The Monkey and the Red Berries: A Famous and Inspiring Tale
Long ago, a troop of monkeys resided on the peak of a mountain. Their precarious existence was worsened by harsh winters, as they lacked a permanent shelter. The winter season was approaching, and one monkey suggested seeking refuge in the nearby village, within human homes, until the cold subsided.
The other monkeys agreed, and they journeyed to a nearby village. As the villagers awoke, they saw the monkeys leaping across rooftops and tree branches. The villagers responded by pelting them with stones and brandishing sticks. The disturbed monkeys fled back to their old abode, once again facing the biting cold.
Then, a monkey conceived the idea of using fire to ward off the cold. He had seen villagers gather around a bonfire. Nearby, large bushes of red berries grew. The monkeys mistook the berries for pieces of coal and began to pluck them, heaping them at the base of a pile of dry wood. They tried to ignite the berries, but despite their efforts, the fire would not catch. The monkeys were disheartened.
A flock of birds nested in a tree nearby. Witnessing the monkeys' plight, a bird called out, "How foolish you are to try to make fire from fruit! Fruit does not burn. Why don't you seek refuge in the nearby cave?" The monkeys, hearing this advice, were enraged.
An older monkey retorted, "You call us foolish? How dare you criticize our actions?" The bird continued its advice, but an enraged monkey leaped upon the bird, twisting its neck. The bird's life ended instantly.
This story teaches us that attempting to offer sound advice to unruly creatures can be detrimental.
We strive to bring you India's invaluable treasures from literature, art, and storytelling, in simple language. For more such inspiring tales, please visit subkuz.com
