1. Hitopadesha : The Dove And The Mice

Long time there was a there was giant tree near the banks of a river. On the tree there lived many birds and animals.

During daytime the birds went to find food for themselves and their young ones.

One day a hunter came in the forest. He carried a bag full grain. The hunter spread a net and scattered grain. Then he hid himself. After some a group of doves came around searching for food. The king of doves told his courtiers, "It is strange to find so much grain in an uninhabitable forest like this. There is something fishy”.

But the doves were hungry. They ignored the words of their king and flew down to feed on the grains. Soon all the doves were trapped in the net. They cried for help. The king of doves who was seeing his courtiers said, “You all are trapped and in danger. I suggest that you all should gather all your strength and work together to lift the net to fly away from here”.

So the trapped birds acted in unity and together flew up.

When the hunter saw this, he was surprised and ran after the birds. But the birds flew higher and escaped the hunter's sight.

The king of doves asked them to fly to the mountain on other side of river where their friend mice lived. The birds reached the mountain and asked the mice for their help. All the mice came out their holes and quickly nibbled the net. The birds were free. They all thanked the mice and flew back to their home.

Moral: Unity has strength. Do not be greedy. Act wisely. Always help your friends; because a friend in need is a friend indeed.