Tuesday, December 9, 2014

15. Hitopadesh -The Lion And The Cunning Hare

Once upon a time, there lived a lion in a forest. He was the King of forest. The lion was arrogant, unkind and killed the animals mercilessly.

One afternoon, all animals of the forest gathered. They went to the lion and said, “O Mighty King! We bow before you. We come here to request you to stop unwanted killing. Should you agree with us and we will offer you one animal everyday for your food”.

The lion agreed with the animal's suggestion.

Thus from that day onwards, one animal went to the lion everyday. One day, it was turn of old hare.

The hare was sad. He came out his burrow and took the way to the lion's den. The hare walked slowly and thought of a way to kill the lion. He reached the den late.

The old hare was witty. He said, “My Lord. On my way, I was stopped by another lion who wanted to kill me for his food. I told him that you have been waiting for me. I escaped from his attack only when I assured him that I would return to him after seeing you”.

The lion grew furious hearing this. He roared and asked the hare to him to the other lion.

The old hare led the lion to a well and said, “My Lord! The other lion lives in this well. Kindly see yourself”.

The lion saw his reflection and thought it was another lion dwelling the well. He leapt to attack him. The well was deep and soon the lion drowned. The hare was happy that the lion died and returned home. Thus the witty hare saved his own life and of other animals who lived in that forest.


Moral: Brain is mightier than brawn.

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