5.11 Panchtantra - The Bullock Named Sanjeevaka

Once there lived a merchant named Vardhmanaka. He had two bullocks- Sanjeevaka and Nandi who pulled this bullock cart and also helped him in ploughing the farmland he had.

One day, the merchant left the village with his bullocks. On the way when they were passing the banks of river Yamuna, Sanjeevaka's foot got stuck in a swamp. He tried hard but the foot was stuck badly. The merchant also tried to pull his foot out but couldn't succeed. After hours of attempt, the merchant gave up and left Sanjeeva to continue his journey further.

Sanjeevaka was left to his date. He stood alone - hungry and thirsty for days. He felt very sad, dejected and thought, “For all these years, I served the master loyally. In moment of need, he has left me alone to perish”.

The thought either he leave things to fate and die in swamp or to fight till he had strength. He mustered all strength and tried to pull out his leg. After some hours, he was able to pull out his leg.

Sanjeevaka was now unbounded. He did not want to return to his master's house. He was hungry and started gazing along the banks of the river. He ate fresh grass and drank river water and soon became healthy and stout.

One day a lion named Pingalaka came to the river to drink water. When he heard loud bellowing, he was sacred and ran away.

The lion, who was the King, had two jackals as his ministers. The jackal saw the sacred lion and asked him, “Your Majesty! Why are you trembling? Who are you afraid of? Tell us, we will bring him to you”.

But the lion was the king and reluctant to admit that he was sacred. However, after much hesitation, lion told the jackal why he was sacred. The jackals were loyal towards the king and assured him to find who created the terrible sound.

The jackals were quick witted. They searched and bought Sanjeevaka to the lion's court.

Sanjeevaka told the lion that he was send by Lord Shiva in this forest. The lion was pleased to talk to Sanjeeva and he became his good friend.

The lion gradually become spiritual. He stopped killing and gave less attention to state matters. Seeing this, the jackals and other animals became worried. So the jackals planned to get rid of Sanjeeva and thought of a plan to do so.

One afternoon when the lion was resting alone; the jackal went to him and said, “O King! I vow before you. I have an important message. Your friend, Sanjeeva has an eye on your kingdom. I have found that he desires to kill you to be the king himself.”

Next day; the cunning jackal went to Sanjeeva and told him, “Your friend, the King lion intends to kill you. He is looking to a forest feast with your flesh. I advise you to kill lion with your horns before he attacks you.”

Sanjeeva became furious hearing the jackal's words. He grew outrageous and headed towards the lion's court. He bellowed hard in the court. The angry King pounced upon Sanjeeva.

A fierce fight ensued between them. The lion overpowered and killed Sanjeeva. When lion saw his friend dead, he lamented. Later he appointed the jackal as the chief minister of his kingdom.

Moral: Do not befriend a natural enemy.

Stories From Panchatantra

Here is a list of stories from Panchatantra: 

Tales From Part 1 

1. The Monkey and the Wedge
2. The Jackal and the Drum
3. The Fall and Rise of a Merchant
4. The Foolish Scholar
5. The Goats and the Jackal
6. The Cobra and the Crows
7. The Crane and the Crab
8. The Cunning Hare and the Lion
9. The Bed Bug and The Louse
10. The Story of the Blue Jackal
11. The Lion, Camel, Jackal and Crow
12. The Tittibha Birds
13. Two Swans And The Tortoise 
14. Tale of Three Fishes
15. The Small Sparrow And The Mighty Elephant
16. The Lion and the Jackal
17. How a Sparrow came to Grief
18. Bird's Advise to The Foolish Monkeys 
19. The Right-Mind and Wrong-Mind
20. The Crane and the Mongoose
21. The Rat That Ate Iron (The Merchant and The Rat)
22. The King and the Foolish Monkey
23. The Thief and the Brahmins
24. The Hermit and the Mouse
25. The Elephants and the King of Mice
26. Shandili and The Sesame Seeds
27. The Story of the Merchant's Son
28. The Weaver and The Destiny
29. How the Crows and the Owls became enemies

Tales From Part 2

1. The Elephants and the Hares
2. The Sly Mediator
3. The Brahmin and the Crooks
4. The Hunter and The Pair of Doves
5. The Brahmin and the Cobra
6. The Old Man, Young Wife and Thief
7. The Brahmin, Thief, and Demon
8. The Tale of Two Snakes

Tales From Part 3

1. The Wedding of the Mouse
2. Tale of the Golden Droppings
3. The Cave that Talked
4. The Frog and The Snake
5. The War of Crows and Owls
6. The Monkey and the Crocodile
7. The Greedy Cobra and Frog King
8. The Lion and the Foolish Donkey
9. The Story of the Potter

Tales From Part 4

1. The Lioness and the Young Jackal
2. The Donkey and the Washerman
3. The Price of Indiscretion
4. The Jackal's Strategy
5. The Famished Dog 
6. The Brahmin's Wife and the Mongoose
7. The Wheel - The Story of Four Treasure-Seekers
8. The Lion that Sprang to Life

Tales From Part 5

1. The Four Learned Fools
2. The Tale of Two Fishes and a Frog
3. The Donkey who Sang
4. The Brahmin's Dream
5. The Bird with Two Heads
6. The Wicked King and The Wise Monkey
7. Lord Indra's Parrot 
8. The Bullock Named Sanjeevaka 

5.9 Panchtantra - The Wicked King And The Wise Monkey

Once there lived a king named Chandra. The King's son kept rams and many monkeys as pet.

The monkeys were treated lavishly. They were feed with good food and were given good care. The monkeys gradually grew fat with no much work to do.

The head of monkeys was wise and learned. He learned sciences and encouraged other monkeys to learn. But the other monkeys were laid back and showed little or no inclination for leaning.

The rams were strong and pulled the prince's carriage. One of them was glutton and escaped into the kitchen often. It was hit by the cooks every now and then. The head of monkeys saw the cooks hitting ram and was worried. He was mindful and reasoned that such action could lead to destruction if the cook threw something with fire. So he summoned the monkeys and said,’ The cooks here are reckless. They target the ram with whatever comes in their hand. This can cause accident any day here. I suggest that as a cautionary step, we all should move from here'.

But the monkeys in the troop refused give up the privileges of palace and to return to forest. Rather they thought that head monkey had been aging and was gripped by unusual thoughts.

The head of monkeys was wise and decided to leave the palace alone. He left the troop saying, 'Life has more value than privileges. You all are unable to foresee the impending danger'.

Days passed by. One day the cooks were preparing to serve the king when the ram escaped into the kitchen. The cook was infuriated. He blew a half burnt log on the ram.

The ram's wooly fur caught fire and it soon spread to dry grass in the stable. A terrible fire grew and gripped the entire surroundings.

The palace keepers rushed to extinguish the fire. The king's horses in the stable had severe burns. So he called the veterinary practioner to prescribe remedy. The vet indicated that since the burns were deep and use of monkey fat could help in early recovery. So the king ordered his men to slaughter all the pet monkeys.

The head of monkeys came know about the mishap and the king's decision to slaughter the monkeys for their fat. He decided to teach a lesson to the wicked king, but could not think of way out.

The head of monkeys deeply traumatized. He felt utterly lonesome at lose of family and refused food for several days.

One afternoon when he was roaming, he came across a lake. It was a beautiful lake with bright, beautiful bloomed lotus flowers. The monkey was thirsty and went near the lake to drink water. When he came near, he saw footprints around. The monkey had great presence of mind and observed that all footprints led into the lake and none of them directed out. He came suspicious and cautious. He used a lotus stem to suck water and kept distance from the lake.

While the monkey drank water, a monster appeared from the lake and said, 'I dwell this lake. Anybody who enters this lake to quench thirst or use its water, is gullied deep inside to become my food. But never before has anyone adopted the tactic you have. I am pleased by your intelligence. Ask for a wish and I shall grant it'.

The grieved monkey said,’ The king is my enemy. He betrayed me and my family. I want to bring his family to destruction. Lend me your necklace and I shall use it to persuade king and his family to come here'.

The monster agreed and gave his necklace to the monkey. The monkey wore the necklace and reached the palace. He entered the court and received immediate attention from council due to necklace he wore.

The king and his men in court became curious about grand embellished necklace and asked the monkey about it. The monkey told the king, 'O King, fortunately I have come to know about a secret treasure hidden by Kuber in a lake in the forest. I have learned that anyone who bathes in that lake on Sunday can carry home as much treasure as he can. This necklace is nothing to the treasure that has been preserved in the lake'.

The king was delighted to hear this. He asked the monkey, 'Can you take us to the lake? I will take all my men and my family to it to fetch as much treasure as we can'. The monkey agreed.

So the following Sunday, the monkey escorted the King. The entire palace workers, princes, queen, the council and all relatives of the king followed. When they reached the lake, the monkey instructed, 'King you should wait. I shall show you a special way to enter the lake. Besides king, you all should enter the lake together to ensure all get equal blessing of treasure'.

So the king' men and family enter the lake together. Some hours passed by and the king asked the monkey to show him the way to enter, but the monkey did not reply. The King grew anxious and asked the monkey, 'Its been quite sometime. Why was it taking so long for them to return?'.

The monkey looked revengeful and was breathing hard. He jumped on the nearby tree and angrily replied, 'O King! You are wicked and mercilessly killed my family you once cared as you pet. Now I have avenged you. This lake is dwelled by a monster who eats men who enter the lake. All your men and relatives are now dead. I learned from the wise in your council that it is not a sin to return evil for bad deeds. My action is justified. You were my master once and I have spared you to take the same pain and grief I which have been going through'.

The king grieved bitterly over his misdeeds. He returned aimlessly to the palace alone.

Moral: Do good and good will come to you. In other words, as you sow so shall you reap.

5.8 Panchtantra - The Bird with Two Heads

Long time ago, there lived a strange bird who had two heads. Her name was Bharuna.

One afternoon, when Bharuna was wandering along the banks of the forest river, she found a beautiful golden red fruit. One of the heads of Bharuna said, "The fruit looks good and delicious. I am lucky to have found it" and it started eating the fruit hurriedly.

Seeing this, the other head said, "Let me taste the wonderful fruit as well. I feel it is delicious."

But the first head was selfish and cunningly. He replied, "It does not matters who eats this fruit as it will eventually go to the common stomach we both have. Besides, it was me who found the fruit first and hence I would eat the fruit." The other head felt sad hearing this.

After someday, the other head found a tree bearing some poisonous fruits. He took the fruit and told the first head, "I have found this fruit and will eat it. Since we have the same stomach you will bear the results of eating this fruit with me".

The first head was alarmed to hear this. He pleaded, "I request you not to eat this poisonous fruit as it will kill both of us".

But the second head was angry and revengeful. He ate the fruit and both of them died.

Moral: Share good things with others. One should not be selfish and act revengefully as it would harm others and self.

5.7 Panchtantra - The Brahmin's Dream

Once there lived a priest in a village. His name was Swabhavakripna.

Swabhavakripna was poor and used to beg for his living. He was all alone in this world. He had no relatives or friends.

One day the priest returned home lat. He was tried and soon fell asleep.

The priest starting dreaming of becoming a rich man. He saw him self wearing good clothes and enjoying great food. He imagined having many shops and growing richer and richer. He had healthy cattle and gave lots of milk and bore young ones. The young ones grew to give more milk and reproduced further. He earned from selling milk, butter and curd. He built a big house for himself. The priest saw himself to be happy and rich. He lived a lavish life and soon married a beautiful girl. He had sons. His sons grew up and they became very mischievous and naughty. He scolded him and asked them not to run around and shout. But the boys would not listen. So he took a bamboo and chased them.

The dreaming priest went deep into his dreams and began moving his legs as he as chasing his naughty boys. His leg hit the earthenware in which he had kept his food. He got this food from begging during the day. The earthen pot fell and the food was scattered all over.

The priest woke up hearing the loud shattering sound. He was suddenly out of his dream and shocked to see real world.

Seeing the scattered food, the priest felt sad and slept hungry that night.

Moral: Do not build castles in the air.

5.6 Panchtantra - The Donkey Who Sang

Once there lived a donkey. His name was Uddhata.

Uddhata worked for the village washerman and carried the heaps of clothes to and from the river bank. During night, Uddhata was left to graze in the farm.

One night, Uddhata escaped into the open fields and ate the harvest. He returned to the farm before day break and so no one suspected him.Uddhata continued to secretly devour the farm harvest for many days. One night, he met a jackal and they became friends.

Every night they met and while the jackal ate the farm animals, the donkey continued enjoying the farm harvest. Months passed by and their routine continued.

One night, the donkey said, 'Friend, it is a pleasant full moon night. I want to sing my heart out'. But the jackal cautioned, 'No friend. We are stealing the harvest here. If you sing, the echo will wake the farm owners and we'll be caught for the damaging farms and killing poultry. I insist you enjoy eating and keep calm'.

But the donkey was out of his brain. He argued, 'It is such a pleasant night. I want to sing. You live in wild and may be do not understand music. I shall sing'.

The jackal understood the impending danger. He told the donkey, 'Friend, I shall stand outside the farm fence to watch if the farm owners approach'. So the jackal escaped the farms and hide himself behind the dense fencing. The donkey started braying loudly. The sound echoed intensely in the calm of night.

Soon, the farm owners woke and saw the donkey. They thrashed the donkey badly and tied a wooden mortar around his neck. They left him and went back.

When the jackal saw the donkey, he said, 'Friend I told you not to sing here. You have been punished for acting without thinking'.

Moral: Never act impulsively. Think before you act.

5.5 Panchtantra - The Tale of Two Fishes And A Frog

This is the story of three friends –Sahasrabuddhi and Satabuddhi who were fishes and Ekabuddhi who was a frog. They lived merrily in a pond in the forest.

One day a group of fishermen passed by the pond. They carried the harvest from the forest river. When they saw the pond, they were amazed to see the large number of fishes in it. So they decided to catch fish from the pond next day.

The frog was worried to hear the fishermen’s plans. He said, ‘Friends, the fishermen will come to catch fish tomorrow. Our lives are in danger. We should decide where to hide or run’.

But the fishes were not worried. The first fish confidently confirmed, ‘Don’t worry friends. These fishermen just made a passing statement. I think they will not come to fish here. However, if they come I shall rescue myself from their trap. I know many tricks to do so’.

The second fish was likeminded. She said, ‘I knew how to deceive the fishermen. They cannot catch me. I shall survive as well. Further, this pond was home of my ancestors, I do not intend to leave it at any cost!’

But the frog was worried and said,’ I can see danger. I cannot risk my and my family’s life. I shall migrate before the day break’.

The frog and his family left the pond. They settled in a small swamp nearby.

The next day, the group of fishermen arrived. They cast their huge net and caught several animals including the turtles, fishes, frogs; etc. Sahasrabuddhi and Satabuddhi were large fishes and were easily trapped. They tried hard to escape but all their tricks failed.

When the fishermen dragged the net on bank, all fishes were dead. They were happy to catch large fishes - Sahasrabuddhi and Satabuddhi, besides other fishes in large number. They returned home happily with the huge harvest.

Ekabuddhi who had been watching the fishermen, saw them carrying his friends. He was very sad and told his wife, ‘talent never pays the overconfident. I am grieved to loose my friends - Sahasrabuddhi and Satabuddhi. They were too confident of their talent which never came handy when they needed it’.

Moral: Act timely to avoid mishaps. Do not be overconfident about your talents as it will never pay you.

5.4 Panchtantra - The Four Learned Fools

In far village, there lived four Brahmins. They were good friends.

One day, the four Brahmins decided to leave the village and go to the town for higher learning. They reasoned that the learned can make money to sustain well.

They left the village and went to live in a hermitage. There they studied hard for many years and acquired higher knowledge.

One day they gathered and decided to leave the hermitage, 'We have worked hard and mastered various sciences. It is now time for us to leave the hermitage and work to earn. Let's take the master's permission and leave'.

The Brahmins sought their master's permission, who blessed them. They left the hermitage with the scriptures and began traveling.

One day, the Brahmins reached a divergence of road. The Brahmins were confused which path to take and stood there thinking.

While the Brahmins were engrossed in thoughts, they saw a funeral procession approaching. It had many prominent dignitaries.

One of the Brahmins said, 'The scriptures indicate that right path is the path taken by great men. So we shall take the path of this funeral procession'.

They reached the cremation ground and wondered what to do next. Just then they saw a donkey. One of them read the guidelines from scripture and said, 'A true friend stands by you in times of trial and tribute'. The assumed that the standing donkey had been a faithful friend to the person who is being cremated.

So they washed the donkey's hoof and treated him respectfully. The donkey kept standing, while the Brahmin embraced him.

Suddenly, they saw a camel running towards them. They quickly read the scriptures and came up the guidelines - righteousness comes rapidly. They assumed that the camel racing towards them was a righteous incarnate.

One of them related the righteousness to friendship - 'a good man should lead his friend to righteousness', he affirmed.

So the Brahmins decided to lead the donkey to righteousness. They tied their donkey friend to camel (the righteousness).

The camel raced, dragging the donkey along with him. Soon the rope broke and the crashed on the stones. He was severely injured and bled.

The donkey belonged to the village washerman who had been searching him since morning. The village children who played nearby, told the washerman about his donkey and the Brahmins.

The washerman was angry. He found his donkey, but it was badly injured. He ran after the Brahmins to hit them for such an act of mischief or foolishness.

The Brahmins ran in fear of being thrashed. They reached a river bank and sat there. After sometime, a ficus (pipal) leaf on the water. The ficus tree is a holy tree and worshipped by the Hindus.

One of the Brahmins said, 'it is holiness that takes men across rivers'. So he jumped on the leaf in hope of crossing the river. But the currents were strong and lopped him. He began drowning.

The other scholars saw him struggling and one of them, jumped and caught him by neck. He recalled the phrase from scriptures - A wise man knows that total destruction is inevitable. Therefore, he sacrifices half and works with the remaining half'.

The scholar related the phrase to his friend's life and slit his throat. He dragged him to the bank of river, but found that his friend was dead. The scholars grieved the unintended  death of their friends.

They cremated the dead scholar and continued their journey. They traveled for days together and then reached a village. The people of the village were warm and welcoming. They gave separate houses to each of them. The villagers decided that the scholars should be served separately by three different families.

The scholars once again wrongly related the situations to scriptures and refused the food they were offered by the villagers. The first scholar, who was served with sweet  noodles;  related them tactics - 'long tactics bring about destructions', he recalled.

The second scholar was served with frothy soup. But he recalled what the scripture mentioned- 'A frothy thing cannot last for long.

The third scholar was served with donut shaped potato rings. But he related the hollow shaped food to defects and affirmed, 'Defeats are a sign of approaching danger'.

Thus, all three scholars refused the food went to sleep hungry.

Next days, the families who served the food to the scholars came to know that the scholars refused food and went hungry. The word spread across the village. The villagers came randomly and asked the scholars the reason for not having food.

The scholars explained how they related the food to guidelines and code of conduct outlined in scriptures. Hearing the scholars, the villagers were surprised. They understood that the scholars retained only bookish knowledge and lack common sense which is needed to survive the ways of life.

The villagers mocked and ridiculed the scholars. The scholars felt very humiliated and left the village immediately.

Moral: Knowledge without common sense is worthless.

5.3 Panchtantra - The Lion that Sprang to Life

Once there lived four friends in a village. They were well read scholars. One of them was poor in learning, but had goof come sense. The other scholars were apt learners. However, they lacked common sense which is important in practical life.

One day the four scholars decided to use their knowledge and learning to earn money for better living. But one of the scholars was not well learned. So the three scholars decided to leave him and travel ahead.

The less learned scholar was belittled by the ways of his friends. He complained and requested them to take him along with them. After much thinking and debate, the three leaned scholars decided to take him along with them.

Next day, the four scholars began their journey. While they passing through a forest, they saw bones of a lion lying around. Seeing them, the first learned scholar said, ‘Here is a chance to test our knowledge and efficiency with these bones. Lets works around them and bring the lion back to life’.

The three learned scholars agreed. But the less learned scholar contradicted. He argued, ‘If you bring it back to life, you will endanger your own lives’.

But the learned scholars ignored him and started working to infuse life in the bones.   

They collected the bones and the first scholar reunited the bones to erect the lion’s skeleton. The second scholar stowed it with flesh and covered it with skin. Seeing the lifeless lion, the third scholar initiated heavy rituals to put life in it.

The fourth scholar had no learning to apply or test. He had common sense and was alarmed to see what his friends had been doing without thinking of consequences. He cried in panic, ‘This is not the right way to apply or test your knowledge. I insist that you stop before the lion rises to life and kills you all’.

But the scholars were led by pride and confidence. They ridiculed the less learned scholar and said, ‘What good is knowledge if it is not applied? You lack knowledge and envy us. We never wanted you to come with us, but you came. Now step aside and do not interfere in our work’.

The less learned scholar knew the impending danger. After being insulted, he sided from the other scholars and climbed the nearby tree.

Soon the third scholar concluded his rituals and proved his knowledge – when the lion sprang to life. The beast was furious and killed them.

The fourth scholar saw how the lion killed his friends. He pity them and thought, ‘didn’t they knew that lion is a beast that kills?’ He waited for the lion to disappear. He grieved the death of his friends and returned home alone.

Moral: Common sense is important than knowledge.

5.2 Panchtantra - The Wheel - Story Of Four Treasure Seekers

The story relates to four poor men who dreamt of becoming rich and prosperous.

In a far village, there lived four friends. They were poor and wanted to grow rich. However, they didn't know how to earn well.

One afternoon, they sat together and thought about it. Thereafter they decided to leave their village.

The four men started their journey. After few days of traveling, they reached a place called Awanti. They bathed and offered prayers in the nearby temple. At the entrance of temple, they saw a sage. His name was Bhairwanand. The four men bowed to the sage and sought his blessings.

The sage asked them, "I have not seen you all before. Where have you all come from and why?"

One of the men replied, "We are friends and have come all the way to try our luck. We are poor and seek your guidance in the matter".

The sage was pleased to hear this. He smiled at them and gave them cotton wicks. He asked them to carry the wick and move in direction of Himalayas. The sage said, "Where the wick falls, you will find treasure. Dig up and carry the valuables to your home".

The four men were happy. They took the wicks from the sage and started their journey in the direction of the Himalayas.

The four men had hardly covered any distance, when the wick fell from hand of one of them. He dug up and found the treasure of copper. He asked his friends to take their share and returned home with his share. Seeing him return, his friends called him nerd and the three of them moved further in search of treasure.

After few days, the wick held by the other men fell. He dug up and found treasure of silver. He asked his friends to take their share and then returned home with his treasure of copper and silver. The other two men took their share and continued further.

After traveling for few days, the wick held by the third man fell. He dug up and found treasure of gold. He shared it with his friend and took his share. He decided to return home with the treasure and asked his fellow to return with him.

But the fourth man said that he expected to find diamonds in the his journey further.

The fourth man continued walking in hope to find the treasure, but the wick he was carrying did not fell.

After days of traveling, he saw a blood bathed body of man who stood straight and had a whirling wheel over his head.

The fourth man went and asked the man, "Who are you? Why are you standing here drenched in blood with this whirling wheel over your head?"

While the fourth friend continued asking, the wheel swirled and settled over his head. He was shocked and yelled in agony. He asked the other man, "Why have to shifted this wheel on my head? Tell me, how can I get rid of this wheel?"

The man told the fourth friend that the wheel was created by Lord Kuber, the God treasure to keep his treasure safe from thieves and men who are greedy. "It is indeed a wheel of misery. Under influence of this wheel, you will not feel hunger or thirst. It holds time so that you do not age or grow old and there is no sleep and no death that happens. The wheel keeps you under pain and misery".

The fourth friend asked, "How long have you been carrying this wheel?"

The man said, “It’s been years since I have been under this wheel of misery. It mounted my head when I came here in search of diamond treasure during the reign of King Rama".

You will get rid of it only when someone comes here with the magic wick as you came with and ask you the same question you asked me". After this the man left.

Meanwhile, the third friend reached his home in the village. He expected that the fourth friend would return any time soon with his diamond treasure. Days past, but the friend did not return. So the third man decided to go and look for his friends.

The third friend reached the foothills of Himalayas where he saw a man standing with whirling wheel on his head. He saw closely and recognized his that the man was his own friend. He was shocked to see him and asked him, "Friend, what is this? I am unable to understand !"

The fourth friend narrated the entire incident to his friend and blamed his greed for what happened.

The third friend said, "Friend, greed carves misery. I told you the gold treasure I found was enough for both of us. But you choose to get more. Greed is not good!"

The third friend was sad. He left the fourth friend much against his wish and low heart.

Moral: A bird in the hand is worth more than two birds in bush.

5.1 Panchtantra - The Brahman’s Wife and The Mongoose

Once upon a time, in a small village there lived a Brahman with his wife. One fortunate day, the Brahman's wife gave birth their son.

Everyday Brahmin went to temple leaving his wife and son alone. So the Brahmin thought to keep a pet which would guard his family and also play with his son.

The Brahmin told his wife about plan and they decided to keep a pet. The Brahmin went around the village in search of pet and returned home with a mongoose. His wife did not like the pet, but she accepted it. She never left her son alone with mongoose as she did not trusted it and thought it might harm him.

One afternoon, the Brahmin and his wife went out for feast leaving their son at home with mongoose. After they left, a black snake came in their house. The mongoose attacked the snake and killed it.

When the Brahmin and his wife arrived, they saw blood around mongoose' mouth. They thought the mongoose had killed their son. The enraged wife hit the mongoose hard with thick bamboo and the mongoose died. Then she hurried inside the room and found her son sleeping in the cradle. Near the cradle she saw the dead snake and realized that the mongoose saved her child from snake.

She repented her action and cried in grief for killing mongoose.

Moral: Never act in haste. Think before you act.

4.9 Panchtantra - The Famished Dog

Once there lived a dog in a village. Its name was Chitranga.

One year the crop perished and the village was plagued by famine. People and animals starved. Animals which were fed by people were famished and some died.

Chitranga had been hungry for days together. He could found no food and therefore decided to leave the village in search of food.

After traveling for hours, he reached a town. There he saw a house whose door was open. Chitranga quietly went inside and found a lot of food. He ate well and then quietly left the house.

When Chitranga came out he saw dogs of other community were ready to attack him. He tried to escape, but could not ran fast due to over eating. He was mercilessly bitten and wounded by the dogs.

Chitranga struggled hard and escaped. He thought, 'It is better to be in one's own country be it famine or flood. Alien land can be merciless'.

Chitranga decided to leave the town and return home.

Chitranga was injured badly. He struggled and somehow reached home. Seeing him his friends and relatives gathered to ask him about the foreign town.

Chitranga replied, 'The town was prosperous and there was ample food. People there are careless and leave doors of the house open. You can steal or receive food to eat. But there are no friends and no community.  The other dogs feel you are taking away their share. They will collectively torment you. It is wise to be to be in one's own country'.

Moral: You lapses may be tolerated by ousiders, but your kith and kin won't tolerate them.

4.8 Panchtantra - The Jackal's Strategy

Once there lived a jackal named Mahachaturaka in a jungle.

One day he was searching food when he saw a dead elephant lying under a tree. The jackal was happy to see the ample food which would look last for several days.

However, the elephant skin was very thick and the jackal was unable to eat. He was very disappointed and hungry.

While he was trying to tear the flesh, he heard footsteps of an animal approaching towards him.

He saw the lion and went to him.

The jackal respectfully bowed before the lion and said, 'O mighty king! Here is a dead elephant for you to feast upon. I was watching it so that you can have it once you come'.

The lion was arrogant. He refused to eat the dead elephant saying, 'I eat the animal I prey upon and kill myself. Thanks for considering this dead animal for my food, but you can have it all by yourself'.

After the lion left, the jackal saw a leopard approaching. The jackal thought, 'I was humble with lion, but I have to be diplomatic with him'.

The jackal climbed on the huge body of the elephant and said, 'Friend, this elephant was hunted down by the lion himself. He has asked me to guard this body and call him if anyone approaches to eat it'.

The leopard saw the trail of lion's paws and believed the jackal. He humbly thanked the jackal for guiding him and walked away.

The jackal waited to find a way out. After sometime, he saw a tiger coming his way. The jackal knew that the tiger had sharp teeth and he could use this to his own advantage.

The jackal rose and called the tiger, 'O mighty tiger! You look lean and tired. Please come this way and eat this elephant. It was hunted down by the lion. He asked me to guard it, but you can eat it. I will keep a watch for lion. If he approaches, I will alert you'.

The tiger saw the trial of lion's paw. He believed the jackal and was delighted by his friendly attitude. The tiger at once pounced and tore the elephant's skin. He had just began eating, when the jackal yelled, 'Friend, run for your life, the lion is coming this way to eat his prey'.

The tiger left the flesh and can away.

The jackal watched the tiger run away and when it disappeared in the wild, he rejoiced and started eating the flesh.

But, soon another jackal came there in want of food. The jackal fought with him and chased him away. The flesh lasted for many days and jackal ate to his heart content.

Moral: One should be humble before the mighty, diplomatic with cunning and fight rightful with ones who are equal in strength.

4.7 Panchtantra - The Indiscretion (Story of Camel With The Bell)

Once upon a time, there lived a cart-maker named Ujjwalaka.

Ujjwalaka was poor and was not doing good in this business. He was sad and upset, so decided to move to some other town. So one day, Ujjwalaka and his family set out for journey to reach other town.

On their way, the family saw a female camel undergoing labor pains. The cartmaker's wife was kindhearted and asked him to wait and help the female camel. The family stopped and Ujjwalaka's wife nursed the camel.

The female camel gave birth to a male baby. The family took care of the camel and her family.

They brought them to their new settlement and started living with them. Over the years, the baby camel grew up. The cartmaker's and his family were very fond of camel and her baby.

One day, the cart-maker tied a bell around the young camel's neck. The bell jingled as the young camel moved and played around.

The cart-maker started selling camel's milk and made good earning from this. He bought another female camel from the cattle fair. Gradually the cart-maker made good profits from sell of camel milk and became rich.

Everyday, the camels moved in a herd to gaze in the nearby forest. The young camel always trailed the herd. The elder camels of the herd noted this and advised the young camel to keep pace with herd and be with the herd. However, the young camel ignored their advise and kept roaming at his own will.

One day, when the herd was grazing, a lion heard the bell jingles. The lion followed the sound and saw the herd. The lion was quick to see that a young camel far from the herd was gazing alone.

The lion hid himself and when the herd moved further, he attacked the young camel and killed it.

Moral: One should listen and follow good advice.

4.6 Panchtantra - The Donkey and The Washerman

Once there lived a washerman named Vilasa. He had a donkey which carried load of clothes. Vilasa was merciless. He made the donkey carry huge load of clothes and never gave him enough to eat. So the donkey grew very weak.

The washerman was miser. He covered the donkey in tiger skin and took it to the corn field for feeding it.

When the field owner saw the tiger skin and ran away. He went back and told watchman and other people about it.

One day, the watchman carried bow and arrow. He covered himself with grey blanket and took a hide near the field.

The washerman left his donkey covered in the tiger's skin in the cornfield.

Over the days, the donkey had become strong by eating the corn. When it saw a grey figure far in the cornfield and thought it was a female donkey.  It brayed loudly and dashed.

The watchman saw the donkey and shot it with his arrow. The donkey died.

When the washerman saw it, he repented for his wrongdoing.

Moral: Do not be miser and unkind. Stealing and lying are bad deeds and lead to loss.

4.5 Panchtantra - The Lioness and The Young Jackal

In a far forest, there lived a couple of lions. They gave birth to two male pubs and were very happy.

The lion and lioness worked together to take care of their family – while the lion went out hunting for the food, the lioness fed, played and protected the cubs. She took them to the nearby lake to drink water and kept a watch while they slept.

One day, the lion found no prey and was returning home empty handed. On his way, he saw a baby jackal. The lion took pity on the innocent looking baby jackal. He did not kill it, but took it to the lioness.

The lioness was a soft hearted mother. She admired the innocent baby jackal and said, ‘Dear, it is a baby jackal, as tender as our cubs. I cannot kill it! I know you feel the same and the reason why you have not killed it. Let it stay with us. It will grow and play with our cubs’.

The lion was happy to hear her. They started raising the jackal as their own. Months passed. The time of play began turning into time of preying. The lion’s offspring grew up and so did the jackal’s. They behaved differently and often fought badly. But the lions ignored them.

One day, a mighty elephant ran towards them while they were playing. The young jackal was terrified and turned his back to flee at its sight. The young lions however rose to attack the elephant. The jackal however said, ‘elephants are our enemies. Let’s return home right away’.

The young lions backed, but they were surprised by the jackal’s cowardice. The young lions narrated the incidence to their parent and they all laughed. The jackal felt belittled and insulted. He was very angry. When the lioness was alone, the young jackal went to her and said, ‘They have insulted and mocked me. I am not a coward and I shall avenge by killing them’.

The lioness was taken aback to hear the young jackal. She decided to make the young jackal ware of the truth and said, ‘Child, you are not inferior to them. But you are a jackal and not a lion. You behaved like your spices does, and there is no ridicule in it. I adopted you some years back and raised you as my cub. However, now you talk of avenging my cubs by killing them?’

The lioness grew very angry. She raised her voice and said, ‘You are from a meek clan and now return to them. Don’t ever come here again thinking that it is your home. Leave right away or I will kill you now’.

Moral: We should know the truth about ourselves and act accordingly.

4.4 Panchtantra - The Story of the Potter

Once there lived a poor potter. His name was Yuhisthira.

One night he drink profusely and stumbled on the road on the way back to his home. There was deep wound on his forehead and it was bleeding excessively. He could afford medicine and left the wound to heal gradually.

It took some months for the wound to heal but it left a prominent scar on his forehead.

That year there was a famine and people died due to death of food. The potter decided to leave the country. So he left with a group of people who served the royal household. Gradually he started serving the royal members with them.

One day while he was working, the king noticed the scar on the potter's forehead. It occurred to king that the scar was due to some gash received in a battlefield. He assumed that the potter is a great warrior and promoted him to high rank.

But the palace workers knew that the potter had no skill as a warrior. They envied that he was falsely favored and honored by the king.

Some months later the king received a message that the neighboring army was approaching their territory. The king called his ministers and advisors to discuss the matter. They worked to inspect artillery and army strength. The king addressed his army and motivated them to fight fearlessly for their kingdom.

The war drumbeats strengthened with each passing day. While this happened the potter was gripped by fear and anxiety. He had no knowledge about the artillery and battling. But he had to prove himself.

One day when the king was inspection the army, he asked the potter to step aside and then questioned him, 'In which battle did you received this scar?'

The potter plainly revealed the truth to the king- 'O King! This scar was not received from any fight. I am a poor potter and one night I over drank and stumbled on the road. I could not afford medicine and left the scar heal on its own due to which it left a prominent mark'.

The king was embarrassed to hear the truth. He felt deceived and immediately ordered his soldiers to put the potter out of army.

But the potter fell on his knees and pleaded, 'O King! Please give me one chance to prove myself. Let me go to the battle and fight for you'.

The king said, 'Although your are not a warrior you are honest and fearless. I am happy to see that you are willing to risk your life and serve the country. Your are unaware of war tactics and the battleground will show no mercy towards you. When other soldiers will come to know that you are a potter they will ridicule you. You lack the skills to defend yourself and attack enemy with armor due to which you will get yourself killed. I insist that you leave and return home rather than risking your life'.

The potter rose to his feet and thanked the king for his advise. He left the army and  returned to serve the royal members.

Moral: Do not pretend to be what you are not.