297. The Bodhisatta, Owl And Crow

Once upon a time, the king of Benares, went to the battle field at an unseasonable time, set up a camp in his park. At that time an Owl entered a thicket of bamboos, and hid in it. There came a flock of Crows; thy said, “We will catch him when he comes out.” And they compassed it around. Without waiting for sunset, the owl came out.

The crows surrounded him, and pecked him with their beaks till he fell to the ground. The king asked the Bodhisatta: “Tell me. wise sir! why are the crows attacking this owl?” And the Bodhisatta answered, “They that leave their dwelling before the right time, fall into such misery as this. Therefore before the time one should not leave one’s dwelling place.”

When the king heard this, he turned back home again.

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