How a Sparrow came to Grief

Panchtantra Stories

How a Sparrow came to GriefThere happily lived a pair of sparrows on the branch of a big tree. During the winter, gusts of cold winds and heavy rains made it unbearable. One day, a monkey drenched in the rain came to the tree seeking cover. Seeing the condition of the monkey, the female sparrow said, "Gentleman, with your feet and hands you seem to be a human being. Why didn't you build a house for yourself?' Angered by this uncalled for advice, the monkey said, "you stupid, why do not you shut up and mind your business?' The monkey told himself, "My, what impudence! This bit of a creature has the cheek to offer me advice. Makes fun of me. Unnecessary prattle. I must teach her a lesson. Why shouldn't I kill her?"  Turning to the female, the monkey said, "How does it help you to worry about my plight? Haven't you heard this saying of the elders that you should offer advice to those who seek it and cherish it? Advice to him who is indifferent is like a cry in the wilderness. Don't try to do that."  When the female persisted, the monkey climbed up the tree and broke up the nest of the sparrow pair.  "That's why," said Karataka to Damanaka, "you should be careful in offering advice. You are a fool who does not understand the essence of my advice. That is not your mistake. Fools ignore advice and wise men follow it and benefit by it. It is clear that you haven't heard the story of Dharmabuddhi and his son Papabuddhi, the story of how the father was killed by smoke due to the son's thoughtlessness."  "Why don't you tell me that story," asked Damanaka.