Reading Notes: The Tortoise and the Geese and Other Fables of Bidpai (Part A)

An ape gets his tail stuck between two pieces of wood.

Illustration by E. Boyd Smith.

The Tortoise and the Geese

One’s anger is likely to have negative consequences. How would the tortoise have fared if the geese hadn’t taken him? What sort of lesson would the geese have learned?

The Fox, the Hen, and the Drum

Don’t give up a sure thing. How would the hen have tricked the fox into thinking that there was an even tastier treat (the drum) in the tree?

The Carpenter and the Ape

The moral of this story is pretty clear: don’t put your nose where you don’t belong. What would have happened if the ape had actually proven a great carpenter? He might become famous all over the kingdom.

The Poor Man and the Flask Oil

In hoping for something far greater, one risks losing whatever good you already have. How could the story be changed to have the poor man become a wealthy merchant from that first trading of the oil?

The Rich Man and the Bundle Wood

The wealthy should make sure that the poor have what they need.

The Scorpion and the Tortoise

One should never take advantage of one’s friends, lest they abandon you completely.

The Partridge and the Cow

Imitating others will cause one to lose one’s own unique traits. One should settle for what one is given. Dharma is an important part of this story.

The Youth, the Hawk, and the Raven

Do not rely on others for your own survival. It is better to work hard than expect others to help you.

The Bleacher, the Crane, and the Hawk

This story touches on the concept of dharma, too. The crane isn’t content with his current position, so he is taken by the bleacher.

The Gardener and the Bear

The gardener didn’t choose his friends very well. He shouldn’t expect a bear to be very civilized.

The Hen and the Falcon

We should think more about others’ situations and why they do what they do.

The Three Fish

It is better to rely on one’s wits than on luck.

The Frog, the Crab, and the Serpent

Even the seemingly best plans can go south.

The Tyrant who became a Just Ruler

One should not go through life without considering the implications of one’s actions.

The Fox and the Piece of Meat

Risking one’s fortune for greater gains will likely end in the loss of everything.

The Blind Man and the Snake

One should listen to the advice of one’s friends.

The Ape and the Boar

The boar’s gluttony and ingratitude ultimately cause his demise.

Bibliography

Maude Dutton. The Tortoise and the Geese and Other Fables of Bidpai (1908).

Wikipedia. "Dharma."