332.The Wasps, the Partridges, and the Farmer
THE WASPS and the partridges, overcome with thirst, came to a farmer and besought him to give them some water to drink. They promised amply to repay him the favor which they asked. The partridges declared that they would dig around his vines and make them produce finer grapes. The wasps said that they would keep guard and drive off thieves with their stings. But the farmer interrupted them, saying:
“I have already two oxen, who, without making any promises, do all these things. It is surely better for me to give the water to them than to you.”
❖ A man doesn’t have to look to any tempting distractions that promise to bring the path and one-pointed applications he already has.
331.The Wasp and the Snake
A WASP seated himself on the head of a snake and, striking him unceasingly with his stings, wounded him to death. The snake, being in great torment and not knowing how to rid himself of his enemy, saw a wagon heavily laden with wood, and went and purposely placed his head under the wheels, saying,
“At least my enemy and I shall perish together.” And so they did.
❖ Some deep wounds are inflicted by praise.
❖ Good wits commonly figure out what’s best to do.
330.The Walnut-Tree
A WALNUT TREE standing by the roadside bore an abundant crop of fruit. For the sake of the nuts, the passers-by broke its branches with stones and sticks. The walnut-tree piteously exclaimed,
“Wretched me! that those whom I cheer with my fruit should repay me with these painful blows!”
❖ Try to perform according to the depth of situations and those involved.
329.The Vine and the Goat
A VINE was luxuriant in the time of vintage with leaves and grapes. A goat, passing by, nibbled its young tendrils and its leaves. The vine addressed him and said:
“Why do you thus injure me without a cause, and crop my leaves? Is there no young grass left? But I shall not have to wait long for my just revenge; for if you now should crop my leaves, and cut me down to my root, I shall provide the wine to pour over you when you are led as a victim to the sacrifice.”
❖ It is consciousness that brings about actualisations: karma is not mechanical.
