calamity, as if justice had been served and the parents had deserved it. This remark greatly angered the parents, and they looked for an opportunity to have revenge. It did namely happen the next day that the falcons made another attack, and nobody among the flamingos would be able to predict which children would be taken away. The transgressor did thereby go the nest of the other flamingo, and took away his child, since that everyone would blame the falcons as the guilty party. The transgressor did not actually kill the child, but it did rather put the child into the nest of someone else, which the falcons had deprived of a child during this same encounter. Therefore would strangers never know any better, in having lost one of their children to the falcons, but they would instead bring up that child as one of their own.

It did thereby seem like the wronged flamingo had experienced exactly the same misfortune, so he and his wife began to lament for their child, while the other parents jeered at them. But the wronged flamingo began to entertain the hope that his child was still alive, so he refused to give up and would no longer mourn for the child like it was already lost. The flamingo made a perilous journey to the falcon’s stronghold, relying upon stealth alone, escaping the detection of every falcon, and constantly moving past them. After inspecting the stronghold then the flamingo only found one child, which he did of course believe to be his own, and then they made a successful escape. From now on then this flamingo would raise that child as his own, even that it was actually the first child that had been taken, the one belonging to his very enemy. For the falcons had for some reason delayed to eat the first flamingo child, while they immediately ate the second child, in which had belonged to the strangers. But the strangers were now raising the child of the wronged flamingo, and it managed to have a good life. It can thereby be said that the transgressor and his wife were the only ones to loose a child, while the other flamingos managed get another child instead. These two had managed to keep the nest intact, in which had been disputed for such a long time, but they did no longer have any child left to inhabit the nest.

A revengefulness is indeed a blind thing, and unjust in all its verdicts. For it is punished the innocent men with the guilty ones, and condemned virtues along with the vices in the individual. And while the angry man does only gaze upon that in hating his enemies then he will not appreciate his family at the same time, and neglect to care for it.

72. The Starling

In the forest there was a nightingale that sang most of them time and cheered everyone up. For the animals would no longer become troubled about anything, nor quarrel with one another. But everyone would listen to the beautiful song and become hopeful, as if everything would turn out well and nothing would become impossible for them. It however happened one day that the nightingale ceased to sing, and would not do it anymore, since he had now become too old and did not possess the strength. So the forest became silent, and everything seemed harder to bear. But not long time had passed when a new song was heard, exactly like the one belonging to the nightingale, so that everyone expected it to be him. It did actually prove to be the starling, because he had trained himself hard in imitating after the nightingale in all things. The animals did still become glad over the matter, and did not consider it important who it actually was that sung, so long as it could be done and shared with them.

At first the starling tried to keep up with the nightingale’s previous record, in doing so for free and throughout the day, as if its only purpose was to benefit the animals. But not long time had passed when the starling began to complain of his position, that he worked too hard and long, without receiving anything in return. The starling thereby began to sing later, and quit earlier, so the songs became much shorter than usual. However the starling would never stop at that, but he was constantly making new changes and exceptions with the time. One time he would not sing as loud as before, so it would no longer be heard by everyone. And another time the starling would only sing for special audience, which first needed to pay for the privilege. The starling had originally welcomed the company of everyone, but he was now getting arrogant, and looking down upon other animals, since he was now a celebrity.

It had finally reached the point that the starling would never sing unless he was paid for it, in which involved insane amount of food, to be paid in advance or through a surety. And the starling was now accompanied by bodyguards, which mistreated anyone that got too close. But the starling also sent them to collect debts, so that many animals were shamed in front of their family, and deprived of all their food, in which either doomed them to death or starvation. After some time had passed then there were few animals remaining in which had not suffered injury from the starling, or had witnessed it done to those closest to them, in which affected them even more.

It then happened one day that the starling was holding an anniversary, that it was now exactly one year since he began the career, and replaced the nightingale’s role. This time the nightingale was singing for free, and the song could now be heard throughout the forest. However the song utterly failed to invoke anything good in the animals, but the animals did only feel anger and indignation, directed against the starling. For the starling’s actions had always led to negative effects in the animals’ spirit, so they could not hear the song without remembering the starling and his crimes. The song continued to be beautiful as ever, but the animals abhorred the singer himself.

It is the human spirit that endows us with natural talents, inner beauty, and progress. But the mind falsely claims all the credit and seeks to corrupt the blessing with avarice. Many men fall into the trap of preferring the rewards above the spiritual gifts, the things that followed afterward but did not actually contribute to the achievement.

73. The Turkey

There was once a turkey that lived on a farm, and the humans were now deliberately fattening him up, so the turkey would end on their table during Thanksgiving Day. At first the turkey was ignorant about the real reasons, rather presuming it to be a gesture of their goodwill. But the turkey began to notice that all other animals were numerous on the farm, while he was the only one of his kind. So the turkey began to ask around whether there had ever been other turkeys on the farm, and whereto they could have gone. Some animals remembered that there had been other turkeys before his time, although none of them knew anything about their fate, or did not dare to tell the turkey. But the turkey came to know of it, because the animals had been whispering about it among themselves, and it was only a matter of time until the gossip would be revealed. This made the turkey sad and dejected in spirit, and it was like he had already given up. So the other animals came to notice the turkey in his miserable state and pitied him, although they feared the humans and were unwilling to do anything about it.

Then the unexpected thing happened that the dog stepped forward, and proclaimed to everyone that it would be the turkey’s champion, and fight for his liberty. After making this speech the dog became the most popular animal on the farm, and everyone praised the dog for his magnanimous spirit, in helping the unfortunate turkey. The dog had on the other hand never consulted with the turkey about the matter, but the turkey was actually the last animal on the farm to hear about the news. The dog would often be invited to parties and there be asked to hold a speech, according to demand of the audience. In one party the dog was supposed to badmouth the humans for their cruelty, and paint them as the common enemy of all animals. And in other party then the dog was meant to speak about the turkey as a victim, and count up many incident from the past in order to make the animals feel sorry for him. The dog was then supposed to describe in what way it would save the turkey, by coming up with in imagined scenario where the dog was the hero of the moment.

But nobody did ever bother to visit the turkey and check upon his condition, since that all the animals had their eyes on the dog, as the turkey’s representative and liberator. The turkey never accompanied the dog to the parties, nor did the turkey know about it, since the dog had never contacted the turkey at all, before or after the publicity. The dog had now managed to convince everyone about its own determination in saving the turkey, and the plans involved, except the turkey himself, the very person which all this effort was dedicated to. The dog used the turkey’s name to its own credibility, but totally forgot all about the turkey’s himself and where he was at. All the animals had been eager to understand the turkey and his plight, and in hating the humans for it, so it was like everyone knew more about the turkey than he did. And the animals were constantly trying to convince each other about their sympathy for the turkey, and his cause, only so that they would get more approval from others. In the end the humans slaughtered the turkey and made a meal out of him, while the dog was nowhere to be seen, and had done nothing to prevent it. But by that time the dog was already popular, and everyone had forgotten all about the turkey.

This story applies to the hypocritical mass media. For it marketizes the misfortune of some while exploiting the weakness of others, only to increase own standing among the audience. The premises are always centred upon that in profiting from our bias and impulses, as if the news or scandals involved are meant to confirm it or flatter our vanity.

74. The Cow

There was once a cow that lived on a farm, and was only kept there for the purpose of producing milk, which would then be sold in town. The humans had hitherto made much profit from the cow, and it involved a systematic process in keeping up with its demand. For the humans were always making the cow beget new calf at regular intervals, just so she could continue to yield milk, even by maximizing its supply and duration. But the cow had become to notice that the humans took all her milk, while her calves were never allowed to get close to her, so the cow could not even feed her own children. The humans fed the calves with something else, but it was still not enough, since the calves were half-starving and already suffering from malnutrition. This is why the cow revolted against the humans and refused to obey them from now on. The cow would now just sit on the ground, and never rise up through any reasons, since the cow did not want to expose her udders to the humans, which they could otherwise milk.

At first the humans attempted to bribe the cow with better food, and in more quantity than usual, just so she could rise up and eat from the basket. But the cow was so intent upon defying the humans that she was willing to starve. After this trick had failed then the humans resorted to another one, namely by bringing the handsomest and strongest bull to the cow, and then leave them all alone. It was of course meant to tempt the cow into sexual act, to make her forget everything about her resolve, so it would be easier for the humans to control the cow in the future. But the cow looked upon the bull with indifference, willing to sacrifice away any pleasures from her life, if it would only help the cow to resist the humans even more. The humans came to realize that this trick had failed as well, so they now relied upon acts of terror. The humans began to beat the cow with sticks, until the cow had become bruised all over her body, although the humans were careful not to inflict critical injuries or death. But the cow endured everything with fortitude, and did not try to make the human stop, since she was actually willing to die for her conviction, like her body was already lost for good.

Now the humans were no longer confident in their ability in deceiving the cow, or in scaring her into submission, but they began to employ desperate means. The humans injected the cow with a sedative, and then used a machine to drag her up from the ground. So the crow was now hanging in the air, drugged and tied up, and connected to a milking machine. And after the cow yielded to no further milk for the day then she was injected with nutrition, lowered to the ground, and then allowed to rest for the night. And the next days the humans would use the same trick, which began in the morning and ended in the evening, so the cow continued to survive and produce milk. At first the cow became shaken in her resolve, and assumed the struggle to be lost, since the humans forced milk out of her, and it could not be prevented. However the cow later took heart and obtained comfort in her distress, since the cow had never yielded to the humans, but had on the contrary defied them every time. Then the unexpected thing happened that the humans went to prison and the farm was closed for good. The humans had indeed sold the milk from the cow, but many people had become seriously sick after drinking it. It was because of their constant use of sedative, in which affected not only the cow but also her milk, into becoming toxic. An investigation was started, and the owners were found guilty of serious negligence, so they could not even keep the livestock, but it was transferred to a better owner.

We should not become troubled about matters that are outside our will and body, like what other people can decide to do or what kind of consequences could happen. An ultimate victory should be measured according to our conviction, innocence, and dignity. For we are then both willing to do the right thing and suffer for it to the very end.

75. The Hen

There was once a young hen that lived on a farm, and had never known anything else. But the young hen had now finally become mature enough to lay eggs, so she was put into specific buildings, where all the other hens were gathered, fulfilling the same role. The young hen had often seen that building on the outside, but she had never known what took place inside. Nobody but the hens had been allowed to enter, and the hens had been forbidden to say anything about it, so it remained secret to everyone else. The young hen had always supposed that this place was some kind of paradise, where the hens received the best possible treatment and were given more freedom than others. But now that the young hen had seen it for herself it was dreadful to bear. All the hens were locked inside the same cage, overcrowded and unclean as it was. The hens needed to sit at the same place throughout the day, without being able to get any exercise or fresh air, so the atmosphere was heavy, even suffocating to a certain degree.

The hens were regularly fed so they would be healthy enough to lay eggs, which the humans would then take away at the end of the day, and then the same thing would happen next day. It seemed that the hens were kept by the humans and allowed to stay alive, only for the sake of their eggs, but not for any other reason whatsoever. A few days had passed and the young hen became more indignant over the living conditions, as something in which no being should ever have to experience in its life. The young hen tried to discuss this with the other hens, and the possibility of improving their lot, but nobody seemed interested, or the subject was instantly changed. The hens were only concerned about gossip, like which hens the rooster was interested in, and which ones were slighted and envious about it. The hens also criticized those that failed to fit in, hens that did not walk like a gentlewoman, or were not perfect enough, so that one tiny mistake was often the main topic for many weeks. The young hen could only hang on, and wait until some opportunity would present itself.

Then it happened one day that human supervisor forgot to lock and close the cage. The young hen came to notice this, and she immediately spread the news to everyone. The other hens grew hesitant about the prospect, and constantly looked to each other, waiting for someone else to step forward and speak on their behalf. However since nobody took the initiative the hens began to murmur among themselves, so the noise became gradually louder until its meaning could finally be understood. The hens wanted to stay in this place, and not leave it for any reason, because the humans could otherwise not find the hens and feed them with the usual grain. The young hen did not want to believe this, and tried to encourage the hens to make a run for their freedom, counting up many benefits that would follow out in the wild. But the young hen utterly failed to convince them, and wasted the entire day upon the attempt, until the human supervisor arrived, discovered his mistake, and locked the cage. The young hen was now still trapped with the other hens, because she had tried to convince them from within the cage, and totally forgot about securing her own freedom.

The young hen had blown her chance, probably one in a lifetime, and there was nothing more to be said or done about it, other than by hanging on one day at a time. At first the young hen became angry with the other hens, more so than with this dreadful place, since they had preferred leftovers in slavery above own freedom and dignity.  But later on the young hen rather become angry with herself, for having been so intent upon saving the lives of other hens; that she totally neglected to save herself in the process. However not a long time had passed when that human supervisor committed the same mistake, by leaving the cage unlocked and open. This time the young hen did not stop and try to save the other hens. But she remained silent while walking outside, first away from the cage, then  away from the building, and finally away from the farm. The young hen just kept moving forward, without ever looking back.

We should first convince ourselves to follow the divinity, and apply its principles to our own life. For that we alone possess the power to change our life, and become virtuous. But we should not waste our time upon petty-minded people, already full of themselves.

76. The Ferret

There was once a ferret that was hard to please, because he wanted everything to be perfect. But since nobody was perfect then the ferret had too high expectations, and would constantly be disappointed, criticizing this or that, what the animals was not or lacked. It happened one day that a human threw a mirror to the ground, whatever that reason might be, and the mirror would remain there intact, until the ferret stumbled upon it. The ferret saw his own reflection for the first time in his life, but he presumed that it was another ferret and tried to communicate with it. First the ferret greeted the stranger, without getting one in return. The ferret thought it was rude, but he was still curious about the stranger, so the ferret began asking for news, who it was supposed to be and wherefrom. However the stranger would never say anything, but merely moved his lips at the same time, like he could only whisper or was unable to speak intelligently.

To the ferret it seemed that the stranger was either a dimwit, or a foreigner that spoke a different language. This is why the ferret began to make signs with his hands, and imitate after various sounds, since the stranger must have had a life similar to his own. But it seemed like the stranger was mocking the ferret, by imitating after all his movements and facial expression, precisely at the same time he was trying to communicate. This made the ferret very angry, because it seemed like the stranger had been deceiving him the entire time, so the ferret had only made a fool out of himself. The ferret began to hurl insults at the stranger, even to the point of daring him to a fight, so the ferret assumed a fighting stance. The stranger did exactly the same thing, and now both of them were prepared and waiting, until the opponent would make the first move. The ferret stood there like a fool, waiting for his own reflection to act, before he would then react to its move. The ferret was too afraid to start the fight, too proud to leave, and too angry to make peace with the stranger, after everything that had happened.

Then it happened that a wolf arrived to the scene, and attacked the real ferret. But to the ferret it seemed like the wolf had attacked the stranger, the reflection in the mirror, although the ferret experienced pain at the same time, and blood dripping from his wound. The ferret rejoiced over this sight, and he encouraged the wolf to kill his hated enemy. This puzzled the wolf, because it had attacked the ferret and not seen anyone else. The wolf ceased to attack the ferret, and looked around, to understand what he was getting at. Then the wolf saw its own reflection in the mirror, like it was another wolf, now probably laying claim to the same ferret, and willing to fight the wolf for the spoils. The ferret did on the contrary presume that the wolf saw the other ferret, and thereby was the ferret making a reference to it, but not the reflection of the wolf. The wolf did not wait for its reflection to attack, but it leaped and crashed upon the mirror, thereby shattering it to many pieces, so the reflections instantly vanished. The ferret presumed that the other ferret had been swallowed by the wolf, while the wolf presumed that the other wolf had fled the area. The ferret and the wolf were now speaking about the incident, as if they had both seen and experienced the same thing. But each one was misunderstanding what the other was getting at, and was none the wiser.

Perfectionism does have more to do about our own restrictions than the external things we judge. We are merely chasing after our own shadow and mistaking other people for it. It is implicated our own presumptions and vices to other people, like when a selfish and treacherous man suspects the same in others, and makes the first move.

77. The Snail

There was once a snail which lived in a forest and everyone scorned him for being so slow. It however happened one day that lightning fell and caused a great fire in the forest, which quickly spread. So that all the animals began to abandon the forest, and it soon became empty, except for the snail, still unable to escape in time. But all of a sudden it began to rain heavily, in such outbursts that the fire became quenched in a little time. The forest was now saved, and still mostly intact, but all the animals were gone. All of them had expected the forest to be destroyed, and nobody had bothered to look back. The snail was all alone in the forest, and unable to tell the news to the animals. But the forest would begun to be inhabited by new animals, coming from far and strange lands, so the snail welcomed them and gave the animals a tour of the place. The snail became popular among them, and the animals appreciated his good counsel.

However when some time had passed the old inhabitants came to know the truth, that the forest had not been destroyed by the fire, and thereby not their homes as well. The animals had actually managed to find another forest, and stayed there up till now. But that forest had still not lived up to their expectations, at least in comparison to the old one. So the animals left that forest and returned to the original one, only to realize that it was already inhabited by the newcomers, and their homes had been taken. The old inhabitants became enraged by this, and blamed the snail for everything, since he had neither told them the news nor prevented the usurpation of their homes. The animals were now hurling insults at the snail, and were even considering attacking him. Then the newcomers gathered around the snail, and were ready to defend him at all cost, since the snail held a special place in their heart. But the snail proclaimed that he would no longer stay in the forest, but leave it immediately, since his presence was causing so much trouble and rivalry among the animals. It would only be fair that the snail shared the same lot as the old inhabitants, rather than by being given a special treatment, or be exempted from the loss they endured.

The snail had already taken the first steps to leave the forest, when it happened that the newcomers began to follow his example, thereby relinquishing the forest to the old inhabitants. The snail and the newcomers now dwelt in the other forest, and seemed to be contented with everything, so long as they kept the group and shared everything. It did still seem like the old inhabitants had gotten the better of them, because of the living conditions in the old forest, in which was abundant with good things. It did however happen some time later that there was another outbreak of fire in the same forest, but this time the forest became utterly consumed and all the animals within it. The old inhabitants had presumed that the fire would again be quenched by the rain, so they decided to stay and wait until it happened, in the middle of the forest. But the fire spread out and managed to encircle the animals, killing them all in the process. The snail and the newcomers did on the contrary have a long and prosperous life in the other forest, as if a good luck had followed the snail the entire time.

A sound judgment and moderation might seem to be slow at first, in comparison to hasty decisions and impulsiveness. But it does still always manage to complete the goal in the end. One reliable path is preferable to many short paths that will lead nowhere, since that a long and hard work is worth it, in bringing us to the intended destination.

78. The Grasshoppers

There were once grasshoppers that lived on some obscure place, in which had hitherto sustained them. It however happened one day that the grasshoppers became restless, and wanted to make journey around the world, although they had still not planned in what direction. One of the grasshoppers was a boaster, speaking of many wonders and exotic places, which gave the impression that everything would be preferable to this dump they called home. That boaster promised to lead them all to paradise, a place abundant in luxury, in which could satisfy any desires, and where nobody would ever need to work again. So all the grasshopper set out under his leadership, where they formed a huge swarm that clouded the sun, like it was already night and total darkness. The grasshoppers ate every plant on their path, and left it as a desolate place from behind.

Every time the grasshopper came upon new location they asked the leader about it, whether this was indeed the promised land, to be chosen as their permanent settlement. But the leader would always refuse and come up with excuses, usually that the place in question was not good enough or lacking in something. The grasshoppers were encouraged forth, that they should eat any available food at the current location, as to have enough energy to continue with the journey. This process would always repeat itself, until the grasshoppers finally came upon the ocean, so it seemed like they had finally reached the end of their journey, and could not make any headway. The grasshoppers began to murmur among themselves, whether it should be returned back to their original home, or attempted to cross the sea, without any guarantee of survival. The leader did on the other hand suggest that the grasshoppers should at first return to their original home, but they should not stay there. The grasshoppers should rather move past their home, and go to the opposite direction, which was still unexplored.

The grasshoppers agreed to this proposal, and returned the same way they came. However this time there were no plants available, but the grasshoppers had already eaten everything. It was thereby proposed and carried out extreme measures, where the grasshoppers would attack and eat any insects in the area, making no exceptions. It was still not enough to feed everyone, so that many of the grasshoppers began to starve. Then next time it was proposed that the grasshoppers should cannibalize a certain part of their group, namely those considered to be weak, infirm, or too old. But even this gave only temporary relief to the rest, and merely delayed the same problem. Now the grasshoppers were getting desperate, and about to start a civil war, unless that everyone would be attacking everyone, and fighting for the remaining spoils. The grasshoppers had not only failed to discover the promised land, but they had also succeeded in creating a hell of their own, and rushed headlong into their own destruction.

Beware of the masses and the false prophets that lead them, appealing to their greed and vanity, promising all kinds of good consequences if there is yielded to self-indulgence. It has nothing to do about any human decency and principles. But they are only concerned about pursuit for pleasure and an avoidance of pain, regardless of the means.

79. The Gnat

There was once a gnat which lived inside a house. There he spent most of his time in walking up the dirty glass in the window, only to follow down and repeat the same thing all over again. It did not seem to matter what the gnat tried to do, because he never managed to reach the top of the window, the only goal in his life. So the gnat became more and more irritated after every failure, until he could no longer control his temper.

First the gnat cursed the glass, blaming it for making everything harder than it needed to be. Secondly the gnat cursed the window, for containing the glass. Thirdly the gnat cursed the house for similar reason. But now the gnat realized that all these things had been built by the same species. So fourthly the gnat cursed the humans for having created the glass, the window, and the house. Fifthly the gnat cursed the earth for sustaining human race, from the very beginning of their existence up to this point. But now the gnat came to realize that both the humans and the earth were created by the same being. So the sixth curse was directed to the Creator of the universe. The gnat would not only criticize everyone and everything had had ever been created, but he also criticized the Creator directly, asserting what kind of person he should rather have been.

Now a storm was coming, with heavy rain and winds, so the situation grew chaotic outside. Then it happened that the gnat saw an eagle flying in the storm, struggling to make headway, which came little by little, after being driven back many times. But during all this time the eagle remained silent and patient in hanging on, even that the circumstances seemed to be harsh and unfair, so the gnat could not get himself to understand it. The gnat decided to be the eagle’s representative, by complaining about everything on its behalf, and even by showing self-pity over the distress, as if the gnat was the eagle. The gnat would accuse the Creator of cruelty, indifference, and laziness, as if the Creator was not doing his job, or never bothered to do anything at all.

The gnat had become tired after all this prattle, so he decided to get some sleep. But in the morning the human dwellers cleaned the window, and it was now a sunny weather. So that when the gnat woke up then he could see his own reflection in the window, and every detail about himself, which the dirt had once seemed to hide or belittle. The gnat saw how hideous he looked, like there was nothing positive about any part in his body. The gnat was both hideous in the overall picture, and in regard to every detail.

This story applies to worthless men that criticize other people and their achievements. But they have never managed to create or contribute anything of lasting value. It is indeed a hypocritical thing to judge and measure other people in a harsh way, while it is failed to apply it to one’s own life, or never surpassed others through a good example.

80. The Earthworm

There was once an earthworm that lived underground most of the time, and was afraid of the surface. But one day there was a great rain, which flooded the ground, so earthworm needed to come up (whether to save his life or to exploit some kind of opportunity). However at that time there was a fisherman searching for earthworms in the dirt, and collecting them into a bucket, since the best time to do so is during a rain. The fisherman would then later use the earthworm as a bait to capture a fish. So the earthworm found himself trapped in a bucket, although there was dirt to sustain his life, for a couple of days. After the weather had improved the fisherman made the trip, so that same earthworm found himself tied to a hook, then cast to a water, and finally sinking.

The fisherman did not manage to capture fish during the first attempt, so he continued to throw the earthworm again and again, scaring him every time. The earthworm was beginning to become desperate, like the next throw would mean the end of him, since he could be drowned, eaten by a fish, or shaken to death by the throw. Then it finally happened that a fish took the bait and was drawn to the shore. But when the fisherman removed the hook from its jaw then the earthworm was nowhere to be seen. Some time later the fisherman was contented with the day’s catch, and went back home. The fisherman began to cut the fish and prepare it for cooking, so he removed the head of the fish and put it into the kitchen sink, for the time being.

Then it happened that the earthworm came out of the head, still alive and wholly intact. The earthworm managed to escape into the sink’s drain, while the fisherman was occupied with something. And then later the earthworm was flushed down. The earthworm ended underground, unless it was in the sewers. There everything was so wet and slimy, full of toxic waste and filth, and inhabited by dangerous rats. Then the earthworm only had one wish, and that was to get back up to the surface.

Our dreams can become a nightmare when finally fulfilled. For it can involve some unforeseen consequences, side-effects, or contact with dangerous people. But the things we once feared can bring us deliverance, especially the truth and its humane treatment.

81. The Bee

There was once a young bee that lived with her kind in a hive, and served the queen in all matters. It happened one day that the young bee failed to find any nectar, because it had already been taken from the flowers, and there were no other available in the area. The young bee became so ashamed that she did not dare to return to the hive, since she had failed her queen and no longer deserved a place among her servants. So the young bee decided to inflict a self-exile upon herself, and she wandered out in the open. But the young bee managed to discover another hive, with another queen. The young bee now offered to serve that queen from henceforth, so she became one of the bees.

Some time afterwards a conflict was aroused between the new hive and the old hive, because both of them were competing for the same flowers, and the available nectar. The young bee became troubled over the news, and was now divided in her allegiance. She did not want to serve one side at the expense of another, by turning against old friends in favour of new ones. But the young bee would seem ungrateful if she did not fight for anyone, and thereby could she just as well be excluded from both hives. The young bee did the only decent thing in the situation, by staying outside the conflict, and thereby abandoning both hives for good, to avoid all contradiction on her part.  The young bee was now wandering again in the wild, feeling sad and lonely, but not for long. For the young bee managed to discover a secret place, with countless flowers, enough to support both hives for an entire lifetime. It seemed to offer a perfect solution which could please both sides, and prevent further conflict between them.

The young bee planned to reveal the news to both hives, first by going to the queen in the new hive, and then to the queen in the old hive, through a diplomatic mission.  But it did not turn out as planned, because the queen in the new hive wanted to keep the secret to herself, and claim all the flowers involved, without sharing any of them. The queen ordered the young bee to be detained, and heavily guarded, since she had now become a liability. The new hive relinquished the disputed flowers to the other side, but many of them had been destroyed during the war, and only few were remaining. It was not enough to sustain the old hive for long, so it was now in a decline. The new hive did on the contrary have too much, because of the secret place. So the bees worked less and ate more than usual, while the opposite thing applied to the old hive.

When the young bee came to know this it made her mad with grief, and she went berserk, easily overpowering the guard and escaping from the new hive. The young bee had only one goal in view, and that was to equalize everything, so that one and the same thing would apply to all the bees, regardless of that which hive and queen was belonged to. The young bee travelled out in the open, searching for suitable means to that very end. Later on she managed to find a bear, and she irritated him in any possible way, until the bear got angry enough to begin following her. Next the young bee lured the bear to the new hive, and he immediately forgot his wrath, since the bear loved honey. Now the bear ate all the honey in the hive, thereby destroying it in the process, so the queen and her bees found themselves without home. Now they were forced to make an agreement with the old hive, where both of them would share the same hive and the same flowers, including the ones in the secret place. So the young bee got her way in the end, having benefited both sides at the same time.

We should stick to the purpose of that what we want to achieve, and what will happen afterwards, as the essence in which defines the solution. The available means can be like many different paths that lead to the same destination. But we should never become stuck at same repetitive approach, or prefer stupid executions above the benefit in sight.

82. The Seal

There was once a seal that began to make his presence known near a fishing town. The seal was not far from the shore, so the humans could indeed see the seal but not approach him. It would happen that the seal only had his head above the water, looking to the humans in turn, so he was indeed curious of them, but too shy to do anything about it. The humans began to grow fond of the seal, at least for the sake of their children, so the parents would often take them to the shore for sightseeing. This arrangement would however not last for long, because the seal ate too much fish for his own good. The humans looked upon every eaten fish as a lost profit to themselves, so they wanted to get rid of the seal, but needed an excuse to convince their children. This is why the humans began to invent stories to frighten their children, claiming that the seal was a dangerous animal that deserved to be killed, so that other being could be protected.

The adults actually held a conference to decide the fate of the seal, where it was both discussed the reasons why the seal was a threat to them, and the available options in disposing of him. One of the humans lamented how many innocent fishes had been killed by the seal. Another human claimed that the seal could never satisfy his greed, and selfish ambition in claiming the ocean for his own. The humans spoke about the seal as the common enemy of everyone, while the humans were fighting on behalf of all sea-creatures. The seal needed to be stopped as soon as possible, before he became too powerful. But during the conference then all the humans were eating various fish, about two fish per person, and there were about five hundred people in total.

Now the humans were ever besetting the seal, devising many ambushes and traps, although there was always something that came up and ruined the plan. Sometimes the humans attacked too soon, and sometimes too late. The seal could change direction, or be startled by something in the ocean, even that the humans did their job. In one incident the humans shot at the seal, but the bullets went over his head, and killed a dolphin some distance back, which had surfaced just at that moment. The humans had now become angered to the point of applying extreme measure, namely by poisoning sufficient part of the ocean, to guarantee the seal’s downfall.

But this would yield disastrous results, ruining the very industry of the town. The poison go stuck in the sea plants, which the small fishes ate and died from. Their carcases would become food to bigger fishes, and they to even bigger ones, until the poison had been transferred to everyone, reaching distant places in the ocean. This chain reaction destroyed the entire ecosystem in the territory belonging to the fishing town. So the fishermen were forced to give up their trade, and the people in town needed to import fish for food, so it involved a double loss to them. But somehow the seal managed survive, and he managed to find a new home, outside the contamination.

The humans should not deceive themselves, for they are indeed the worst thing to have ever befallen the earth. The animals do at least kill to feed themselves, not to make profit. The humans do on the contrary destroy entire ecosystems, only to for the sake of extra digits.

83. The Sea lions

There were once sea lions that lived in a closed community, and all troubles seemed far away. It however happened one day that the sea lions witnessed a dolphin defending itself from a shark, and the brutal struggle that followed. The shark was driven away in the end, but the dolphin received mortal wounds, and died shortly afterwards. Now the sea lions had never experienced anything of this sort in their lives, but they had hitherto only heard such news from someone else, concerning sea-creatures in distant lands. But this incident made a lasting impression upon the sea lions, and they wanted to do something about it, in making the ocean a better place for everyone. So the sea lions would form an organization which championed the cause of all sea-creatures that were being oppressed, to promote their liberty and improved living conditions.

The sea lions began to spread the message and get more sea-creatures to join their organization, as if their membership and contribution would make all the difference. Many meetings were held where everyone were supposed to speak about the troubles afflicting the ocean, and agree among themselves that it was indeed so. But it seemed like it was never done anything about it, in proposing a measures that could work in a realistic way, or by having some kind of activity outside the meetings. The only thing the sea lions did was to create more titles for themselves, in getting all the important positions in the organization, and in receiving honour from each other. After some time had passed then the meetings were no longer about the plight of other sea-creatures, but it became centred upon the sea lions themselves and what were their needs.

Later it happened that there began a full-scale war between the dolphins and the sharks, so the dolphins sent an embassy to the sea lions and asked for their support. This sea lions were actually unwilling to take part in the war, because of all the dangers involved, but the sea lions still wanted to save face and keep their followers. This is why the sea lions agreed to the proposal and pretended to be bold about the prospect. It was thereby created lofty titles to increase their confidence of victory. One of the sea lion was called ‘The Supreme defender of all dolphins’. Another was supposed to be the ‘The Destroyer of the sharks’, able to tip the balance in the war. And the third one was praised as ‘The Wisest commander in the ocean’. After having done this the sea lions set forth, boasting about the achievements to come.

Now the battle began and sea lions were supposed to fight alongside the dolphins. But it seemed like the dolphins did all the hard work at the forefront, while the sea lions were lagging behind and only speaking words of encouragement to the dolphins. This made the dolphins so angry that they threatened to kill the sea lions, unless they took part in the fight against the sharks. Then it happened that the ‘Supreme defender of all dolphins’ failed to help anyone, but he was saved by the dolphins. ‘The Destroyer of the sharks’ became immediately killed by them, while ‘The Wisest commander’ was too distracted with fear to make any plan or give further orders. The dolphins did still the same manage to win the war, mostly through their own merit, even that the sea lions failed to do their duty, and got all killed in the end. The sea lions had at least served as a good distraction, in dividing the numbers of the sharks, so it would be easier for the dolphins to gang up on one shark or group at a time.

An organization may have been founded for a good purpose, and the founders were truly sincere about it. The organization can however degenerate into a mere club for people, whom create titles to makes themselves feel important, and where the all the meetings become centred upon or implicated to their self-interest.  But even for all lofty titles and words the members will remain just as unaltered in their wit and capability.

84. The Starfish

There was once a starfish that lived deep in the ocean, moving slowly alongside the bottom, so he often escaped detection. It happened one day that a two great fishes appeared, where one of them laid eggs on the starfish while the other fertilized them, before leaving. It seemed like the great fishes had mistaken the starfish for being a part of the bottom, so he was now forced to carry the eggs on his face. At first the starfish did not dare to remove the eggs, because he did not want to leave them exposed.  And it was not like the starfish could travel everywhere he wanted, thereby revealing the eggs to everyone, so that some of the fishes would be tempted to eat the eggs. So the starfish decided to find a suitable location to hide the eggs, and to offer them protection. It was not far from the original place, where the great fishes had laid the eggs.

The starfish was now at staying at the old place, because this was his home and the best place to find food. The starfish did not actually need to check upon the eggs and watch over them, by travelling back and forth, since the secret place offered total security. It then happened shortly afterwards that one of the great fishes arrived to the same place, namely the mother. She became perplexed that all the eggs were gone, leaving no clues about their ultimate fate. Therefore the mother began to swim around the area, restless and distracted, uprooting the sand at the bottom, here and there. It then happened that the starfish accidentally got carried up with the sand, and landed upon the mother’s back, becoming stuck there without her noticing any change. After some time the mother gave up on the search, and swam away, with the starfish as well. The starfish was now carried far away, and became exposed in this position. It was like everyone could see the starfish on her back, except the mother herself.

The starfish tried to communicate with the mother, but the mother always failed to notice where it came from, after having looked around. So the mother did not believe this to be true, or a real experience. But the mother told herself that she must surely be imagining things, being already instable in her grief. However the starfish managed to detach himself in the end, so he fell in front of the mother’s face, and got her attention. The starfish told the mother that all the eggs were still alive and well, being hidden in a secret location, only known to the starfish. These news managed to comfort the mother, but she asked the starfish where the eggs were, and also to show them to her. However the starfish did not deem it to be prudent, because the eggs were already secure, regardless of that whether the mother knew about it or not, was present or absent. The starfish was afraid that someone could hear him reveal the secret location, or follow them back to the place, thereby endangering the eggs in the process. The mother became convinced by this argument, and they both decided to part ways. So the starfish would not even return back to his old place, as to maintain discretion.

It does not matter who does the good deed or claims the credit, so long as it gets done, and is able to help the person involved. We should not try to get all the attention to ourselves, but we should make room for those that can benefit the recipient most at that moment.

85. The Puffer fish

There was once a puffer fish that was cheerful and happy most of the time. But then it happened that other fishes began to inhabit the place, and in more quantity with the time, until these fishes were the majority and possessed the most influence. These fishes looked down upon the puffer fish, becoming either scornful or indifferent in his presence, like the puffer fish was unwelcome and not even among them. This had been going on for some time and the puffer fish could no longer disregard these signs, even that he tried to be glad and friendly in their presence, since it was already too transparent. It happened one day that the puffer fish became too intense, so his body doubled in size and was covered in poisonous spines. This had never planned in advance, but the puffer fish became like this by an accident, and discovered it for the first time.

The puffer fish did still the same decide to make good use of this opportunity, by attacking all the fishes that had been showing him disrespect, either beating them up or scaring them away. But nobody dared to touch the puffer fish, because of the poisonous spines, which would inflict even more harm upon the attacker than the actual beating. After this encounter the puffer fish began to calm down, and revert to his original form. The puffer fish became cheerful again, like the problem had been finally been solved, so the other fishes would from now on show him respect and accept him. At first it seemed like that expectation had come true, since that no fish dared to speak against the puffer fish. But they seemed to listen to the puffer fish, and agree with his views, although the fishes were silent most of the time and only nodding. However later on the puffer fish came to know the truth, namely the fishes were constantly slandering him and speaking behind his back, but too afraid to say so openly. The puffer fish had learned this by accident, because some fishes had failed to notice him close by, and they talked too loud, deriding the puffer fish and laughing about it.

The puffer fish became shocked by this revelation, and he pondered about the matter while wandering alone. He could not forget those slanderous remarks, the spiteful laugh, and facial expression of the fishes, like they were doing this all the time. The puffer fish became too intense merely by thinking about this, even while nobody was close by, so the puffer fish became doubled in size and all covered in spines. Now the puffer fish decided to have his revenge upon everyone, regardless of that what they were doing at that time, since he considered them all to share the same guilt. So the puffer did accordingly and it was a success, although more so than he had ever expected. For that all the fishes abandoned the place and never came back, since many had almost been killed, while the rest would never again dare to come near the puffer fish. It seemed like puffer fish had finally won, and where he should have rejoiced over this victory. But the puffer fish could not stop thinking about the fishes and the past, all these incidents where he had been shown disrespect and discriminated. The fishes were absent in their body, but ever present in his mind. So from now on the puffer fish would always be too intense, stuck in this aggressive form indefinitely, since he had totally forgotten what it was like to be cheerful and happy.

Do not become troubled when wicked people slander and persecute us for being better than them. For we are at least not one of them, and do not experience the same corruption. If the man is afraid of adversity then he can put up an insincere mask that repays evil with evil, until it will in the end monopolize everything and become the norm.

86. The Wolffish

There was once a wolffish that lived deep in the ocean. Now the wolffish had so strong teeth that he could chew just about anything, although he kept mostly to the same food. It happened one day that the wolffish found a wreckage of an old ship, which had been carrying treasure between continents, but had sunk for some unknown reason. Gold coins and jewels were strewn around the place, offering a glittering spectacle. The wolffish mistook the treasure for being life forms, namely those he tended to eat, like sea clams, whelks, and cockle. For the gold and the jewels were also hard, like when a shell was involved, and could just as well be some rare and tasty specimen.

Therefore the wolffish began to eat the gold coins, and succeeded in chewing the gold with his strong teeth, until the gold was shattered into dust in his mouth. The wolffish failed to obtain any nourishment from it, and spit the gold out. But the gold did still the same get stuck to his mouth, namely from the outside. Now the wolffish glowed in the ocean, and seemed beautiful for the first time in his life, like some divine being. Next the wolffish tried to chew the diamonds, but they were too hard for his teeth. So this time it was the food that shattered the teeth’s, rather than the other way around.

At first the wolffish was a little taken back, like he had both lost the teeth and the diamonds. But the teeth would continue to grow with the time, until they reached full size. Now the wolffish went back to the ship’s wreckage, but he did not repeat the same approach. This time the wolffish simply swallowed the diamonds, so they became stuck inside his body, since the diamonds could neither be digested nor discharged. The wolffish would no longer be admired for the glow outside his body, when gold dust had been stuck to his mouth. The wolffish would now obtain even more fame, because of the glow inside his body, every time he opened the mouth. For the diamonds would illuminate the entire area, and make it easy for everyone to travel in the dark.

The spiritual treasure cannot be obtained from the outside, or through ordinary means, whether it can be called beautiful words, human willpower, or standardized deeds. It can only be bestowed by the grace of the divinity, in a complete spiritual rebirth. A new self-awareness must appear first and then determine a different approach.

87. The Eel

There was once an old eel that had been staying at the same place most of his life, burrowing up the sand for some mysterious reasons, while ignoring just about everything and everyone. This had become the greatest riddle of the ocean, and nobody was able to guess the answer with any certainty. There did not seem to be any concrete fact which assumptions could be based upon, or some kind of sensible context, since the old eel acted in random way and did not seem to make any profit from it.

But there was a dolphin which had dedicated his entire life to the riddle, and had now finally completed the journey to the old eel, after having travelled for countless days. First the dolphin tried talking to the old eel, asking him many questions. But the eel would not even turn his head to look upon the dolphin, and remained silent. The dolphin became impatient and tried to clap the eel on his back, to remind the eel of his presence, but it only stunned the dolphin with an electrical current. It took some time for the dolphin to receiver himself, but he would no longer try to approach the old eel directly, since that no answers would ever come from that source.

Shortly afterwards there was a human ship right above that place, so the dolphin became curious and went up to the surface, checking what was happening. But that ship did not seem to be in any relation to the riddle, so the dolphin decided to go back to the bottom. Now the dolphin was precisely above the old eel, diving down from the surface. That distance offered good overview of the area below, so when the dolphin finally began to see the bottom then he obtained a complete picture of the burrows. It was like one giant symbol, with many rings interlocked with each other, and going in many directions. Then the dolphin finally realized that it was a complete map of the ocean, since the dolphin had travelled to many locations and knew their layouts.

The dolphin went to the old eel and revealed its discovery to him, but the eel kept up the same resolve, by neither confirming nor refuting anything. So the dolphin no longer considered it necessary to stay, but decided going back the way he came from. The dolphin would now make another long journey, and spread the news to everyone he met. He received universal acclaim for the discovery, and countless fans. Many sea-creatures asked the dolphin how he had managed to discover the answer, and then praised him for it, for having finally achieved that which so many had failed at. This would however not last for long, the fame of the dolphin and the discovery of the map. Soon everyone forgot about the matter, or quickly lost the interest. So nobody bothered to understand the map further, or by making good use of it, before travelling. The map of the ocean would remain forgotten, even more so than the old eel.

The story applies to lofty questions, regarding our human existence and its purpose. A philosophical question does only seem to be important while nobody knows the correct answer. But when it has finally been discovered then no one cares about it anymore.

88. The Swordfish

There was once a swordfish that was the only swashbuckler in the ocean. Other fishes tended to rely upon brute force to get what they needed, while the swordfish was all about boldness and finesse. It happened that an electrical eel made its presence known in the area, and began to oppress the fishes, extorting food and various services from them. None of the fishes was able to fight back, because they would only get electrical current in return, even after inflicting a successful blow or bite upon the electrical eel. It was thereby decided to send for the swordfish, and convince him to champion their cause. The swordfish agreed to the proposal, and would at first approach the electrical eel in a friendly way, asking the eel to cease its lawlessness and be rather contented with honest life. But the electrical eel only laughed, and treated the swordfish like a simpleton. So the swordfish left, and both of them began to prepare for the oncoming battle.

The next day the swordfish and the electrical eel met as enemies on the battlefield. The electrical eel was constantly chasing after the swordfish, trying to electrocute him upon touch, but the swordfish always kept his distance, like he was retreating. This had been going on for some time and the electrical eel had only made himself tired, so he began to move slower in the process, and spent longer time upon each respite. Finally the electrical eel gave up the chase and was about to go back home, like the swordfish was too cowardly to stand his ground and the struggle was already over. Then all of a sudden the swordfish changed his approach, and went over to the offensive, so he was now constantly harassing the electrical eel and inflicting many small wounds. The swordfish would often stab the electrical eel with his nose, not to kill it, but only deep enough to make it painful, and prolong it as long as possible. The swordfish would also take up small life forms with his nose, and throw them upon the electrical eel, thereby causing electrical current each time. This made the electrical eel overstrain itself, so it both felt exhausted and restless at the same time. The electrical eel did finally collapse and went unconscious, so it seemed like the battle was over.

When the electrical eel woke up then the swordfish was already gone, in which puzzled the eel, because the eel presumed that this was a battle to the death. So the eel went back to his home, slept through the night, and woke up the next morning. The electrical eel was now simply looking for food, and not bullying anyone, but then the swordfish appeared all of a sudden and began to harass it all over again. The swordfish was not actually harming the electrical eel in a direct way, by inflicting wounds upon its body. The swordfish was rather annoying the electrical eel, interfering with everything, making loud noises to distract, and throwing junk upon the eel. It was like this the entire day, where the swordfish followed the eel everywhere and was constantly trying to annoy it, making the eel too tired and restless in the process. Finally the electrical eel went home to sleep, but the swordfish also followed this time and did the same thing, keeping the eel awake during the whole night. This harassment repeated itself over the next few days, until the electrical eel could no longer endure it anymore, having been sleepless and starving the entire time. So the electrical eel surrendered to the swordfish and promised to make amends to everyone.

The courageous man is fully devoted to the struggle, and that at all times. For it involves a faith amidst uncertainty and a steadfast attitude in the long run. A coward does on the contrary only come up with a temporary show, while he is oppressing those that are unable to defend themselves, without any danger and hardship to himself.

89. The Cod

There was once a cod that was considered to be talented and inspirational. He would tend to surpass everyone in various undertakings, and improvise through difficult problems. It however happened one day that the fishes were praising the cod for his excellent qualities, and achievements, when a worm suddenly appeared out of his body. That worm claimed that the cod would never have reached so far without it, but the worm had been present in the cod the entire time, and shared its superpowers with him. At first the fishes did not believe the worm’s incredible claim, until the worm began to count up every achievement in the cod’s history, and describe them in every detail. It gave the impression that the worm had been present in every achievement, and it seemed to know more about the cod than anyone else, even more so than the cod himself.

But the cod became indignant over the matter, eager to get the better of the worm and clear his own name. The cod insulted the worm for being a mere parasite, while boasting about his own wit and power, so he only needed to make an effort and then it would immediately succeed. The cod went so far to claim that he could do anything, any time, if he only wanted to do so, and where nobody would be able to stop him. And the cod dared the audience to prepare a contest, between himself and the worm, so the worm would inhabit the body of someone else and try to surpass the cod. So the fishes prepared a contest, which would determine the matter once and for all.

But to everyone’s surprise then the cod was clumsy in everything, as if he had lost the feeling in his body and limbs, and was no longer focused and involved in the tasks. So the cod failed miserably, like he was now unlike himself, or no longer himself. The fish inhabited by the worm had on the contrary become confident, believing that he possessed superpowers, and then acted accordingly with its best effort. Now all the fishes began to gather around the worm and admire it, while the cod ceased to get their attention. An auction was held, where the fishes would bid for the worm, and the worm would then finally inhabit the winner, sharing its supposable talent with him. In this case the haddock offered the most, so the haddock and the worm came one.

But not long time had passed when there was a disaster, which put many fishes into danger, so there was a need for a hero to save them. Everyone put their hope in the haddock, and was encouraging it on, as the only fish that could do anything about it. The haddock began to boast about itself and speak of wonders to come, but nothing came out of it, since the haddock only made random choices. It seemed like everyone’s hope has been dashed, but just at that moment the cod presented himself, dressed in poor garbs. The cod said that he would do everything in his power to save the fishes, and it would hopefully be achieved if the ocean allowed it. Next the cod went and did accordingly, in which seemed so natural and elegant, like he had been doing this his entire life. Now the cod was being praised as the hero of the day, but he would not receive it, and asked the fishes rather to thank the ocean, for its goodwill and grace.

We should never boast about anything nor seek to claim all the credit. For the divinity will not exalt the proud men, by fulfilling their selfish goal or by giving them an honourable position to abuse. Natural talents and good luck is something which the divinity bestows to the humble men, because they confessed the truth from the very beginning.

90. The Haddock

There was once a haddock which was a saviour to his own kind, but the other haddocks did not accept him, since they feared that his glory would be a detriment to their own. The haddock had already become an outcast among them, even before he was exiled. Now the haddock found himself alone and abandoned, but he did still not lament for his own life, since the other haddocks had more to loose by this ungrateful act. But after having travelled for some time then the haddock came across other kind of fishes, whom were also considered outcasts or living in an exile. The haddock possessed a great deal of personal charisma, so he managed to obtain many followers among them. It became a new community which welcomed anyone, regardless of his origins.

It however happened one day that a shark presented itself, and sought for asylum. The shark also claimed to be a victim of circumstances, because it had tried to convince its fellow-sharks to abstain from meat, but they had exiled the shark in the process. This account seemed to true enough, because the sharks were a bloodthirsty lot, so that shark must have done something contrary to their wishes, to end up like that. The shark would otherwise have remained with his own kind, or been popular with them, if the shark had agreed to their views or encouraged the sharks to be even more vicious. Therefore the fishes decided to welcome the shark into their midst, although the haddock was away at time, doing some urgent business. But when the haddock came back then he heard what happened, and that everyone were rejoicing about it, since the shark was supposed to be a powerful ally, able to defend the community. The haddock had his doubts about the shark, sensing something wrong, although the haddock did not know what precisely it was, and was unable to prove anything.

The shark had not stayed for long when it began to propose innovations for the community, so it would obtain even more followers, resources, and territories in the ocean. The shark even proposed to make alliances with various predators, and unite the communities together, so they would be able to protect themselves against any threat. The fishes were eager to listen to the shark and agree with everything, because the fishes were charmed with the prospect of carving out their own kingdom, even an empire. It would be convinced other fishes to join their side, increased the boundaries of the kingdom, maintained a powerful army, and created an ideal society for everyone. In that society then everyone would follow the leader, and obey him in everything, in return for security and comforts. The shark got all the attention, only because he had the most powerful body, so the fishes had already decided to agree with it, even before the shark spoke. The haddock was on the other hand scorned for being a haddock, even that he was gentle and wise, having helped many fishes to rebuild their lives or escape from dangers. Most of the fishes no longer heeded the haddock, the founder of their community, except very few, which had followed him in the beginning.

The community was still called the same name, but everything else had changed about it. The shark was now the leader, and the haddock was exiled again, but even before that time then the shark had shaped the community in his own image. There was nothing left in which the haddock had once proposed and applied to the community, but the shark had its way with everything, whether it was an idea or a measure. Now the community had become the most powerful threat in the ocean, which tried to attack and subdue everyone, compelling the defeated to join that side or suffer. The alliance with the predators had merely been a trick, to unite all the wicked sea-creatures under the same banner, and then seek to conquer and rule over the whole ocean. The shark had never been exiled from its own kind for proposing peaceful measures, but the other sharks had rather considered it too wicked, dreadful, and insane. The haddock came to know this sometime afterwards, but it was then too late to do anything about it, since the shark had already deceived too many fishes into following it.

The haddock had originally created a community for those that were outcasts and exiles, but now that community had become the norm, and reached to most of the ocean. The haddock was now gathering those in which the whole ocean had exiled, rather than from particular species. It was namely the remnants of those that were still free and ready to defy the shark, without becoming like the rest of the sea-creatures. But not long time had passed when somebody betrayed the location of the haddock and his group. The shark and his army managed to encircle the place, and it seemed like it could not be escaped from the trap. The haddock’s followers wanted to go out in the open and fight to their death, but the haddock forbade it. The haddock was rather willing to go alone and sacrifice himself, while his followers would remain concealed. The shark did not actually know how many fishes belonged to the resistance, but the shark had only come to capture or kill the haddock. So the haddock came forth and dared the shark to a duel, which the latter agreed to and expected an easy victory. But the haddock managed to dodge every attack, and landed many hits on the shark, so the shark was actually loosing the fight, and becoming too tired to continue.

Then the shark retreated, and commanded its army to capture the haddock, but the haddock showed no resistance while it was taking place, like he was not afraid. The shark’s army now mistreated the haddock in any way possible, whether to inflict suffering or humiliation, so it would be made an example out of him. But the haddock endured everything with a noble spirit and dignity, remaining standing and silent the entire time. It seemed like the haddock had overcome the shark and its army, rather than the other way around, since that his enemies were the only ones afraid and hesitant. The haddock was however killed in the end, so it seemed like the shark had removed the only remaining obstacle to total power. However when the news spread around the whole ocean then it only exalted the haddock but belittled the shark. Everyone came to know the heroic tale of the haddock, his fight with the shark and noble death. It managed to inspire many fishes to follow his example, in imitating after the haddock in everything, so the resistance would continue to increase on each passing day. The haddock had obtained more followers after his death, than while he was alive.

The human race is delusional about that how its saviour is supposed to be, and what defines greatness in the individual. For that many imagine him to be a warlord, who increases the luxury of his followers from other people’s misery and enslavement. But the true saviour of mankind did forgo all the vainglory of the world, while his sole purpose was to give a good example in humility, and sacrifice himself to liberate others.

91. The Mosquito

There was once a vicious mosquito that had sucked the blood of many beings, and caused them a deadly disease, since the mosquito transferred infected blood between victims. But the strange thing was that the mosquito never came to any harm from the same blood, so it seemed like the mosquito could get away with any mischief. It however happened one day that the mosquito was flying near a tool shed, and noticed a bucket of red paint, which some human had been using but accidentally left opened. The mosquito thought that the bucket was a living being, and that the red paint was a blood, so he went down and sucked the red paint, until the mosquito had filled his stomach. The mosquito did still not notice any change, and continued to be thirsty like before. So the mosquito found another victim, and began to suck the blood from it, but blood always ran back down from his mouth, since the stomach was already full of paint.

The mosquito would always experience the same thing all over again, no matter which being he attacked and tried to suck blood from. Therefore would the mosquito continue to be hungry, but the stomach acted like it was already satisfied. The red paint would never be digested, nor disposed of, so it was stuck inside the mosquito. This made the mosquito superstitious, that the bucket had cursed him and needed to be appeased. This is why the mosquito went back to the bucket, prostrated himself before it, constantly apologizing for everything, crying and begging for mercy. But the bucket would always remain motionless and silent, never responding to any appeal. The mosquito would devise new ways to humiliate himself and flatter the bucket, but nothing would ever work, since the red paint would not go away from his body. So the mosquito left the bucket, and his repentance was turned into anger, since the mosquito had failed to obtain forgiveness and experienced no improvement in his condition.

The mosquito no longer tried to seek for healing, but he wanted to spread that cursed blood to as many as possible, to take them down with his fall.  It was no longer about satisfying a thirst, but the mosquito only wanted to transfer infection between beings. It was meant to be some kind of personal vendetta against the heaven, for having allowed the mosquito to become cursed in the first place, rather than by preventing it. So the mosquito tried to blackmail the heaven, by threatening to inflict misery and death to other beings, if the heaven would not make a miracle to save him. It was otherwise meant to be the heaven’s fault that the mosquito acted in the way he did. Now the mosquito began biting many beings, but none of them ever became sick, since the red paint was harmless to them. This made the mosquito even angrier and bitter, so he decided to make a suicide attack against the first being he noticed. The mosquito found a frog nearby and flew straight away into its mouth, so the mosquito got swallowed and died. The frog did however not come to any harm, but it managed to digest the red paint from the mosquito, although only the mosquito was found in the excrement.

The wicked man does not show the least sign of compassion while he is mistreating innocent people, but only afterwards when memories are afflicting him during isolation. So the wicked man tries to appease illusions in order to make the symptoms go away. But he does not actually repent of his wickedness, and repeats it against new people.

92. The Beetle

There was once a beetle that considered himself to be greatest among the insects. It was because the beetle was strong, and his armoured plates could not be penetrated by anyone. Now it happened one day that the beetle came across a hornet, stuck in a spider’s web, and the beetle began to jeer at the hornet, and claim that the flies were so helpless. The beetle still helped the hornet, by removing it from the web and then driving the spider away, as if it was supposed to prove his point and own superiority as well. The hornet became grateful for having been saved, but it would still the same not agree with the beetle, so they began to quarrel about it. Finally they decided to make a bet, by undergoing the similar challenge and danger, although one person at a time. The beetle and the hornet would then allow the best performance to determine the matter.

Both of them had been travelling for some time when a suitable opportunity presented itself. There was a lone ant which seemed to be lost, or waiting for something. The environment was also suitable for a fight upon equal terms, because the ground was even and enough space was around, so there would be no problem with mobility. The hornet began to attack the ant, while the beetle stayed back and watched. The hornet would fly above the ant, outside his reach, and then take a quick dive to sting the ant, from a direction in which the ant was not looking to nor prepared for. Next the hornet would immediately retreat back up in the air, before the ant regained itself, and then repeat the same strategy all over again. This managed to make ant tired in the long run, but the hornet utterly failed to sting deep enough, to inflict injury. The hornet would now fly off, and the ant would be given enough time to eat and replenish its energy, before the beetle would approach further and attack. The beetle and the ant met with each other, and they fought each other in melee. The beetle managed to get the better of the ant, but it was not because of the strength of his strikes. The beetle armour was too hard, like the ant was punching or crashing upon a wall, so the ant only harmed itself during the attempts, and fell down unconscious in the end.

It seemed like the beetle had won the bet, but he did not get a chance to rejoice over the victory. For that just as that moment an army of ants appeared, ready to help their fallen comrade and gang up on the beetle. The ants gathered around the beetle, and were about to attack simultaneously from all directions. But the beetle was not afraid, confident as he was about the armoured plates, in which had hitherto always worked. The ants attacked the beetle, but the plates did still hold, and prevented any injury. Then it happened that the ants no longer repeated the same approach, by attacking the beetle directly, but they were quick in adapting to the circumstances. The ants went to the beetle and lifted him up, so the beetle would be carried away, to some unknown destination. Soon the beetle saw where they were headed, namely to the nearby river. So the ants were about to throw him into it, to drown the beetle in the process. This would surely have meant the end of the beetle, had not the hornet arrived to the rescue, by pulling the beetle away from the ants and flying away with him. So the beetle and the hornet were now even, after having saved each other. And both of them decided to keep the bet unresolved, since they had only revealed own inferiority.

In warfare then mobility is much more important then stationary defences. For the former can always change the approach and overcome the target from a different location. A heavy defence can lessen the impact from an attack, but it would have been better to avoid it altogether, if one had been unencumbered and moved swiftly enough.

93. The Cockroach

There was once a cockroach that lived in a basement of an abandoned house. The cockroach went rarely outside, since he had been accustomed to darkness most of his life. It however happened one day that there was a great flash, and a mushroom cloud began to appear from a distance. Then there was a great firestorm and shockwave which swept everything away, until the whole area had become a flattened desert. The explosion had wiped out any life form, and made the area uninhabitable in the future, since that nobody could come into contact with the radiation or endure it for long. The cockroach was the only exception, whatever that reason might be. The abandoned house was now gone, and there was only a hole in the ground, where the basement had once been. The cockroach was forced to move away, to find a shelter from the sun.

It was like the cockroach found himself at entirely different place, and he became disturbed by the sight, as if the earth has swallowed every living being and building. The cockroach wondered what had caused all of this, whether it was something that could have been prevented or was meant to be. And he also pondered whether this destruction had served some higher purpose, in reconciling and uniting the humans, once and for all. The cockroach had now reached the great gap, where the mushroom cloud had appeared, and he decided to crawl into it, to get some shelter in one of the holes. One of the hole turned out be a tunnel, leading to many caverns, although only suitable for small insects. There the cockroach found another of his own kind, but the latter did not welcome him. The host asserted that there was not enough room for them both, so the newcomer must leave and make his home elsewhere. But the cockroach would not agree with this, claiming to there was enough room to support an entire colony, let alone two cockroaches, the only survivors in the entire area. Both of them began to quarrel, until the host allowed the visitor to stay for the time being, if the visitor would agree to abide by all the rules, without any exception.

The cockroach promised to obey the rules, although he did still not know them. But the host come up with a ridiculous request in which involved consumption of food. The visitor would not be allowed to eat food anytime he wanted, nor at any place, but the cockroach must only do so once per day, and in the same cavern. And the cockroach must put the food in front of himself, tumble over the food, and then tumble the same way back, before the cockroach could finally take up the food and eat it. But the cockroach refused to obey these rules, for being so superfluous and pointless. The cockroach claimed that he would eat anytime he felt hungry, and do it right away, but he did not need permission from the other cockroach before it could happen. The cockroach would continue to do that which was natural to him, in merely fulfilling his nature. But after hearing this host became furious and attacked the cockroach. A hard and long battle ensued, until both of them were mortally wounded, and now lying on the ground, too weak to move. Then the visitor remarked that it was indeed sad that both of them should loose their lives for the sake of different table manners.

It is indeed a ridiculous thing when the human people are ready to perish for the sake of ideology, since the people would either way have experienced prosperity without its involvement. An ideology should be centred upon the people, but not the other way around. So it should only be preferred ideology which is able to offer the best living conditions.

94. The Termites

There were once termites that served their queen as warriors, and were meant to guard the passage to the nest. The ants were considered to be the greatest threat, both in regard to raw power and teamwork. Every ant was superior to a termite and could only be overpowered by the simultaneous effort of many. It happened one day that termites divided their numbers into two groups, and sent one of them ahead to scout the area, while the other remained at the nest. But the expedition would prove disastrous, because the termites were ambushed by the ants and annihilated. This meant that the other group would be undermanned, the one guarding the corridor to the nest. The termites began to prepare themselves for the last stand, deciding the fate of everything.

The corridor was narrow and could only be entered from one direction. Therefore could the ants not rely upon their superior numbers, in which could otherwise be used to encircle the termites or attack their whole group at the same time. The corridor was only broad enough to contain two termites, which would be fighting against equal numbers of ants at the forefront, while the rest waited in a line from behind. The ants were of course stronger than the termites, and able to beat them in a fight upon equal terms, but they made little headway and the fight seemed to drag on forever.  The termites were only concerned about that in delaying the ants, until the termite workers would seal the passage from behind, preventing further incursion. If one termite fell then another would immediately replace him, and even the corpses of fallen comrades became a hindrance to the ants, disrupting their concentration and performance.

But the termites’ numbers were gradually decreasing, until only a handful was now left. The ants had killed many termites, while suffering only a minor casualty on their own side. It was not like the termites had increased the odds in overcoming the ant army, or by making the remaining ants easier to deal with, fewer and injured as they were. That kind of victory had never been possible, nor considered from the outset. The termite warrior now crowded themselves together, forming a broad and deep wall. Next the termites sacrificed themselves by rupturing their own organs, so there appeared a yellow fluid from their wounds, sticky enough to firmly attach their bodies.  It became impossible for the ants to take the corpses away, now a strong and unified wall in itself. For that every ant touching the wall would get attached to it, and be unable to unloosen itself. The ant tried every method to breach the wall, but failed, so the ants decided to retreat and continue the war another day. The termite queen was saved, and she would beget countless termite warriors to replenish the ones lost that fateful day.

It is not body counts that will determine the war, nor should it be an end in itself. It is more important that the society can maintain its infrastructure intact and be able to replenish its numbers. So it can always be learned from previous defeats and reformed the army.

95. The Moth

There was once a moth that lived in a forest that had never been inhabited by butterflies. The moth was the nearest thing to a butterfly, and was thereby mistaken for it, since nobody in that forest had seen the real one. But everyone thought that butterflies were overrated, or at least not as beautiful as had been claimed by animals elsewhere. It as because the moth did not have any bright colours at all, but the moth was mostly greyish pale. And there were no beautiful patterns on her wings, but only faint outlines with tiny spots, like the moth was an exaggerated version of an ordinary fly. It however happened one day that a real butterfly appeared in another forest, next to this one. The butterfly became greatly admired by the inhabitants there, not only because of its beautiful appearance, but the butterfly also seemed to fly gracefully and elegantly.

The news finally reached the forest in which had the moth, and then nobody would believe it, since the animals thought it was another moth that was just like theirs. Therefore began a great dispute between the two forests, with all its inhabitants. The animals in the other forest would claim that butterflies were the most beautiful beings in the world, while the animals in this one would ridicule everything about it. So that one side became angry that the other one would refuse to admit the truth, while the other side treated the former like simpletons, too stupid to know any better. This dispute would rapidly escalate until both sides hated each other, and plotted for the downfall of the other. Nobody was allowed to stay neutral, like by being friendly to both sides or by choosing neither one, since it would otherwise be considered treason. And since this dispute had originally been about butterflies then they became symbols for each side, even to the point of being fastened on a pole and carried like a banner.

Both sides now met each other on the battlefield, and began to fight at the forefront. At first then neither side could see the butterfly that belonged to their enemy. For that banner was too far away, situated with the rearguard, and only recognized by own troops. Many heroic feats were accomplished by both sides, like when an ant found itself wounded and outnumbered, but it still continued to thwart any attacks from the enemy. And then there was a bee that flew over the battlefield and dropped stones upon important targets, so the enemy army would be deprived of it best leaders. The war would quickly deplete the manpower at the forefront, so the troops from the rear would step forward and replace the empty ranks. So the two banners got closer with the time, until both armies could see the butterfly that belonged to their enemy. Everyone became surprised by the sight, and decided to make a cease-fire, so that both butterflies could be put alongside each other. It became transparent to everyone that they could not be any more different, and were thereby not of the same species. This dispute and the following struggle had been much ado about nothing.

The human people tend to quarrel and fight because they only regard their own position and self-interest, while failing to consider the same things from their enemy’s point of view. This can also apply to wars in general, because the opposing soldiers tend to experience corresponding lot, except that the names and the uniforms are different.

96. The Mantis

There was once a mantis that was a master of disguise. It was like he only needed to stay still and blend in with the environment, until an unwary insect came too near and could be ambushed. It however happened one day that the mantis did his job too well, because that a human arrived to the scene and took the mantis along with the nearby plants. The mantis ended in a garden next to the human’s house, in which already had many sorts of plants, like it was a smaller version of the same forest. So the mantis found himself at home, and could play the same game, becoming one with the environment.

The mantis was next to beautiful flowers, and human continued to mistake him as part of the plants. The human walked in that direction, stopped right in front of the mantis, then began irrigating the flowers, so the mantis got all wet in the process. This did not actually harm the mantis, but he became irritated by it, and decided to change location. The mantis crawled up a tree and hid at one of its branches, hoping to be outside the human’s reach. But shortly afterwards the human came with a ladder, and began climbing up to the tree, to gather some of its fruits. The human pulled one of the branches to itself, and then let go off it, so the mantis was catapulted away. The mantis fell to the ground, and was bruised to the degree of becoming dizzy for some time. After the mantis had recovered himself then he decide to hide at the bushes, since the location was neither too high nor too low, like what happened at the tree and the flowers. But then the human came and began to cut away the overgrown branches, so that one of the mantis’ legs became clipped off, although it was also an accident this time.

The mantis had now suffered three setbacks in a row, so he would no longer try to blend in. Therefore the mantis began to move, and make himself visible to the human, as if to correct all this misunderstanding and prevent further accidents. But the human knew what kind of insect he was, and decided to exploit that opportunity, by using the mantis like a living pest control, that offered its service for free. The human took the mantis to a dark hole, where all kinds of insects were supposed to dwell in. These insects had been finding their way into the human’s house, so the human wanted to destroy them for good, and any eggs that could still remain there. So the human pushed the mantis into the dark hole, and barred it up, as if it would be burnt all bridges from behind and encouraged the mantis to fight with desperate boldness. But the mantis was unable to conceal himself in this hole, while these insects could see clearly in the dark, so the mantis was too exposed to their sneak attacks. The mantis was unable to see who attacked him, or from where, so he was killed in the end.

The dishonest man can perhaps deceive other people and escape from their retribution. But he will experience a trouble and affliction from another source instead. It can also apply about warfare, where many soldiers and mercenaries are unable to retire after continual success, but they end up killed in one expedition or another.

97. The Dragonflies

There were once dragonflies that were great boasters. For the dragonflies would exalt everything about their species, and remember every event in a most glamorous way, while the opposite thing applied with other species, in not being worthy enough in their eyes. It happened that a full scale war began between the dragonflies and the mosquitoes, and for a time it looked like the mosquitoes were winning. The dragonflies became so wounded in their pride that they was decided to appoint a dictator, who would lead them to victory and possess full power over their lives. This was immediately put into effect, but the dictator began immediately to secure his own position, by making radical changes in the dragonfly community. Every dragonfly was executed which was considered to be a threat to his position, but it was made to look like a just punishment, as if these dragonflies had been guilty of treason to the motherland.

The political cleansing had deprived the dragonflies of half their population, until there were only dragonflies left that were totally loyal to the dictator, and knew nothing else. The dictator now deemed the dragonflies ready to resume the war against the mosquitoes. Many atrocities were committed by both sides, in which was supposed to increase their determination, and like there would be no going back. But many insects were so unlucky to have their homes at the battlefield, so they got caught in the crossfire and were mercilessly killed, without receiving any warning at all. The war came to a stalemate, where most of the soldiers had either been killed or maimed. But the incredible thing was the dragonflies and the mosquitoes were in the minority, while manifold more insects had been killed by them, about twenty for every soldier. The war was now over, and the boundaries remained the same as before the war.

Many generations later there was nobody left which had lived during the war, or participated in it. But the descendants were told many stories about the war, in which had been passed down from generation to generation, and exaggerated more each time. The original account had described the horrors of the war, and the misery which followed. But the newest version was describing the war as beautiful and fun, something which was meant to make the dragonflies as better persons. So the dragonflies began to have heated discussions with other insects, boasting about the performance of their forefathers, and the body count in the war, like it proved their own superiority. It was always come up with an excuse that sought to self-justify the atrocities committed by their forefathers, while it was condemned the other side for the same thing.  The dispute often became so intense that the dragonflies considered the prospect of another war, boasting about their current manpower and resources, like they could easily overcome the other side. And some of the dragonflies wished that the dictators would be still alive to lead them, as if everything was thanks to him alone. But everyone forgot all about the dragonflies that had been exterminated by their own side, and the innocent insects that were killed for the only crime of getting in the way.

This story applies to many people that are interested in past wars, and know every detail about them, while it is utterly failed to understand and analyze its significance. It is favoured everything about one of the warring side and come up with self-centred comparison. But by doing so it is indirectly spoken too lightly about the suffering of the victims.

98. The Silverfish

There was once a silverfish that lived in a ruined house, in which had all the doors and windows sealed. This house had once belonged to a great man, who had achieved many things and benefited the people, but he later became discredited and was banished. The new regime wanted to eradicate all memory if this man, so the people were forbidden to speak of him and this house was deliberately neglected. Now the silverfish was the only being that lived there, and the darkness was suitable to her way of life, since the silverfish was afraid of light and would always run away from its source.

It happened one night that there was a great storm, so powerful that the roof of the house was blown away. But the storm subsided and was gone in the morning, so the sun was now shining into the house from above. This made the silverfish afraid, so she quickly hid in a hole in the wall. But the stormed appeared again in the night, and was now accompanied with rain, which began to flood the floor and destroy it altogether. It could now be seen the bare earth on the ground, where the tree-floor had once been. The ground had already dried up before the next night, when a storm appeared for the third time, unless it now only consisted of winds, like what happened at the first night.

The days went by and it seemed like the house would undergo no further changes. But then it happened that trees and flowers began to spring up inside the house, because the third storm had carried seeds to that place. The plants would continue to grow and be nourished by the rain, until the place became like a paradise. And long time afterwards there was another storm, now with great thunders, which hit the walls of the house and burned them to ashes. But the trees and the flowers never came to any harm, miraculously it seemed, since the remainder of the house was destroyed. There was no longer a ruined house, but only a beautiful garden, transparent to every human that was walking by, and nothing could ever be refuted about it.

The truth will always continue to be the truth, and remain as equally valid at all times, regardless of that whether the human people will recognize it or not. Our conscience will always alert us about that what proves to be right or wrong, through many signs. So it will only be a matter of time until everything will be revealed as it really is.

99. The Caterpillar

There was once a caterpillar that was always happy and contented with the life as it was. It was like the caterpillar could see beauty and harmony in all things, where the life itself would never cease to amaze caterpillar and bestow him with a sense of purpose. It however happened one day that a human arrived to the forest, and wanted to make a documentary film about butterflies, before and after they had become so. That human managed to notice the caterpillar, crawling back to his home, and approached him with the camera. However the human did not record the caterpillar from behind, but did so in front of him, so the human repeatedly stepped on his home and crushed it. The caterpillar was a little bit shocked to witness the destruction of his home, but he was still the same grateful, because the caterpillar could always build another home.

This would however not be the end of his troubles, for the human tried to force food upon the caterpillar, even that he was not hungry and tried to move his head away. But the human would continue to do it even more forcefully, so it was like the caterpillar was repeatedly punched in his face and choked with food. The caterpillar was compelled to eat his way through the food, as to be able to breathe later on. It was a frightening experience while it lasted, but the caterpillar was still just glad to be free in the wild. The caterpillar tried to walk away from the human, but the human would not stop poking the caterpillar with a stick, so he would tumble back and forth, totally helpless. The caterpillar often managed to walk a considerable distance away from the human, but the human always came back for him. The human would take the caterpillar and put him down at the same place, so he would need to travel all over again. This was beginning to irritate the caterpillar, because he could not longer be grateful for that in having a home and freedom, but not it only reached to that in being alive.

Finally the human took the caterpillar and put him down with another of his kind. Now the human was trying to force the two caterpillars to mate, ignorant about the fact that the caterpillars could only do so after they had been transformed into butterflies. The caterpillars were always trying to move in the opposite direction, but the human took the caterpillar each time and put him atop the other one. This had now been going on for some time, and nobody seemed to understand what his was all about, except the human, obsessive as it was in making a documentary. But the human got bored in the end and went someplace else, leaving the caterpillar stranded in the middle of nowhere. The caterpillar would need to make a perilous journey, moving through countless dangers and obstacles, until finally reaching familiar surroundings. The caterpillar was now weary and sighed, remarking that these humans were everywhere.

It seems like the humans can sometimes be an irritating pest which can never be gotten rid off. So the feeling must be mutual, if we put ourselves into the insects’ position. The caterpillar only wanted to be left alone, and to have a perfect environment for himself, but it was like that human’s only purpose was to get in his way.

100. The Wolverine

There was once a wolverine that was so wicked that he fled from one forest to another. The wolverine would first arrive to a new place, where the animals did not know who the wolverine was and what he was capable of. There the wolverine could abuse the trust of other animals, practice evil in secret, and mistreat those that were unprepared, until the crimes became a common knowledge and everyone hated him. Then the wolverine would flee from the area, before the animals would capture him and inflict retribution. And then the same process would repeat itself all over again. Now the wolverine arrived to the seventh forest, where his bad reputation had still not preceded him. The wolverine came upon a rabbit that he could overpower with ease, because there were no other animals around to hear what was going on, or to offer their help to the rabbit. So the wolverine attacked the rabbit and ate both its legs, before leaving.

The rabbit managed to survive, but would be lame for the rest of its life. The monkey was the judge of the forest, and thereby the person which the rabbit appealed to for justice. A trial was held, where the rabbit and the wolverine gave different testimony of the same incident, and then everyone waited for the monkey to give his final verdict. But the monkey only reprimanded the wolverine, and gave him a fine of one hundred peanuts. When the rabbit heard this ridiculous sentence then it became indignant, and the rabbit cried that it had not use for peanuts, no matter how many they were. The peanuts would never make up for both of its legs, and all the opportunities wasted from henceforth, since the rabbit could not even make a livelihood. But the monkey would not revoke his verdict, so the matter was finale. It took the wolverine one day to collect the peanuts, while the rabbit suffered for the rest of its life.

Now during the same week the wolverine came upon a female fox, and he lusted after her. The wolverine offered the fox one hundred peanuts if she would allow him to abuse her body. The fox would of course not agree to this, and remarked that her dignity was not for sale, but she would rather choose to die with her honour intact. The fox also rebuked the wolverine for acting in such repulsive way, and told him rather to find some monster like himself to mate with. This made the wolverine angry so he attacked the female fox, managing to overpower and rape her, so the fox would need to live with this memory for the rest of her life. This outrageous case was also taken to court, and the fox demanded death penalty for the transgressor. But the monkey gave the same verdict as before, by merely reprimanding the wolverine and fining him of one hundred peanuts. The fox became furious and made an outcry, claiming that it was precisely the same price which the wolverine had originally offered to her. So the fox felt like having sold herself to the wolverine, unless he paid for it afterwards. Therefore the fox refused to accept the fine, cursing the monkey for everything.

Now the fox began to plot for the downfall of them both, the wolverine for his crime and the monkey for having done nothing about it. The fox first managed to lure the wolverine into a pit, and then the monkey some time afterwards. It was so dark inside the pit that nothing could be seen except the hole above, even that it was still a sunny day. The wolverine and the monkey could sense the presence of each other, and while they were moving, but both of them imagined the other to be some horrible monster. So the wolverine and the monkey began to fight each other, as if each one was first attacking the monster before it would do the same thing. It was a brutal fight where both of them repeatedly bit and scratched each other, punched and kicked, until one of them died. Then the survivor would need to eat the corpse in order to stay alive, but it did not work out as planned. Because the corpse continued to rot for many days, next to the survivor, until he became infected with a disease and had an agonizing death.

Our health and dignity is more precious than all the wealth in the world. For these factors will always be a part of us, and follow us constantly from within. It can be said that crimes regarding money and material objects should involve corresponding concessions, while crimes directed against the person should call for a harsher punishment.

101. The Wolves (pt. 2)

There was once a pack of wolves that were known for being troublemakers, so there remained no scandal in which the wolves had not already conceived of and committed. But because of that same reputation the wolves could no longer surprise or trick anyone, since every animal became cautious in their presence and was constantly on the guard. This is why the wolves wanted to improve their reputation, by giving the impression that they were fighting for a good cause. For that fighting was the only thing they were good at, by relying upon brute force to get what they wanted, but the wolves were altogether unwilling to be kind and helpful. So the wolves began their journey to unknown lands and were ever on a lookout for suitable opportunities.

First the wolves came across a group of vultures, feeding upon a carcass. The wolves immediately drove off the vultures and claimed the carcass for their own. The vultures were now flying from above, and angrily asking why the wolves had robbed them of food. Then all the wolves spoke as with one voice, remarking that they did so in the name of the whole forest, and that they were fighting on behalf of all the animals. Now the wolves moved on and later came upon a group of wild dogs. The dogs welcomed the wolves among them, even by going so far to share their food and shelter. Then came a night, and the dogs went to sleep, but the wolves only pretended to do so, by having their eyes closed while deliberately staying awake. The wolves waited until all the dogs were asleep, then rose up and killed them one by one, for the purpose of robbing the dogs of all their possessions. But one of the dogs managed to wake up in time and escape, so he reached a safe distance. Then that same dog called to the wolves from afar, and angrily asked why the wolves had betrayed and killed their own benefactors. Then all the wolves spoke with one voice, remarking that they did so in the name of the whole forest, and that they were fighting on behalf of all the animals.

There was now a great uproar in the forest, because of the dogs that had been murdered in cold blood. There was namely a mutual agreement among the animals that no blood should be shed on that day, since the lion was being crowned as their king. The wolves and the tigers were taken into custody, since they lacked an alibi, having been the only animals which were absent during the ceremony in question, far away. The tigers had been sick and too weak to travel at that time, but they seemed to be healed the next day. So it cast suspicion upon them, as if the tigers had faked their illness. It seemed like there was an equal chance that either suspects would be found guilty. This is why the wolves decided to increase the odds in their favour, in being released.  The wolves inflicted wounds upon each other, and then called for someone to save them from the tigers, so it seemed like the tigers had been the ones to attack them. This crafty device managed to fool anyone, and nobody believed the tigers’ account. So that all the tigers were executed, while the wolves were given their freedom.

But not a long time had passed when the lone survivor presented himself to the lion, and revealed everything in which had taken place that fateful day. The lion became furious that he had been fooled into executing the tigers, innocent as they were, and he proclaimed that the wolves should be immediately seized. The wolves were now good as dead, but the lion still the same demanded some kind of explanation from them. Then all the wolves spoke with one voice, remarking that they did so in the name of the whole forest, and that they were fighting on behalf of all the animals. After hearing this the lion answered that it was indeed strange that the wolves had gone to such an extreme measures on behalf of everyone, while the wolves had failed to behave decently toward every living being that had crossed their path. And then the lion proclaimed that the wolves could now finally benefit everyone, namely by perishing, so the animals in the forest would be permanently rid of their lives. So this order was carried through and all the wolves were executed together. For the first time in the forest then everyone were in complete agreement with each other, and unanimous in rejoicing over the verdict, so it only lead to good consequences.

This story applies to that when terrorists pretend to act in the name of many people, or in promoting a good outcome. But it can still never change the wickedness of their crimes. If a fanatic neglects to show compassion and mercy to one individual then he will also not do so toward the rest, since the human race is nothing but a collection of individuals.

102. The Hyena (pt. 2)

There was an outbreak of plague in the forest, and it disrupted everyone’s lives. For that if an animal was infected then it became too weak to care for itself, and those closest to it. It would also no matter whether the predators had managed to escape from the plague, because they would either way not be able to eat the carcase of an infected animal. So that one side was unable to search for food, while another was unable to eat anything. This had never before happened in the history of the forest, so there was no certainty about the future, how long the plague would last or how many would die. It happened one day that a hyena became infected by the disease, and it became so painful that he could no longer bear it, nor could the hyena think clearly in such state. The hyena became restless, unable to stay still, but was constantly walking back and forth. He was getting more and more desperate in finding a remedy, like the hyena was willing to believe anything and try anything, so long as it gave him hope of deliverance.

The hyena heard a gossip that a deer’s meat would surely cure anyone of the disease. So the hyena began to look for deer’s, in the deranged and tormented state he was in, and he later succeeded in killing one. The hyena did not actually have any appetite, but he forced it upon himself to eat a considerable part of the deer’s. But the hyena felt just the same, where the pain and the chaos would never stop, nor diminish in some degree. The hyena tried to kill more deer’s and eat them as well, but to the same result.  Next the hyena heard the gossip that all the rabbits were to be blamed for the plague. It was namely suspected that the rabbits had done something to anger the heavens, because the rabbits were the first ones to carry the disease, as if they were cursed. It was thereby suggested that every rabbit should be hunted down and exterminated, so it could be appeased the heavens and diverted the curse from the rest. So the hyena worked with others in putting such measures into effect, but it never made any difference how many rabbits were killed, because the forest never became a better place.

Then there came yet another gossip, that the wolves were strong and numerous enough to rival the hyenas, and overtake their territory. This is why all the hyenas needed to unite under the same banner and attack the wolves while they were still unprepared. It was done accordingly, but the war quickly degenerated into a stalemate. A temporary peace was made between the hyenas and the wolves, so that both delegations could travel safely between camps. The hyena was one of the groups, and it was now doing some business inside the wolf’s camp. The wolves’ sorry state surprised the hyena, for the wolves had fared no better during the plague than his own kind, so the wolves were in no condition to rule over the territory, like what had been claimed. But now the disease had reached its zenith, and the hyena would not be able to resist its power any longer. Shortly before the hyena submitted to death then he sighed heavily, and remarked that he had indeed sought for remedy at all the wrong places.

Economical crisis calls for economical solutions, and reformation of the society’s infrastructure. Fanatics do however foolishly believe that immigrants are to be blamed for everything, even that the people in question had nothing to do about the problem.

103. The Lion (pt. 2)

There was once a great dispute in the forest, between two factions. One of them only wanted to eat apples, while the other only wanted to eat oranges. It was up to the lion to determine the issue, before it went out of control, since he was the king of the forest. So the lion began listening to both sides and tried to reach an agreement between them.

The lion first attempted to make a compromise, encouraging both sides to eat only pears, since it was considered to have flavour somewhere between apples and oranges. But neither side became satisfied with the proposal, because they did not get the food they wanted, and considered the pear to be just as bad as the fruit belonging to the other side. Next the lion cut all apples and oranges in halves, and then glued them together, so the new fruit was called ‘applonges’ and presented to everyone. But both sides would only eat their favourite fruit, while leaving out the other half uneaten. And then they complained of being half-starved, and unable to work to their fullest capacity.

It seemed like the lion would never be able to satisfy both sides at the same time, since there was always something which came in the way, upsetting one or the other. Therefore the lion began to consider the possibility of banishing either side from the forest, and then could the other side eat as much of its favourite fruit as was desired. Or the lion could destroy every supply of apples and oranges, so that both sides would be forced to eat different fruits, or would leave the forest altogether. But the lion finally reached the decision to resign and leave the forest on his own, since it would at least solve the matter in regard to his own life, while both sides were quarrelling.

There is only a truth or a lie, goodness or evilness. But there does not exist anything in between, in regard to the internal source, where all things are originated from. This is why compromises do not tend to work or last for long. For it is sought unite two contradictory natures, or conciliate two groups, even that one of them is utterly wrong.

104. The Swine (pt. 2)

It happened that a lion-cub was travelling alone through the forest, after having recently lost his parents. Then the cub came across a swine, which despised his small size and wanted to exploit it, so the swine wanted to bully the cub for the mere pleasure of it. Now the lion-cub stood his ground and defended himself heroically, but the small size worked against him, so he was unable to overpower the swine. The swine managed to beat up the cub and badly injure on of his legs, before leaving the scene. The swine had deliberately kept the lion-cub alive, for the purpose of prolonging his suffering. For the cub would have great difficulty in finding a food, since that he would be limping for many weeks, and thereby be to slow to chase after a prey. And each day the swine would visit the cub, to laugh at his misfortune and do nothing to help him. The swine would even search the place and try to steal food from the cub.

But the lion-cub managed to survive, and reached full maturity some years later. The lion was now the most powerful animal in the forest, and to be crowned as its king. It was thereby proclaimed that a ceremony would be held which everyone needed to attend, since the lion wanted every animal to submit itself to him, one at a time. Now the swine did not know that the king was the very same cub he had once mistreated, until it was too late and the swine was already in front of the lion. The swine became paralyzed with fear, and could only stammer, like it was about die any moment. But the lion was in a generous mood, and pardoned the swine, as if the past no longer mattered. The lion was now strong and the swine would never be able to mistreat him again, but the swine had acted like it was already defeated. So the swine was allowed to leave, and it made the swine so grateful that it promised to offer a gift to the lion.

However during that very same day the swine came across a lamb, which was an orphan. The swine presumed that the lamb would be perfect meal for the lion, and where nobody would miss the lamb afterwards, destitute as it was of family and friends. So the swine killed the lamb and carried the carcass back to the ceremony, which was still taking place. The swine offered the lamb to the lion, hoping to be greatly rewarded. But the lion ordered the swine to be seized immediately, to be executed later in the day. The lion remarked that the swine had indeed persecuted the lion again, because the lamb had been an orphan like the lion, and too weak to defend itself. Therefore had the swine learned nothing from the pardon, and would thereby not receive it again. So the swine would perish, while the lamb received honourable burial.

This story applies to hypocritical men that mistreat those of weaker position. But they do foolishly expect a different treatment while invoking the divinity for mercy. The wicked men can presume that they are doing the divinity a service by murdering innocent people, even that the divinity is innocent like the victims. So the wicked men would also have persecuted the divinity if it had appeared to them like a normal person.

105. The Man

There was once a man that had been forced to abandon his livelihood, home, and all possessions, since that everything had either been destroyed or robbed during a war. The man intended to begin a new life in another country, but he got lost on the way, since he was alone in strange woods and it was too dark outside. It was like the man was inside a labyrinth, where we would often reach dead ends and be forced to turn around, so that little progress was made. The provisions would soon become depleted, and there was nothing around that could be foraged, so the man found himself hungry, tired, and cold.

The man had given up all hope, and was now lying on the ground. But just at that moment another traveller arrived at the scene, as if out of nowhere. The stranger kneeled down and checked the man’s condition, remarking that the man was too weak to continue his journey, and that the man would surely die if he did not receive any treatment. But the stranger claimed to know a secret place nearby, in which possessed magical properties. There everyone could be young and healthy again, happy and at peace. And the inhabitants would continue to be alive and well, even without food and sleep.

Then the stranger asked the man what he would give in return, if the stranger revealed the secret and carried the man to the location. This troubled the man, because he could only offer few coins of little value, which the stranger did not deem to be enough. Next the man tried to flatter the stranger, and promise all kinds of good service in the future, but the stranger turned it down as well. The stranger remarked that he was offering a blissful paradise, a blessing greater than anything else in this world. So it would indeed be a foolish thing to trade the paradise for some cheap trinkets.

This made the man realize that he had nothing to offer the stranger, whether it was now or some time later, since that blessing could not be bought or earned by any means. Therefore the man confessed his own poverty and unworthiness, while rather appealing to the stranger’s kindness and generosity, in saving the man only because he wanted to do it. When the stranger heard this appeal then he smiled, and answered the blessing was so precious that he would never sell it below its value. So the stranger could just as well give the blessing for free, if the man would only ask for it as a gift. After hearing these terms the man did accordingly, so he entered paradise as his new home.

This story applies to the divine grace, the kingdom of God, and the everlasting life. It has everything to do about God and His goodness, but nothing to do about us and our worth.

106. The Man (pt. 2)

There was once a man that was exploring the sea, and looking for uncharted territories. But alas, there was a great storm and the man got shipwrecked on an island, being the only survivor of the entire crew. That island felt like a dreamy place, so the man was not really sure whether he was awake or asleep, alive or dead, sane or mad.

The man had been waking for some time when he came across God himself, disguised as an old man in poor garbs. God was offering a free ticket to paradise, under the only condition that the man stretched out his hand and received it willingly, with his full consent. But when the man heard the offer he became suspicious, presuming that it was too good to be true, or too simple to be believed, since that no person was ever so generous. So the man refused the offer, and walked past the old man.

Shortly afterwards the man came across the devil himself, disguised as a young man in silk garment. The devil was offering painted dung for an unthinkable price, the man’s very soul. Then the man became open-minded, presuming that such high price must surely mean that the object was of good quality. It was true that the object looked like painted dung, but the man still believed that it contained some secret properties, like superpowers. So the man agreed and purchased the dung in return for his soul. But that dung continued to be dung, utterly useless to the man at all times.

Now the devil owned the man’s soul, and thereby everything that belonged to him. Every time the man obtained something then he was immediately forced to give it away to the devil. And the devil commanded the man to obey him in everything, no matter how unfair such request was, in compelling the man to behave in foolish and degrading way. The man was now unhappy in his soul, and sick in his body. But the man did still the same put his hope in the painted dung, as a magical object that would save him. The man spoke to the dung on each day, worshipped it, and brought it offerings.

But God decided to have pity upon the man, and tore his soul from the devil, since it was never the man’s place to give it away, nor the devil’s to receive it. So that God saved the man’s life, and liberated him from all evils, only because God felt like doing it. The man had actually never approached God to begin with, in confessing the truth about himself and in asking for help, but the man had only treated the dung in such way. However God did not actually reveal his presence to the man, nor the things done for his sake, but the man experienced all these benefits while he was alone. But the man had been eating an apple at the same time when the miracle occurred, so the man ascribed all the credit to the apple, which now replaced the painted dung.

The human people tend to be ungrateful, never acknowledging the good and many blessings in which God gave to them for free, even from the very beginning of their existence. A divine salvation is made possible because God possesses the will to help us. But it is foolish to offer thanks to incidental things, lifeless objects, or fleeting sensations.