GREED A CURSE

Once upon a time there lived a cloth merchant in a village with his wife and two children. They were indeed quite well-off. They had a beautiful hen which laid an egg everyday. It was not an ordinary egg, rather, a golden egg. But the man was not satisfied with what he used to get daily. He was a get rich-trice kind of a person.

The man wanted to get all the golden eggs from his hen at one single go. So, one day he thought hard and at last clicked upon a plan. He decided to kill the hen and get all the eggs together.

So, the next day when the hen laid a golden egg, the man caught hold of it, took a sharp knife, chopped off its neck and cut its body open.

There was nothing but blood all around & no trace of any egg at all. He was highly grieved because now he would not get even one single egg.

His life was going on smoothly with one egg a day but now, he himself made his life miserable. The outcome of his greed was that he started becoming poorer & poorer day by day and ultimately became a pauper. How jinxed and how much foolish he was.

So, the moral of the story is- one who desires more, looses all. One should remain satisfied with what one gets.

UNITED WE STAND : DIVIDED WE FALL

Once upon a time three sons were engaged in merchantile business under the supervision of their father. They were very rich. Each son was proficient in his own department.

If one was good in sales, the other one was competent in purchases and similarly the third one in finance.

Unluckily, one day the father got bed ridden and the sons decided to divide the business under the fallacy that each of them were experts in their own way and can handle their individual business solely.

The father was glum and grumpy with their decision but was helpless and unfortunately the separation took place.

As a result three of them became each others competitors. With the passage of time, they started having huge losses in their respective businesses. They tried all possible ways to succeed but the situation became worse.

Then they came to their father for a piece of advice. The father said when you all were doing the business jointly, the business ran successfully. But it was not any one of you responsible for the success of the business rather traits of all three of you put together made the business successful.

The sons realized their mistake & got reunited.

Moral: disunity always ruins.

LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP

Once a fox was roaming around in the dark. Unfortunately, he fell into a well. He tried his level best to come out but all in vain. So, he had no other alternative but to remain there till the next morning.

The next day, a goat came that way. She peeped into the well and saw the fox there. The goat asked what are you doing there, Mr. Fox?

The sly fox replied, I came here to drink water. It is the best I have ever tasted. Come and see for yourself.

Without thinking even for a while, the goat jumped into the well, quenched her thirst and looked for a way to get out. But just like the fox, she also found herself helpless to come out.

Then the fox said, I have an idea. You stand on your hind legs. I'll climb on your head and get out. Then I shall help you come out too.

The goat was innocent enough to understand the shrewdness of the fox and did as the fox said and help him get out of the well.

While walking away, the fox said, “Had you been intelligent enough, you would never have got in without seeing how to get out.”

NO USE REPENTING WHEN IT'S TOO LATE

Once a farmer procured honey from a honey-comb after smoking away all the bees of the comb. He put the honey in a pot and left for his house. Unluckily, he stumbled against a stone on the way. As a result, the pot of honey fell down and broke. All the honey spilt on the ground.

Being a sticky fluid, honey doesn't leave the spot where it spills. So, finding it difficult to recover the honey, the farmer went away cursing himself.

Just then a swarm of flies came there. Getting the flavour of honey, they descended upon it. They never thought that the honey would catch them fatally. Having had their fill, they tried to fly away but their feet and wings got stuck into honey.

The flies cried, “How foolish we are! For a little pleasure we have to die an untimely death.” It was too late now.

MERE BOASTS DON'T MAKE BIG

Once there was a trader who was often out on business trips. When he grew old, his son started handling the business but he was very boastful by nature.

When he went on his first business tour, he was thrilled to see many new things. Returning home he felt impatient to tell about his experiences to his mates. When they all gathered around him, he told them many surprising things among which, he boasted of an exploit of his own.

He said, “Friends! When I was in Canada, I participated in boxing competition and none could beat me. I was praised by all and became the talk of the town. If you don't believe me, better go to Canada and enquire.”

Suddenly, one of his friends said, “Why go to Canada, you show your feat here itself.” The trader had no words to reply and got trapped in his own words.

LEARN TO GRASP THE NETTLES, IF YOU WANT BERRIES

Once, a boy was playing near some hedges laden with berries that appeared ripe and juicy. His mouth watered and he licked his chops.

Immediately, he started gathering the berries. Just then he got stung sharply by a nettle. He started feeling pain and soon, a rash appeared on his hand.

Leaving the collection of berries, he ran home and with tears in his eyes, told everything to his mother Sobbing hard, he said, “Mom! I touched them lightly but they stung me hard.”

The mother smiled and caressing her son, replied, “They stung you because you touched them lightly. Had you held them firmly, they won't have hurt you. You can't get anything without facing dangers. Every rose has some thorns to protect it. So, if you want berries, learn to grasp the nettles

NEVER PRETEND WHAT YOU ARE NOT

Once there was a crow that lived near a farm-house. The owner of the farm had kept

some pigeons and he fed them with grains regularly. The crow looked at the

pigeons and envied them everyday.

Deciding to share the feed, the crow painted his body like that of pigeons and

joined the pigeons as one of them. Thus, he was able to enjoy the feed daily. The

pigeons never suspected anything foul.

But one day, after the feed, the crow couldn't control himself and started crying.

The pigeons came to know that he was not one of them. They pecked at his body so

mercilessly that he started bleeding.

The crow flew away to save his life and went straight to his own brethren- the

crows. But because of his painted body, they refused to accept him. So, he was

forced to flee in order to save himself and became a homeless wanderer.

So, don't pose what you are not because affectation seldom works.

EXCESS OF ANYTHING IS BAD

Once upon a time there was a pasture near the edge of a forest. Shepherds of the nearby villages came there with their flocks. While the flocks grazed, the shepherds spent their time playing various games.

At the end of the pasture, there was a big tree having a big hollow but with a narrow opening to get in. the shepherds used to put their lunch packets in that hollow. In the afternoon, they took them out and enjoyed their mid-day meals together.

One day a hungry fox happened to come that way. He got the flavor of lunch packets and followed it to reach the hollow. His belly was sunk inside due to hunger. So, he was able to get inside the hollow without much difficulty.

He ate up the contents of all the lunch packets. His belly puffed up on both sides and he was not able to come out of the hollow. Soon the shepherds came there for their lunch packets. They found the fox there and gave him a sound beating.

BLAMING NEEDS WISDOM

Once a ship got caught in a violent storm. It wrecked and the waves cast it's wrecks on the sands of the shore. Among them was a sailor who lay senseless on the beach. When he came to his senses, he cursed the sea saying, “The sea is a cheat indeed. It attracts people with it's cool and calm waters and once they are in it's grip, it turns furious and destroys them.”

Hearing his reproach, the sea felt pinched. But it didn't want to trouble the sailor anymore. So, it came to the sailor in form of a damsel.

“Who are you, O lovely lady?” asked the sailor.

“I am the sea and am as lovely as you see me now. You are blaming me for the wreck but it isn't just.”Surprised, the sailor asked, “Who is just then?”

The sea urged, “The wreck was caused by the cruel winds that blew into gusts and gales over me and created stormy waves in my calm waters.”

The sailor had nothing to say except feeling sorry.

ONLY OTHERS CAN TELL YOUR WORTH

Once upon a time, Mercury, the god of skill, was tickled by a strange idea. He became anxious to know how human beings estimated his worth in comparison to other gods.

So, he disguised himself as a man and came to the earth. Roaming about, he came to the house of a sculptor where he saw idols of various gods, including his own.

Then he approached the sculptor and asked, “What price would you charge for the idol of Juno, the goddess of marriage?”The sculptor replied, “two dollar”.

Again, Mercury asked, “What for the idol of Jupiter, the chief of gods?”

“Five dollars”, replied the sculptor.

“And how much for Mercury?” asked the god.

“Oh that. I shall give that free if you buy the other two”, pat came the reply.

Mercury was cut to the quick and disappeared.

WICKED DESERVES NO MERCY

Once, in a village, there lived a farmer who was very kind hearted by nature He could not see anybody in trouble and was always ready to help others.

It was a high winter morning and it was so cold that everything looked frozen. While returning home from his farm, the farmer saw a snake lying by the foot-path. It was almost frozen and looked half-dead due to severe cold.

The farmer could not see it in such a condition and decided to help it. He lifted the snake and took it to his home. There, he placed it near the fire. In a short time, the warmth of the fire revived it and it started moving, turned upon the farmer and bit him. The farmer died repenting, “Had I not shown mercy to this wicked creature, I would have been alive today.”

AS YOU SOW, SO SHALL YOU REAP

Once upon a time a flea saw an ox grazing in a pasture. He knew that oxen work for men in their farms. But he didn't like it. He was proud that he fed on men's blood and yet didn't do anything for them.

Approaching the ox, the flea asked, “How is it so that you work for men though you are quite big and strong? Look at me, I never do anything for them and yet feed on their blood though I am so small.”

The ox was surprised to hear what the flea had said and replied, “If I work for men, they are very kind to me. They take care of mine in every way, feed me, shelter me and moreover, pat me on my back, head and neck out of love and affectiom.

On the other hand, you feed on their blood and they are always up to destroy you.”

Behavior always counts.

LEARN TO BE GUIDED BY YOUR OWN SELF

Once upon a time there was a middle-aged man who was very romantic by nature. He loved being in the company of beautiful women. But his hairs were turning gray.

He had two beloveds- one of his own age while the other quite young. He tried to look as attractive as he could but his beloveds were skies apart in their behavior.

The older beloved didn't like the man to look younger to her. So, whenever he used to go to her, she pulled out some of his dark hairs out of his head to make him look older.

On the other hand, whenever he went to meet the young beloved, she didn't like him look old. So, she used to pull out some of his gray hairs to make him look young.

All this went for quite some time and a day came when the man became totally bald. As a result both the ladies rejected him.

FOOLISH FRIEND - WORSE THAN A FOE

Once upon a time, a deer fell ill. So, he came to a grassy patch of land and lay down

there. In a day or two, he became so weak that he couldn't even move his body.

Within no time, the news of his illness spread all over and many of his friends came

to inquire after his health. Evidently, they were all grass eating animals. They

stayed with the deer to nurse him. In a few days, they grazed all the grass of the

patch and not even a blade of grass was left there.

In a few days, the deer started getting well. Seeing this, his friends started leaving

him one by one and the deer was left all alone. But still he was too weak to get up

and move about.

As his friends had grazed all the grass of the patch and he was weak to go grazing,

he starved to death. Had his friends not grazed the grass in the patch, he would

have fed on it and lived.

WILLFUL PERSON EVER SUFFERS

Once upon a time a man was going with his donkey down a hill-road. He was following the donkey with a stick in his hand. The donkey jogged down carefully over some distance. But then suddenly it left the track and strayed aside. Its owner tried his best to drive it back to the track but the willful beast didn't obey. As a result, it reached the edge of a cliff that overlooked a deep gorge.

The owner felt worried to see the donkey in danger. He couldn't understand what to do. So, he caught hold of it's tail when it was about to leap over the edge of the cliff.

The man tried hard to check the donkey from moving ahead but all went in vain. It didn't move even an inch backwards. So the man let it go saying, “All right, go your way to meet your death. What else can I do?”

UNFAITHFULNESS NEVER PAYS

Once upon a time, some dogs were guarding a flock of sheep when a wolf came there. The dogs became alert and started barking at him. The wolf could not dare to move ahead. But he was very shrewd. He went to the dogs and said, “We belong to the same family. So, we are very much alike. We only differ on one ground, that we wolves are free while you are slaves to your master. Let's forget our enmity and become friends.” The dogs looked at each other and nodded. Seeing his clever idea work well, the wolf further said, “Accompany me to the forest, all the wolves will give you a warm welcome.”

Leaving the flock unguarded, the dogs went along with the wolf who took them to a den of wolves. The dogs entered the Den and in no time the wolves fell upon them and tore them to pieces. Then the wolves went to the place where the flock was grazing. They killed all the sheep and ate them up.

A BOUGHT COMFORT ISN'T A BLESSING

One winter day, a wild ass was wandering about aimlessly. Suddenly he came to the edge of the forest where he saw a donkey lying in the warm sun at full length. Quite care-free as the donkey looked, the ass envied him a lot.

The wild ass went to the donkey and said, “How lucky you are! Your sleek skin shows how well you live.” Saying this, the ass left the place but still kept thinking about the donkey.

After few days, he came again to see the donkey. But this time the donkey had a heavy load on his back. His master was following him with a stick in his hand and was hitting the donkey off and on to make him move at a steady pace.

Seeing this the ass said to himself, “What a pity. I no longer envy him. I didn't know that he has to live such a miserable life and has to buy his comfort at this price.”

THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU ACT

Once upon a time there lived two frogs in a marsh. They were very happy with their lot there.

But as the hot summer approached the marsh began to dry up. In a few days, the marsh got totally dry. So, the frogs decided to leave that place and look out for some other shelter for themselves and reached a deep well. They sat on the edge of the well and peeped inside it. It had a lot of water in it.

One of the frogs got so overjoyed to see the water that it at once said, "This well looks quite a fit place for us to live. It will be cool and safe inside. Let's jump in.

" The other frog was wise enough and replied, "Not so soon,my friend We left the marsh when it had dried up. So, first think how we shall come out of this well if it gets dry.

The first frog was speechless, as he had realized that one must think before taking any step.

EVERYONE CARES FOR HIS ENDS

Once a donkey and a dog met on a road. They both had to go in the same direction, so they became friends and traveled together. They had taken just a few steps when they saw a packet lying by the road-side. The dog picked up the packet and giving it to the donkey said, "Open it and read it out for me.”

The donkey did exactly what the dog had asked him to do. The packet turned out to be all about the things that donkey eat like grass, barley etc. the dog felt bored hearing what the donkey was reading out and said, "Turn over the pages and see if there is something about the things I am fond of such as meat, bones etc.

The donkey glanced through the entire packet but couldn't find anything of the dog's sort. The dog became sadder and asked the donkey to throw it away because he found the packet useless for him.

THE MISTAKEN COMPLAINT

Once a shepherd had a large flock of sheep and a strong watch - dog to guard them. When the flock used to graze in the pasture, the dog guarded it with care.

In the noon, the shepherd, while having his lunch used to feed the dog too. The sheep watched this daily and whispered about this special treatment.

One day, when the shepherd was sharing his lunch with the dog, the sheep said, "Master! You are being unfair to we sheep. You don't' treat us all equally."

"I didn't get you. Come up clearly," said the shepherd.

The sheep said, "We give you milk, wool and lamb but get nothing in return. We feed on grass that we have to find ourselves. This dog gives you nothing, still you feed him so affectionately.

" At once the dog said, "If I won't be there to guard you, you won't be able to come grazing. Either some wolf will make you your meal or some thief will steal you.”

The sheep had no words to say.

BLIND LOVE BRINGS IN ILL LUCK

Once upon a time a man used to live in a cottage at the edge of a forest. He had a daughter who was very beautiful.

A lion often used to see the pretty girl during his usual prowl and fell in love with her. So, one day, he went to the girl's father and asked for her hand.

The man was unwilling to give his daughter to a fierce husband. But he didn't have the courage to refuse and offend the lion. So, he thought hard and hit upon a plan.

He said to the lion, "My daughter is afraid of your teeth and sharp nails. She will marry you only if you let me have your teeth pulled out and your nails clipped.”

As the lion was blindly in love with the girl, he at once agreed to the demand without thinking of the outcome. As a result, the lion was totally disarmed. The girl's father beat him with a heavy stick and drove him away.

ROD WORKS WHEN LOVE FAILS

Once upon a time there was a fisherman who was a very good flutist as well. When he played on his flute, animals gathered round him to hear the sweet notes of his flute.

One day the fisherman thought to try his flute on the fish too. He was sure that the

notes of his flute will attract the fish and they will come to him jumping out of the eater. So, he went fishing taking his flute with him. He sat on a rock lying on the bank and began to play sweet tunes. He kept playing the flute for a long time but not even a single fish came out.

The fisherman felt highly disappointed. He threw his flute on one side and cast his net into the water. Soon he was able to catch a great number of fish. He put them on the shore and they began to leap about for want of water.

The angered fisherman said, "You rascals! You didn't come out when I fluted so sweetly. Now you will dance when I shall play on my pipe. After all, you have no other choice."

LIVE AND LET LIVE

Once there was a big pool near a village. The villagers used the water of the pool for drinking and for other purposes also. The pool was abounded with fish.

Once a fisherman went fishing to the pool. He cast his net into the pool and sat down. But he was very impatient. So, he tied a long string to a small stone. Then putting it into the pool, he began to stir the water to drive more fish into his net.

A villager saw him do so and asked him not to make the water muddy. But the fisherman didn't listen to him and went on beating the water and making it dirty. So, the villagers brought some companions armed with weapons. Seeing them, the fisherman got scared. He drew out his stone and apologized.

DISGUISE NEVER WORKS

Once upon a time a donkey was grazing in a pasture just near the edge of a forest. After satisfying his appetite, he strayed into the forest. All of a sudden, he saw a lion-skin lying near a bush.

How happy the donkey was! He dreamt of passing himself as king of the forest after putting on the lion skin. So, he took it up and wore it. Then he went near a pool and saw his image in the clear still water of the pool. He was delighted to see that he really looked like a lion now.

So, the foolish donkey pushed into the forest and walked in the style of a lion. Small

animals like cat, mouse etc. thinking him to be lion, ran for their lives. This added to his self-confidence and he started walking more proudly.

Suddenly, the donkey saw a fox coming towards him. He tried his best to frighten the fox but the fox was clever enough and said, "I'll be scared at the roar of a lion and not when a donkey brayed whatever he may wear.”

The donkey threw away the lion-skin and ran to safety.

SPOT YOUR FOE BEFORE YOU HIT

Once there was a bee-keeper who had developed a good apiary. He used to take good care of the bees and they gathered a lot of honey in the hives.

Once the bee-keeper went to the market for some urgent work. The bees had also gone to collect honey and the apiary was left unguarded.

Unfortunately, a thief came there and broke into the apiary. Seeing no one over there, he stole all the honey and made for his house.

When the bee-keeper returned, he was upset to see all the bee-hives empty. Just then the bees returned with more honey in their mouth. Seeing their hives overturned, they assumed the bee-keeper as the robber as he was standing very much there. So, they attacked him and stung him hard.

The bee-keeper cried, "You should have spotted the thief before punishing me."

UNUSED RICHES ARE USELESS

Once there was a miser having a lot of gold. He melted it down in a lump and buried it in a pit. He was very happy that he had hidden his gold safely. So, he kept gloating over his treasure almost all the time. He used to visit the spot regularly where he had hidden the gold.

One of his friend's was keeping an eye on him and one day he discovered the secret. And one night he went to the pit and dug the gold lump for himself.

On his next visit to the spot, the miser lamented on finding no gold over there. Hearing his cries, one of his neighbours came to him and asked what the matter was.

The miser replied, "I am ruined. Someone has stolen my treasure."

The neighbour consoled him and said, "Your money was lying useless. Now, at least it will be of use to someone."

BETTER BENT THAN BROKEN

Once a huge oak tree stood on the bank of a river. It was well nourished by the water of the river. Naturally, it was very strong and had a thick stem. Just nearby, grew some reeds with thin but flexible stems. They stood almost half in water and had flourished well too.

One day, strong winds blew. The tree, though huge and strong, broke from the middle and was thrown across the stream just among the reeds. On the other hand, the tree was very surprised to see that the reeds suffered no harm at all.

The oak could not make out the reason of the safety of the reeds and asked them, "How is it that, you being frail and slender, managed to face the gale without any harm. But I, strong enough, have been broken."

The reeds replied, "You were proud of your strength and refused to bend. So, you broke while we bowed and yielded to the gale and were spared."

SELF IMPORTANCE ALWAYS LETS YOU DOWN

It was summer time and sun was very hot. A bull was sitting in the cool shade of a tree and chewing cud with his eyes half-shut.

All of a sudden a goat came there and looked out for a place to sit under the shade. Silently, it sat on one of the horns of the bull and kept sitting there till it had taken full rest.

Now, before leaving the goat wanted to show it's shrewdness. It wanted to show the bull that it has used it's horn as a seat without letting him know about it.

So, the goat asked the bull, "Would you mind, if I go now?"

The bull replied, "I hardly care when a tiny creature like you comes and goes away after resting on my body. If you would have thanked me for using my horn, it must have raised your importance in my eyes."

The goat felt very small and went away.

POVERTY WITHOUT CARE IS BETTER THAN RICHES FULL OF ANXIETY

A fir-tree stood on a hill-side. Several shrubs had grown around it. It always looked down upon these plants saying that they were of no use to anyone. He was very proud of his tall and impressive personality as compared to their stunted growth and prickly structure.

One day, the tree filled with pride said to a bramble, "You poor fellows! All of you are worthless and moreover you prick those who pass by you."

The bramble had no words to reply. Seeing this the tree put on an air of victory on it's face.

The bramble thought for a while and retorted, "You are absolutely right. But you live in an ever-present danger of the axe and the saw while we have no such fear at all. Even men pass by with caution lest they should be prickled."

Moral: better be poor but care-free.

STRAYING AWAY IS ALWAYS RISKY

One day, a crab came out of water and strayed in a field of grass. It looked out for a good place to live in unaware of the fact that it could be dangerous for it to stay in the meadow for land.

Just then, there arrived a hungry fox and seeing the crab, it moved up to it and caught it in its mouth.

The crab realized his folly and said to himself, "I deserve it; I left my natural home and got attracted to a place to which I don't belong."

THE THIRSTY CROW

It was a dry summer's day. A crow was very thirsty. He flew here and there in search of water but couldn't find it anywhere.

At last, he reached a garden and spotted a pitcher lying there. It perched on it and saw that it had a little water in it. Feeling gay, he tried to drink water but his beak didn't reach it.

But the crow didn't lose heart. He thought over the matter coolly and an idea clicked him. He decided to put pebbles lying nearby, in the pitcher in order to raise the level of water.

The plan worked. With each drop of pebble into the pitcher, the water level started rising. At last, it came up to the neck of the pitcher. The crow quenched his thirst and flew away.

THIEF CAN'T QUESTION A ROBBER

Once a wolf was roaming about in a field of grass where a flock of sheep came grazing everyday. He was hiding behind a bush. Getting a chance, he carried away a lamb to eat it at a safe place. Unfortunately, a lion came there, snatched the lamb and went to his den to eat it at leisure.

When the lion had walked just a few steps away, the wolf said, "It is down daylight robbery- so unjust for a lion to snatch my morsel from me. It is below his dignity."

Hearing the wolf's grumble, the lion laughed and replied, "A thief is questioning a robber- how strange! Did you get this lamb as a gift from a friend? You stole it out of a flock. Was that fair?"A sin is a sin- whether big or small.

POSITION HAS ITS VALUE

Once upon a time a goat was grazing near her master's cottage. All of a sudden, she saw green grass growing on the roof of the cottage. Deciding to enjoy it, she leaped onto the roof and started browsing the green shoots of the grass.

Just then a wolf came there and seeing the goat his mouth started watering. But he was unable to get to the roof of the cottage. So, he turned to go away to look for some other prey.

The goat saw the wolf licking his chops. So, she laughed in her sleeves and looked at him with jeering eyes. The wolf being helpless had to tolerate this mockery.

While walking away, the wolf looked up and said, "Young lady! Its not you who is mocking at me but it is the height at which you are standing. Your high position has given you your value."

PRIDE HAS A FALL

It was high autumn. An olive tree and a fig tree stood near each other. The fig tree had lost all his leaves and became quite bare. Seeing his neighbor, the olive tree puffed up with pride.

The olive tree taunted the fig tree, “How unlucky you are! You lose your leaves every autumn to be bare. But I flourish all the year round.”

The fig tree argued, “Friend! It's my destiny to be bare and yours to be evergreen. But there is nothing to feel small or proud about it. It is out of control of both of us.”

Few days later, there occurred a snow-fall. The snow settled on the leaves of the olive tree and gave way under its heavy weight. But as for the fig tree, the snow fell to the ground through its bare branches and it survived the snow-storm.

HE RULES BEST WHO RULES LEAST

A pool was abounded with frogs. They always desired to have a king, as they felt unguarded without him. So, they held a meeting and decided to see Jupiter, the chief of gods, and ask him for a king. So, they went to him and placed their request before him.

Jupiter was surprised at the foolish request and tried to advise the frogs but all in vain. So, he cast a big log into the pool and said that it was their king. The splash of the falling log terrified the frogs and they ran hurriedly to save themselves. But after some time, they came back and sat on the log. Seeing it quite motionless, they began to hate it.

So, the frogs again came to Jupiter and requested him to replace their king with some active king. Jupiter sent a crane as their king who began to catch and eat them up daily.

Thus, they were taught a right lesson for their folly.

VANITY LEADS TO DISGRACE

Once a lady bought a new lamp from the market. When she reached home, it was

dark. So, she filled the lamp with oil and putting a wick into it lighted it. It began to

shine with a clear steady light.

The lamp felt proud of itself and its clear light. It started boasting that its light was

brighter than that of the sun even.

Suddenly a strong puff of wind came and blew it out. The lamp felt very small and

realized its folly. It never knew that it could not face the wind at all.

The lady lighted the lamp once again. Now the lamp kept shining calmly showing no

pride and making no boasts.

The lady said to the lamp, “Keep shining gently. Don't compare yourself to the sun.

He never goes out, nor he needs to be re-lighted like you.”

DON'T COMPLY WITH WRONG PLEAS

Once a bat fell down on the ground and was caught by a weasel. The weasel was about to kill it when it begged, “Spare me, please.”

The weasel said, “I can't leave you because weasel and birds are enemies.”

The bat argued, “I am not a bird. Don't I look like a mouse?”

The weasel agreed and let it go.

After few days, another weasel caught the bat. Again it prayed for mercy.

The weasel said, “I can't leave you. We never spare even a mouse.”

“But I am not a mouse, I am a bird”, argued the bat.

The weasel agreed and set it free.

ONCE BITTEN TWICE SHY

Once a watch-dog was sleeping in a farm-yard in the sun. Somehow a wolf got into the farm and attacked the sleeping dog. Taken aback, the dog begged for mercy.

He said, “Sir! I am very thin and weak as I am new here. Let me get fat after feeding on rich food that I get here. Then you can come and eat me up.”

The wolf was taken by the dog's words and went away leaving it free. The dog thanked his stars and decided not to sleep in an unsafe place.

After few days, the wolf re-visited the farm and looked for the dog. This time the dog was lying very safely on the roof of the stable. Seeing the dog, the wolf said, “Hope you remember your commitment. So, come down and be my meat.”

The dog said, “Who makes agreements for death? Get lost Mr., wolf.”

The wolf went away repenting over his folly.

FOX AND A CRANE

Once a fox and a crane became friends. So, the fox invited the crane to dinner. The crane accepted the invitation and reached the fox's place at sunset.

The fox had prepared soup for his mate. But as we all know that foxes are cunning by nature, he served the soup in flat dishes. So, he himself lapped the crane's share with his tongue enjoying its relish a lot. But the crane could not enjoy it at all with his long beak and had to get back home hungry. The shrewd fox felt extremely amused.

After few days, the crane invited the fox to dine in with him. The fox reached his place well in time. The crane gave him a warm welcome and served the soup in a jug with a long and narrow neck.

So, the crane enjoyed the soup with great relish using his long beak. The fox's mouth couldn't reach the soup through the narrow neck of the jug. He had to return home hungry. Now he realized that he had been repaid for his behavior with the crane.

NEVER FIGHT OVER TRIFLES

It was high summer. A traveler hired a donkey and set out on a journey. The owner of the donkey was following behind to drive the beast. At mid-day, they decided to take rest for some time but couldn't find any shady place around. So, the traveler decided to rest in the shade of the donkey. But the owner didn't let him do so as he himself wanted to sit in its shadow.

The traveler said, “How can you refuse me the shadow? I have paid you money after all.”

“But you have paid for the ride, not for resting in his shadow”, retorted the owner.

So, an argument followed between the two. When the donkey saw that the owner and the hirer were busy fighting, he took to his heels and was soon out of sight.

LEAST SUFFERERS COMPLAIN MOST

Once a pair of oxen was yoked to a cart that was heavily loaded. They were exerting hard to draw it without complaining against the heavy load.

But as they heaved at the card, its axle began to creak aloud. It went on groaning

terribly at a stretch. The oxen couldn't make out why the axle was doing so.

The oxen tried to divert their attention from the axle's creak, but its bitter groan didn't cut down at all. So, they were feeling highly irritated.

At last the oxen stopped, turned their necks and said to the axle angrily, “Why are you crying like that when you are doing no work at all. It's we who are drawing the heavy cart and still not complaining. So, you better shut up and follow us silently.”

A COWARD CAN'T TEACH COURAGE

Once there lived a hind in a forest. She had a son who had grown very young and strong. She was very happy to see his stout body and branched strong horns and thought, “stags have powerful horns, why should they be afraid of hounds, wolves then? It's sheer cowardice. I would never like my son to do it at all.”

After some time, the hind's son came there. The hind wanted to teach him to be courageous. She said, “Son! You have a stout body and strong horns. So, you must not run away from hounds and wolves. Don't be a coward.”

“Ok, mom; I won't”, said the stag.

Just then the mother and the son heard the bark of the hounds. The hind got ready to run away when her son asked her to stay on. She said, “You may, but I have no horns.”

Saying so, she ran as fast as she could.

The mother herself was a coward and was teaching courage to her son. What a satire!

STAY AWAY FROM DISTANT DANGERS

Once upon a time there was an archer. He was a dead shot and could shoot targets at a distance too. One day he went to a forest to sport with his bow and arrow. Seeing him, all the animals fled away to save their lives. He felt very happy to see

this.

But lion didn't run away and challenged him with a loud roar. So, the archer decided to punish him. He shot an arrow at the lion that hit him.

The lion realized the truth and ran away. But a fox who had seen all what had happened said to him, “ Don't be a coward. Put up a brave fight.”

But the lion said, “What for? If his arrow can do that, he himself will be more terrible than death even.”

HIGH RANK NEEDS A HIGH SENSE

One day, all the animals of a forest gathered to choose their king. The monkey

danced such gay abandon there that everyone felt delighted. So, his name was

proposed for kingship. Everyone voted in his favor and he became the king.

But the fox couldn't tolerate the monkey rising to a high position. He felt envy of

him and decided to humiliate him. One day, the fox was roaming around searching

for food and saw a trap laid by some hunter. It had a piece of meat in it as bait.

The fox was intelligent enough to stay away from the trap. But he was sure that

monkey wouldn't. So, he approached the king and brought him to the trap. The fox

then said, “Here is a dainty piece of meat, sir! As a true subject of yours, I didn't

touch it. So, enjoy it Your Honour!”

The monkey extended his hand for the meat and got trapped. The fox then laughed

and said, “Kingship needs a lot of wisdom, sir!”

UNWISE START LEADS TO A SAD END

Once, there was a mouse that had his hole near a pool in a thick forest. A frog often came out for basking in the sun. Within no time, they became buddies.

But the friendship of a frog and mouse is highly undesirable because the frog's

home is in water and the mouse on land.

One day the frog said to the mouse, “let's bind ourselves together with a string so that we may never get separated.”

The mouse agreed. So, both tied themselves together leg-to-leg. Though on land, it went quite well, but in the pool, it was tragic for the mouse. The frog swam about delightfully in the pool dragging the mouse with him. Soon, the mouse drowned and his body floated on the surface of the pool.

A kite hovering in the sky saw the dead mouse it swooped down to carry it off. Up went the frog as well and became the kite's meal.

SAY THE TRUTH BUT DON'T HURT ANYONE'S FEELINGS

Jupiter, the chief of gods, was getting married. He decided to celebrate the event by hosting a reception. He invited all the animals living on land and in water to attend the banquet.

All the animals came to attend the feast but the tortoise didn't come. Jupiter was surprised at his absence.

After few days, Jupiter came across the tortoise and asked him, “Why didn't you attend the banquet held in honor of my marriage? Were you all right?”

The tortoise retorted, “I am a stay-at-home type of an animal and never care to attend petty affairs. Why should I trouble myself when there is no place like home?”

Though, the tortoise said something very true, but the way he said it was very hurting. Jupiter felt pinched and cursed the tortoise, “Now, you will always carry your home on your back and never be able to unload it.”

Till today, every tortoise carries his home with him

CRAVE MORE; LOSE WHAT YOU HAVE

Once a lion was roaming in the jungle in search of a prey. Luckily, he saw a rabbit sleeping fast under a tree. He was delighted to get a meal with no efforts at all.

The lion was about to spring at the sleeping rabbit when he caught sight of a deer passing by. He thought of going for a bigger prey, as it would be a much nicer meal.

So, he chased the deer but failed to overtake it. He gave up the attempt and

returned to the place where the rabbit was sleeping.

Reaching there, the lion saw that the small animal was no longer there. As it was getting dark, it was difficult for the lion to look out for another prey and so he had to remain hungry.

“I have been served right. Had I contented myself with the rabbit, I would not have starved at least”, murmured the lion.

Moral: greed for more causes loss of what one already has.

NEVER GIFT A THING USELESS TO YOU

Once upon a time, a wolf while rambling in a forest reached a field of oats belonging to a farmer.

But the fact is that wolves don't eat oats. The wolf was about to move away when he saw a horse coming towards him. He decided to wait for him and extend a hand of friendship towards him.

When the horse came, the wolf said to him, "Hello! Mr. Horse! How are you? See this fine field of oats; I have left it untouched for you. I shall enjoy seeing you munching the ripen grains.”

The horse smiled and said, "Mr. Wolf! Had you been able to eat the oats, you would not have thought of troubling your eyes at all. Rather you would have engaged in filling your appetite." The wolf felt highly ashamed and went away.

KEEP YOUR GOODNESS PAN HEAVIER

Every creature, be it animals or human-beings, have some good and some bad points in itself.

Once there was a weasel that lived near a house. The owner of the house had a poultry farm and obviously there were a large number of hens. So, the weasel could always get a good meal. He used to feed on all insects present in the house like mice, lizards and other small insects. And if he got none, he would sneak away with some fowl or steal away the owner's meat.

The owner of the house decided to catch the weasel and kill it and one day he was able to lay hand on it. He was about to kill it when it begged, "Spare me, Sir! I am so useful to you. I clear your home of all the harmful insects.

The man said, "I agree with what you say. But the harm you do me is much more than the good you do me. You steal away with my fowls and eat them up. Moreover, steal my meat to enjoy it among the bushes. So, you must be punished and die here and now."

NEVER BE DOUBLE FACED

Once a rabbit was wandering in a forest when a dog saw it from a distance and made for it at the top of his speed. The rabbit, seeing the dog approaching it, took to it's heels to save itself from being killed. As the dog was getting nearer and nearer the rabbit could not run anymore and hid under a bush.

In no time, the dog reached there and stood beside the bush. By now, the rabbit had taken good rest. So, it left the bush and ran to it's burrow as fast as it could.

The dog, again chased it and overtook it just before it could enter it's burrow. He licked the rabbit and at times bit it too. The rabbit could not understand why the dog was doing like that.

So, it asked the dog, "Are you a friend or an enemy? If, a friend, then why do you bite me but if, an enemy, why do you caress me? Please, be single - faced."

BEAUTY IS NOT ETERNAL

Once there was a gardener having a beautiful garden of flower-mostly rose plants. By chance a lily plant blossomed near a rose-bush.

Lily is believed to yield flowers that never fade and have an everlasting beauty. But the rose flowers have a short life.

The lily said to the rose, "How beautiful you are! What an aroma you possess! No wonder, you are universally a favourite flower. I really envy you.

" The rose replied, "You wouldn't have said so, if you knew the reality. My bloom is very short-lived. I bloom in the morning and by sunset I begin to loose shine. By the next morning I fade completely and then I die. But you are known to have flowers that never fade even if they have been cut. Beauty is only a nine-day wonder."

ONE GOOD TURN DESERVES ANOTHER

Once a swarm of bees had put up their hive in a tree that stood on the bank of a river. They remained busy collecting honey all the day. One day a bee felt thirsty and went to the river. As it tried to drink water, the water carried it away. So, it was about to drown.

Fortunately, a dove was sitting on the branch of a tree.

She saw the bee in trouble and immediately went for it's rescue. She plucked a broad leaf from the tree, flew to the bee and dropped the leaf near it. The bee mounted the leaf, dried it's wings and flew away to safety.

After few days, the dove was caught in a big danger. She was sitting on the branch of a tree when an archer aimed at it. She thought of flying away but a hawk was hovering above her head. She could see her death nearby.

Luckily, the bee came there. Seeing the dove in danger, it stung him. The arrow went off but missed it's aim and hit the hawk instead and killed it. Thus, the dove was saved from death.

SELF IMPORTANCE ALWAYS LETS YOU DOWN

It was summer time and sun was very hot. A bull was sitting in the cool shade of a tree and chewing cud with his eyes half-shut.All of a sudden a goat came there and looked out for a place to sit under the shade. Silently, it sat on one of the horns of the bull and kept sitting there till it had taken full rest.

Now, before leaving the goat wanted to show it's shrewdness. It wanted to show the bull that it has used it's horn as a seat without letting him know about it.

So, the goat asked the bull, "Would you mind, if I go now?"

The bull replied, "I hardly care when a tiny creature like you comes and goes away after resting on my body. If you would have thanked me for using my horn, it must have raised your importance in my eyes."

The goat felt very small and went away.

CRUEL FUN IS NO FUN AT ALL

Once upon a time there was a big pool of water near a village. It abounded with frogs. Every evening, the children of the village used to play near the pool.

One day, while playing, one of the boys saw few frogs swimming about in the shallow water. He felt amused on seeing them. He called his mates and said, "What a fun it will be to pelt stones at these frogs! They will run about to save themselves."

So, the boys started throwing stones at the poor frogs ruthlessly and laughed aloud while doing so. As a result, many frogs lost their lives. Seeing them lying dead, the boys laughed ever louder.

At last, a frog popped its head out of water and said, "I beg you to stop this fun. You don't know, your cruel sport means death to us."

Hearing the words of the frog, the boys ran away.

EVERY COIN HAS TWO FACESOnce upon a time a man and a lion were journeying together. To kill time they started talking. For some time they talked happily but then one of them began to boast of his prowess and claimed to be superior to the other. Soon the argument heated up and there was a fear of a fight.

Luckily, they came to a cross-road where a beautiful statue stood that showed a man strangulating a lion that looked helpless and was ready to die.

The man said, “Look there! Doesn't it prove my point, Mr. Lion?”

The lion replied, “Its your view. But if we lion make statues, we shall show the man under the strong paws of a lion.”

The man had no words to reply. So, they both cooled down and moved ahead.

FRIENDSHIP IS A STRONG WEAPON

It was hot summer. A lion went to a pool to drink water. Just then a pig also came there to quench his thirst. Both of them wanted to drink first.

They looked at each other with blood-shot eyes and attacked each other with so much anger that soon they started bleeding.Feeling tired, both stopped for a while to be fresh. Suddenly, they heard the screams of vultures. They saw that a large number of vultures were looking at them with longing eyes.

In no time, both the beasts understood that the vultures were waiting for one of them to be killed by the other so that they might feed on his dead body.

So both of them became friends, quenched their thirst and went away.

Thus, their friendship saved their lives.

UNION IS A GREAT STRENGTHOnce there was a farmer who had four sons. They were always quarreling with each other. The farmer tried hard to bring them to the right path but they would never pay attention to his advice. He was very worried about their future.

One day, he came across a plan. He called his sons and asked them to bring few sticks. When they brought the sticks, the farmer tied them in a bundle and asked them to try their strength to break it.

Each of the sons tried to break the bundle but failed. Then the farmer untied the bundle and gave one stick each to break. Each of them was able to do it easily.

The farmer said, “Now you understand. If you are united nobody can get better of you. But you keep quarrelling, you will be broken one by one.”

DISUNITY INVITES ENEMIES

Once a frog lived in a marsh and nearby lived a mouse in a hole. They were good friends but one day they entered a dispute. Both of them claimed to be the owner of the marsh.

The frog was stronger than the mouse but the mouse was very clever. He hid himself under the grass, attacked the frog and harmed him a lot.

The frog, seeing this, decided to put an end to the dispute and challenged the mouse for a clash. Without any hesitation, the mouse accepted the challenge.

Both armed themselves with a point of reed to use it like a spear. Either of them was sure of their victory.

When they were about to start fighting, a hawk came there flying. Hovering in the sky, she saw the animals ready for a duel. So, she swooped down, caught them both in her claws and carried them away to feed her young.

LEARN TO LOOK AT YOUR INTERIORS

Once all the hares held a meeting to express their grief over the ever-present danger of being killed and eaten up by men, birds dogs etc. So they decided to commit suicide by drowning themselves and went to a pool to carry out their plan.

That pool was abounded by frogs. At that time, they were basking in the sun outside the pool. But on hearing the noises of the hares, they got scared and jumped into the pool to hide themselves under the water. But the hares caught sight of them. They were surprised to see what the frogs had done.

Then an old hare cried out, “Let's give up the idea of suicide. Haven't you seen that some creatures are afraid of us too. They must be weaker and more timid than we are. If they haven't chosen to commit suicide, then why should we?”

DANGERS NEED RESCUE NOT SNUB

Once a young boy went for a bath to a river. Unfortunately, he went beyond his

depth and water lifted him off his feet. Feeling that he was about to drown, he

started shouting for help.

A man was passing along the road just close by. He heard the shouts of the boy and

rushed to the river-bank. He saw the boy in danger. Instead of saving him, the man

started scolding him, “Why are you crying now? You are paying for your

carelessness.”

The boy cried, “Sir! Please, save me first otherwise I shall be drowned. You can

scold me later on.”

But the man was not wise enough to follow the point. He went on with his rebukes

and the strong current carried the poor boy away.

TAKE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN HOLD

Once a boy found a jar lying by the way-side. It had a narrow-neck and was full of peanuts. Seeing the peanuts the boy's mouth started watering. So, he put his hand into the jar and held as many peanuts as his hand could grasp. But when he pulled it out, he couldn't do so. So, he felt disappointed and started crying.

A man was looking at the boy from a distance. He came to the boy and said, “Don't be greedy. Be satisfied with half the nuts at one time. You will be able to get your hand out. You can have more with a second trial.”

The boy acted as the man said and was happy to get the nuts. He thanked the man and went away.

UNGRATEFUL SURELY SUFFERS

Once a deer was grazing in a forest. A hunter saw him from a distance and rushed towards him. Luckily, the deer saw him well in time and ran to save his life.

The hunter gave him a hot chase but in no time, the deer gained a large distance. The hunter was still after him. So, the deer hid himself under cover of a thick vine that grew by the way-side. The hunter took no notice of him and passed by.

Finding the danger to be over, the deer started browsing the green leaves of the vine. It sent the leaves rustling and their sound caught the attention of the hunter who had not gone far away.

So, the hunter shot an arrow into the vine and it pierced the deer's heart. While dying , the deer said, “I deserve this fate for being ungrateful. The vine protected me from the danger but I started eating its leaves. How deceptive of me.”

TIME IS VALUABLE

Anthony was a very lazy boy and always used to postpone things. One day his father called him and made him understand the value of time that one should always do things on time. Anthony promised his father that he would never postpone things.

One day, he came to know that he had won the first prize in a singing competition that was held the previous month. He was asked to collect the prize the same day. He didn't care and went to collect the prize the next day. But the prize became useless for him, as it was a ticket to a circus show, which was held the previous day.

Anthony learnt a lesson from this incident.

STEALING IS BAD

One day, Rosy went to a grocery shop to buy bread. When she saw that the shopkeeper was busy with the other customers, she stole some toffees from a jar.

When she got back home, her mother asked her that where did she get the toffees? Rosy told her mother the truth.

Her mother said, “It's really very bad to steal. The shopkeeper might not be looking at you but the God is always looking at you all the time. So, one should never steal.”

Rosy understood the words of her mother and went back to the shop to return the toffees to the shopkeeper.

The shopkeeper felt happy on seeing her honesty and gave her some toffees as a reward.

THE HAUNTED HOUSE

Peter shifted to a new house with his parents. The neighbors told them that the house was haunted but the family didn't believe them.

One day, when Peter was sleeping in his room, he heard some noises from the next room. He got scared and shouted in fear. His parents quickly came to his rescue.

Peter told them that there was a ghost in the other room. When they went there, they saw a mouse running here and there.

Seeing this Peter laughed and his parents made him understand that there is nothing like ghosts in this world.

ALWAYS BE TRUTHFUL

One day, Princy was alone at home. Her parents had gone to attend a party. Princy saw a stapler lying on her father's table. She picked it up and started playing with it.

She tore the pages of an old book and started stapling them. When the staples got finished, she tried to refill the stapler. As she didn't know how to do it, she broke it.

Princy got scared and left the stapler on the table. `next day, when her father asked her about the broken stapler, she confessed that it was broken by her.

Her father praised her for telling the truth but also asked her not to fiddle with things, which she didn't know how to use.

NAUGHTINESS IS HARMFUL

A man used to move from village to village with his acrobatic team of a goat, a

monkey and a snake to entertain people.

Once, while crossing a river, he balanced the snake basket on his head, sat the

monkey on his shoulder and guided the goat with his hand. The level of the water

was low but there flowed a strong current.

Midway, the naughty monkey opened the snake basket. The snake within the

darkness of the basket sprung up with its head high. The hissing and the fury

frightened the monkey and it fell into the water.

The current started dragging the monkey away. A split-second effort to save the

monkey threw the charmer off balance and the snake basket fell into the stream.

To catch hold of the basket, he lost his grip on the goat. Within few seconds, the

current carried away all three of his companions.

DON'T ACT HASTILY

One day, Victor was traveling through a train with his parents. All the time he was glancing at his new shoes that his father had bought for him. After some time, he removed his shoes to take a nap.

When he woke up, he found one of the shoes missing. He started crying loudly. His parents tried to console him. At last, his father promised that after reaching home, he would buy him a new pair of shoes.

Hearing this, Victor got so excited that he threw the other shoe out of the train. On reaching their destination, he found his lost shoe in a basket. He regretted for the loss he had incurred only because of his hurry.

NEVER LEAVE FRIENDS

Once there lived a donkey, on an island. Whole day, he used to roam around here and there on the island. Soon he got bored of it and thought of going to some new place. All his friends asked him not to do so but he didn't pay any attention to their words.

He swam to another island. It was full of green grass. He made new friends over there. In a few days, he became fat.

One day, a farmer saw him and caught him. He took the donkey to his house. Now the donkey had to work hard the whole day. The farmer didn't even give him enough to eat.

One day, the donkey got an opportunity and fled from the farmer's house. He went back to his old island and decided not to leave his friends again who had given him right advice.

NEVER TRUST THE WELL WISHES OF FOES

Once there was a wicked cat that loved to eat chickens. Everyday, she used to find a chicken from somewhere or the other and ate them up.

One day she came to know that a hen was ill. She went to her and asked about her welfare. She also asked if she could help her in any way.

The hen replied, “The best help you can offer me is to stay away from my family and convey this message to your race too.”

RESULT OF MISDEED

Once there was an old lady who had a parrot. The parrot used to tell her the time. Every morning, the parrot would wake up the old lady and then the old lady would wake up her servant.

The servant was very angry at the parrot. Because of him, he had to wake up early in the morning. Getting an opportunity, he killed the parrot.

Now the old lady had no sense of time. She would often wake up the servant at midnight. The servant repented his sin.

THE FOOLISH BOY

Once, a boy went to a pond to catch fish. He lay down on the shore of the pond and put his left arm inside the pond. Then he waited for the fish to fall into his trap.

Just then he felt as if some fish had caught his hand. He took out his arm and saw that it was not a fish but a snake. At once, he shook his hand and the snake fell into the water again.

An old man watching all this, came to him and said, “Always think twice before doing anything. Doing foolish things can sometimes cost you your life.”

WHO IS POOR

Once upon a time, there was a renowned saint. Many people used to visit him to get his blessings.

Once a rich and greedy merchant went to him and offered him a bag full of gold coins. The saint refused to accept the offerings and said, “I don't accept money from people who are very poor.”

The merchant said, “But I'm very rich.”

“Don't you wish to earn more money?” asked the saint.

“Yes”, said the merchant.

“Those who wish for money always run after it. They can do anything to acquire it. No one is as poor as these people” said the saint.

The merchant felt ashamed and went back to his home.

PEACE OF MIND

One cold morning, a poor shepherd was grazing his cattle in a pasture. He neither had enough clothes to wear nor even a pair of shoes.

Suddenly, a man came there on a horse, a famous dacoit. He dismounted, went to the shepherd and said, “Come and work with me. I will give you clothes and shoes. You will not have to worry even for your food.”

At this the shepherd replied, “I am content being a shepherd. At least I have peace of mind which you don't have.”

Hearing this, the dacoit got stunned and immediately went to the police station and surrendered.

FIGHT ALWAYS GIVES BAD RESULT

One day, two friends while walking along the road saw a nice rope lying by its side. Both wanted to have it and started fighting for it.

One held it from one end and the other from the other end. They started pulling the rope. Suddenly, the rope broke off from the middle. One of them fell in mud and the other in a drain.

A passerby who was watching all this, went to them and said, “Fighting for a thing always gives bad results.” The friends felt ashamed of their deed.

HAVE FAITH IN GOD

Once a teacher had a disciple who used to live in a hermitage. One day, the disciple was going somewhere. He hadn't gone too far when suddenly it started raining cats and dogs. He returned and told this problem to his teacher. The teacher said, “You should have faith in god. He will save you from all problems.”

The disciple obeyed and resumed his journey. He kept reciting the name of god and cleared all the hurdles.

Next day, the teacher had to go on the same route. When he reached a deep drain, he doubted whether god would save him or not. The teacher got drowned.

Thus, doubt drowns you and faith saves you.

A FUSSY CUSTOMER

Once there was a man who was very fussy about food. One day, he felt like having

some seafood and went to a restaurant and ordered some oysters.

The man said to the waiter, “Please check that oysters are neither too large nor too

small, neither too salty not too fried, neither too fat, nor too thin.”

At this the waiter said, “Do you want them with or without pearls?”

The man realized that the waiter was taunting him and understood that one should

not be so much fussy about things.

HEAVY LOAD

Once a rich merchant was walking along the road with his servant. Out of the blue, a laborer carrying a heavy sack, passed by him. The merchant was hit by the sack and his hat fell in a nearby drain.

The servant thought that the laborer would now get a good scolding, but to his amusement, the merchant instead of scolding the laborer asked the servant to help the laborer pick his sack.

When the laborer went ahead, the servant asked the merchant for such behavior.

The merchant said, “It was my mistake, not his. He was already carrying a heavy load. I should have walked carefully.”

Hearing this, the servant praised his master.

The moral of the story is that a person should never blame others for his fault

LEARN TO LIVE WITH YOUR WEAKNESSES

It was a fine day during the rainy season. A peacock was dancing happily in a forest. Suddenly he reminded of his ugly rough voice. His face turned pale and his eyes started watering.

Suddenly he saw a nightingale sitting on a nearby tree and singing. Listening her,

the peacock lamented “what a sweet voice she has, which everybody loves and praises but when I utter a sound everybody makes fun of me. How jinxed am I”.

Just then appeared Juna, wife of Jupiter, the chief of gods. She asked the peacock “why are u sad?”

The peacock sobbed out “I have got such a beautiful body that is praised by all but my voice is so bad that everyone laughs at it. So this beauty is useless”.

The goddess replied, “you are the only one who is unhappy. Several creatures have been gifted by god with various gifts like- you the beauty, eagle the strength, nightingale the sweet voice, so on and so forth. So don't grumble over your weakness, accept the way it is and be happy”.

Hence, one should not regret on what he/she doesn't have rather be satisfied with what one has.

SMALL THINGS DO BIG JOBS

It was a hot summer day. Sun was shining bright up in the sky. A lion was sitting under the shade of a big tree and in some time got asleep. Nearby that tree, there was a hole, in which there lived a mouse. When the lion was sleeping, the mouse came out of its hole and saw him asleep.

Unaware of the lion's strength, it got tickled by an idea. It thought of waking up the lion by running over his body just for fun.

Unfortunately, the lion seized it in his strong paw. He was going to kill it when it begged, “Spare me, sir; some day I may repay your mercy.”

The lion was amused hearing it's words and let it go with a smile thinking that how can such a small mouse be of any help to me.

But a day came, when the lion got into trouble. He got caught in a hunter's net under that very tree. As a result, he started roaring loudly.

On hearing his roar, the mouse came out of its hole. This was the time to pay back the lion's mercy. So, immediately it nibbled the cords of the net and set the lion free.

Remember, mercy never goes unrewarded.

ONE IN-HAND IS WORTH TWO IN-BUSH

One day a fisherman went for fishing to a river as usual. He casted his net into the river and sat waiting for the fish to get into it.

After some time, he drew up the net and saw a tiny fish in it. He took the fish out and put it into his basket. He was about to cast his net again into the river when the tiny fish begged him, “Sir, please put me back into the river otherwise I shall die. I am very small and of little use for you and if you put me back in water then, after a few days, I shall grow big and then, you can catch me again and I shall be more useful to you then.”

The fisherman said, “Oh no! Once I have caught you, how can I let you go like this because later I may never catch you again. I am not that foolish.”

So, the fisherman was wise enough and didn't give up the certain for something uncertain.

WORK IS WORSHIP

One fine sunny day in winter, a grasshopper was basking in the warm sun. But he was very hungry, as he had not eaten anything since last night.

So, he looked about to find something to soothe his hunger. Suddenly, he saw few ants carrying grains into their hole.

He went up to the ants and asked humbly, ”Can you, please, spare few grains for

me. I haven't eaten anything since yesterday. So, I am almost starving to death.”

One of the ants asked the grasshopper, “What were you doing the whole summer? Why didn't you store up the food for the winter season?”

The grasshopper replied, “Truly speaking, I spent all the summer singing songs and that's why I couldn't store anything.”

The ant chucked out a smile and remarked, “Then dance the winter away.” The grasshopper pulled a long face and walked away.

So we say “Work is real worship”

KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN

Once upon a time there was a lion that grew so old that he was unable to kill any prey for his food. So, he said to himself, “I must do something to stay my stomach else I will die of starvation.”

He kept thinking and thinking and at last an idea clicked him. He decided to lie down in the cave pretending to be ill and then who-so-ever will come to inquire about his health, will become his prey. The old lion put his wicked plan into practice and it started working. Many of his well-wishers got killed. But evil is short lived.

One day, a fox came to visit the ailing lion. As foxes are clever by nature, the fox stood at the mouth of the cave and looked about. His sixth sense worked and he came to know the reality. So, he called out to the lion from outside and said, “How are you, sir?”

The lion replied, “I am not feeling well at all. But why don't you come inside?”

Then the fox replied, “I would love to come in, sir! But on seeing, all foot prints going to your cave and none coming out, I would be foolish enough to come in.”

Saying so, the fox went to alert the other animals.

ALWAYS BE PREPARED FOR THE WORST

Once a fox was roaming around in a forest looking for food. Suddenly, he saw a pig

rubbing his tusks against the trunk of a tree.

The fox looked about carefully but couldn't see any danger for the pig anywhere.

Despite being so clever, he couldn't understand why, the pig was doing that.

He couldn't control himself, went to the pig and asked, “The hunters are not out

today, nor can I see any other danger, then why are you doing that?”

The pig replied, “Dear! We live in a forest where enemies are there at every step.

Who knows when I'll have to face them and use my tusks against them? So, if I don't

do it now, I may not get time to sharpen my tusks when I need them the most.”

This story teaches us that always be ready for the bad times to come.

APPEARANCE IS OFTEN DECEPTIVE

One day a deer went to a pool to quench his thirst. The pool water was so clear and still that he could see his reflection in it quite vividly. He looked at the image of his antlers and felt proud of their beauty.

Suddenly, his eyes fell on the reflection of his fore-legs. Though slender to look at, they gave him his high speed. But he felt sad seeing them. With heavy heart, he quenched his thirst hardly, had he raised his head when he saw a lion coming towards him. So, he took to his heels and the lion was left far behind.

The deer took a sigh of relief. But unfortunately, his antlers got caught in a thicket. He tried his best to be free but could not. In the meantime, the lion came quite closer.

The deer now cursed himself for condemning his legs and praising his horns. But now he could do nothing. The lion overtook him and tore him to pieces.

The deer was having pride for his horns because of which, he became the food of the lion. On the other hand, he was cursing his legs, which only could save him from the grip of the lion.

NEVER BE UNGRATEFUL

It was high summer. The sun was extremely hot. Two travelers were going along a dusty road that had no trees along its sides. Looking for some shelter from the hot sun, they saw a tree with big leaves and branches spread like an umbrella.

They placed their belongings on the ground and sat in the cool thick shade of the tree. After taking some rest, one traveler said to the other, “What a useless tree it is! It bears no fruits at all.”

Hearing this, the tree felt pinched and burst out, “You ungrateful soul! On one hand, you are taking shelter in my cool shade from the burning heat of the sun and on the other hand, you are calling me useless. Get up and leave the place immediately to be scorched again.”

LEARN TO FIX YOUR LOYALITY

Once there broke a war between the birds and the beasts. Many battles were fought one after the other. If vow the birds got the upper hand, the next time beasts were successful.

The bats played a very treacherous role in this war. They sided with whichever side got the better of the other. Thus they were changing their loyalty from side to side.

Neither side paid any attention to the bats till the war lasted. But when the war got over, the bats didn't know which side to go. First, they went to the birds. But the birds refused to own them as many birds had seen them fighting for the beasts.

Then, the bats went to the beasts. But there also they faced the same situation.

So, they were left all alone because of their disloyalty.

A WILLFUL PERSON EVER SUFFERS

Once upon a time a man was going with his donkey down a hill-road. He was following the donkey with a stick in his hand. The donkey jogged down carefully over some distance. But then suddenly it left the track and strayed aside. Its owner tried his best to drive it back to the track but the willful beast didn't obey. As a result, it reached the edge of a cliff that overlooked a deep gorge.

The owner felt worried to see the donkey in danger. He couldn't understand what to do. So, he caught hold of it's tail when it was about to leap over the edge of the cliff.

The man tried hard to check the donkey from moving ahead but all went in vain. It didn't move even an inch backwards. So the man let it go saying, “All right, go your way to meet your death. What else can I do?”

NEVER HEED YOUR ENEMY'S ADVICE

Once a wolf saw a lamb at a distance and decided to eat it up. So, he moved light-footedly towards it.

But as the wolf moved, the poor animal saw him and ran for its life. The wolf chased it but couldn't catch it. The lamb entered a temple and felt quite safe there.

The wolf felt very disappointed and called out to the lamb. Putting on a loving look, he said, “Its unsafe for you to stay inside the temple. The priest will catch you and sacrifice you before the gods.”

Staying inside, the lamb replied, “Thanks a lot for your advice, Mr. Wolf. I would prefer to stay inside and be sacrificed on the altar rather than coming out and satisfy your appetite.”

The wolf had no words to say and went away glum and grumpy.

HABITS DIE VERY HARD

This is really surprising but it's a fact that all ants were human-beings to begin with. They lived by tilling soil and raising crops just as farmers do even today.

Dissatisfied with what they used to get through their labor, these farmers always had their eyes on the crops of their neighbors. Not only this, they even used to steal their crops whenever they got a chance and adding on to their own store.

The gods got highly offended by these acts and went to their chief Jupiter to complain against the thieving farmers. He got so angry that he converted these farmers into ants.

Though the form of these farmers got changed, their habit of stealing is the same till today. The ants go about the corn-fields and gather grains not belonging to them.

This shows that one's nature seldom changes.

LIVE AND LET LIVE

Once there was a big pool near a village. The villagers used the water of the pool for

drinking and for other purposes also. The pool was abounded with fish.

Once a fisherman went fishing to the pool. He cast his net into the pool and sat

down. But he was very impatient. So, he tied a long string to a small stone. Then

putting it into the pool, he began to stir the water to drive more fish into his net.

A villager saw him do so and asked him not to make the water muddy. But the

fisherman didn't listen to him and went on beating the water and making it dirty.

So, the villagers brought some companions armed with weapons. Seeing them, the

fisherman got scared. He drew out his stone and apologized."

POSITION HAS ITS VALUE

Once upon a time a goat was grazing near her master's cottage. All of a sudden, she

saw green grass growing on the roof of the cottage. Deciding to enjoy it, she leaped

onto the roof and started browsing the green shoots of the grass.

Just then a wolf came there and seeing the goat, his mouth started watering. But he

was unable to get to the roof of the cottage. So, he turned to go away to look for

some other prey.

The goat saw the wolf licking his chops. So, she laughed in her sleeves and looked

at him with jeering eyes. The wolf being helpless had to tolerate this mockery.

While walking away, the wolf looked up and said, "Young lady! Its not you who is

mocking at me but it is the height at which you are standing. Your high position has

given you your value."

HE RULES BEST WHO RULES LEAST

A pool was abounded with frogs. They always desired to have a king, as they felt

unguarded without him. So, they held a meeting and decided to see Jupiter the chief

of gods, and ask him for a king. So, they went to him and placed their request

before him.

Jupiter was surprised at the foolish request and tried to advise the frogs but all in

vain. So, he cast a big log into the pool and said that it was their king. The splash of

the falling log terrified the frogs and they ran hurriedly to save themselves. But

after some time, they came back and sat on the log. Seeing it quite motionless, they

began to hate it.

So, the frogs again came to Jupiter and requested him to replace their king with

some active king. Jupiter sent a crane as their king who began to catch and eat

them up daily.

Thus, they were taught a right lesson for their folly.

EACH PICTURE HAS TWO SIDES

One day a mule was in a very playful mood. So, she began to frisk about and run

over long distances. Thus she got convinced that she could outrun even the fastest

animal on the earth.

While frisking, the mule thought, “My mother was a mare. She must have been a

racer. That's why I am able to run so fast.”

After some time, she got tired and wanted to take rest. So, she stopped running

and stood still at a place.

The mule asked herself, “From whom have I inherited this fatigue?”

She thought hard and said to herself, “I must have inherited it from my father who

was just a donkey. He used to carry heavy loads and was all the time exhausted.”

KEEP TRYING UNTIL YOU SUCCEED

A group of frogs was playing when two of them fell into a deep pit. When other frogs saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead.

The two frogs ignored their comments and tried hard to jump out of the pit but all in vain. Finally, one of the frogs gave up but the other continued to jump even harder and made it out.

So, this story proves that you should never give up trying till the time you succeed.

LET THE MASTER WAKE UP

Once, a dog and a donkey were going to the town along with their master. At noon, the master unloaded the donkey and settled down under a tree for a nap. The donkey started grazing. The dog also felt hungry. He asked the donkey, “There are some loaves among the load you were carrying. Please give one to me.”

The donkey said, “Sorry! I can't. Let the master wake first. He will feed you then.”

Just then a wolf came there. The donkey pleaded with the dog to help him. The dog replied, “I am not strong enough to deal with the wolf. Let the master wake up. He will help you then.”

The donkey realized his folly and said sorry to the dog.

THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK

One day a boy was caught stealing onions from a vegetable shop. He was taken to a

judge. The judge gave him three choices; eat all the onions in one go, submit to a

thousand lashes or pay fine.

The boy without thinking said that he would like to eat all the onions. Very

confidently, he started eating the onions but after eating a few, his eyes began to

burn, his nose started running and his mouth felt as if it was on fire.

The boy asked for the lashes instead but after a few lashes he couldn't tolerate the

pain. So, ultimately he said that he would pay the fine.

Now he understood that one should always think before speaking.

HARD WORK ALWAYS PAYS

Once two friends called Harry and Garry came to a city to earn money. They went to

a rich merchant for a job. The merchant gave each of them a cane basket and

pointing towards a well in his garden said, “Take these baskets and draw water

from the well till dusk.”

Harry thought it foolish to draw water in a cane basket. So, he slept. On the other

hand, Garry kept working. After few hours, when he drew the basket up, he saw

some gold coins in the basket.

He took them to the merchant who rewarded him and gave him a job too. Harry

went away ashamed.

LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE

Once there lived a grumpy king. He never used to laugh nor allow anyone in the

kingdom to laugh.

One day, a small boy couldn't control his laughter. Later, scared of the punishment,

he thought of a plan. He wrote a funny story and converted it into a drama.

Then he went to the palace and asked the king, “May I present my drama to you?”

the king let him do it. Then the boy started the play. In the end, he came to the

funniest part of the story which made the king laugh.

All people present in the court were amazed. The king then allowed everybody to

laugh. Everyone then lived happily thereafter.

HORSE RIDING FROM A BOOK

Once, a man went to a library. There he read a book, “How to ride a horse”. After

few days, he went to a friend who had a horse.. seeing it, he couldn't control

himself and asked for a ride from his friend. The friend agreed.

The man tried to ride the horse. But a horse always recognizes its rider. It reared up

and flung the man to the ground.

The friend asked, “Where did you learn to ride?” the man exposed his foolishness

saying that he learnt it from a library book.

One must remember that one can't learn anything by oneself. You need a teacher if

you want to learn.

LOSS DUE TO NEGLIGENCE

Once there was a woman who had a kitchen garden. She used to take good care of

her garden. She even taught her daughter, how to tend a garden.

One day, while walking in the garden, the woman saw some eggs of insects on the

leaves of plants. She asked her daughter to destroy the eggs with insecticides. But

the daughter simply ignored her words.

Unfortunately, the mother fell ill. When she got well and went to her garden, she

was shocked to see that the insects had damaged the whole garden.

The daughter realized her mistake. The mother made her understand that one

should never neglect duty.

THE DISGUISED PEACOCK

Once a crow felt like becoming a peacock. He got some feathers of peacock from

somewhere and pasted them on his tail. Then he went among some peacock. But

the peacocks recognized him. They pecked all over his body and threw him out.

The crow felt glum and returned to his race. When his family came to know about

his deed, they also felt very angry and pecked him hard.

Thus, the crow decided never to follow others.

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COST OF THE BELL

Everyday, a shepherd used to take his cows for grazing. He had tied a bell to each

of the cows he had so that he could know where they were grazing. The best cow

had a costly bell tied around her neck.

One day, a stranger was going through the pasture. Seeing the costly bell around

the cow's neck, he went to the shepherd and asked if he would sell the bell.

Out of greed, the shepherd sold the bell. But now he could not know where his best

cow was grazing.

On getting an opportunity, the stranger stole the cow. Thus, the shepherd lost his

best cow just because of his greed.

THE SELFISH HORSE

Once, a trader had a donkey and a horse. Everyday, he would load the donkey

heavily and go to the city to sell things.

One hot day, the donkey started feeling dizzy. He asked the horse to take some of

his load but the horse refused saying that it was not his duty to carry loads.

Soon the donkey fell down and died due to extreme heat. The trader put all the load

on the horse's back and continued his journey.

So, it's true that one who does not help his friend in need has to himself face

problems in the long run.

THE MANAGER ALWAYS CARE FOR OTHERS

Once, a rich boy went to visit his native village. It was a sunny afternoon and he

was feeling very hungry. So, he bought some food from a farmer and sat under a

tree to eat.

Suddenly, he saw a poor boy standing at a distance and found that he was very

hungry. He decided to leave some food for the poor boy. But, as he was very

hungry, he forgot. He ate all the things. When he drank water, he saw something

written at the base of the vessel, “Those who don't care for poor have no right to

have food.”

So the rich boy bought some food for the poor boy and gave it to him.

THE LITTLE SCHOLAR

Once a shepherd while grazing his cattle in the pastures happened to be seen by

the king of that kingdom. The shepherd was in a jovial mood.

When the king asked him the reason of his happiness, the shepherd without

knowing that he was the king said, “Shouldn't I be happy? I am happier than the

king of our kingdom.”

When the king asked him to prove this, he replied, “I have the wealth of this nature.

The sun gives me warmth and light, the blue sky pampers me and this valley gives

me peace of mind. I have enough money to live a comfortable life. Now tell me, does

the king have so much wealth?”

The king realized that the real wealth is not money but the peace of mind.

RESULT OF NEGLIGENCE

One day, a villager while going to the city on his horse, saw that one of the

horseshoes had loosened up, but he didn't pay attention towards it and kept riding.

After covering some distance, the horseshoe came off but still he didn't stop.

Suddenly, he got surrounded by dacoits and had no other alternative but to hand

over all his belongings to them.

If he had repaired the horseshoe, he could have escaped from there.

NEVER TELL A LIE

On his deathbed, a father advised his son to always speak truth. The son promised

that he would never tell a lie.

One day, while going to the city through a forest, he got surrounded by some

robbers. One of them asked, “What do you have?”

The boy answered, “I have fifty rupees.”

They searched him but couldn't find anything. When they were about to go, the boy

called out, “I am not telling a lie. See this fifty rupee note which I had hidden in my

shirt.”

The leader of the robbers felt pleased at the truthfulness of the boy, gave him

hundred rupees as reward and went away.

CONCENTRATION

One day, some youths went to a jungle to practice shooting. They kept few pots at a

distance and targeted them. None of them could hit even a single pot.

A saint who was watching them started laughing. One of them went to him and

asked, “Why are you laughing? Do you know how to shoot?”

At this, the saint took the gun and fired at the pots and smashed all of them one by

one.

The youths were amazed to see this and asked the saint if he was a magician.

The saint replied, “I am neither a magician nor a sharpshooter. I just concentrated

and the result is in front of you. One should always work with concentration.”

The youths thanked him for the piece of advice.

REALISATION OF MISTAKE

A deer was very upset with his wife as she always fought with him. One day, the doe

left her abode and went to a nearby jungle and started staying with another deer.

Once, when they both were resting in a cave, they heard the roar of a lion. The doe

said to the deer, “What shall we do now? This lion will kill us both.”

The deer replied, “I am going my way. You take care of yourself”. The doe was

taken aback at this. She recalled how her husband saved her many times from

crisis.

She fled from the back of the cave and soon reached her deer. The deer felt very

happy to see his wife back.

The doe realized her mistake and promised to behave.

THE DISCONTENTED DOG

Once a dog was relaxing in a garden when it saw a cat on the top of a high wall. It

thought, “It must be so nice to be high above the ground. If only I could climb?”

This feeling of envy made it so bad-tempered, that it didn't even wag its tail at its

master, who came to give it some milk.

Then it saw a goldfish in the river and wished that it too could live in the cold water.

Envy made it angry once again.

Just then it heard the fish say, “It looks so nice and warm on the grass. I wish I

could lie down on it.”

After some time, a sparrow flew past. Seeing the dog lazing around, it said aloud, “I

wish I could play the whole day like this dog. I wish I didn't have to build a nest for

myself, search for food and tire my wings.”

Listening to them, the dog realized its folly for not appreciating what it had.

THE CLEVER WOLF

One day, a shepherd went to the pastures for grazing his sheep. He was looking

after them, when suddenly he saw a wolf approaching him and his herd of animals.

He got scared.

But the wolf didn't do anything. He kept moving around the sheep as if to guard

them. The shepherd thought that the wolf had changed with the time. Now he had

become a vegetarian.

So, the shepherd gave him the responsibility of guarding his sheep and went to take

a nap. When he woke up, he was shocked to see that the wolf had eaten all his

sheep and had fled the scene.

THE CLEVER PLAN

One day a boy called Sunny came to a garden full of mango trees. But there was a

guard guarding the trees. So, he thought of a plan. He went to the guard and asked

him to play with him.

The guard agreed. Sunny drew a circle around the guard and told him that if he

stepped out, he would have to pay penalty. The guard stood inside the circle and in

the meantime Sunny climbed up a tree and plucked many mangoes.

The guard saw it all but could do nothing. Soon, Sunny fled away with mangoes.