Illustration by E. Boyd Smith (1908).
The Rustic and the Nightingale
One should treat other just as they deserve. One should not become too angry with them or punish them too harshly.
The Partridge and the Hawk
Even those who profess friendship may someday treat their “friends” poorly.
The King, the Falcon, and the Drinking Cup
Acts made in anger will probably have negative consequences, not just for the person acting in anger, but for their friends and companions.
The Merchant and His Iron
One should not treat others as stupid. Ridiculous stories will inevitably be revealed as just that: ridiculous.
The Lean Cat and the Fat Cat
The trope of someone being unsatisfied with their position, acting on this lack of satisfaction, and coming to a bad end, is a frequent trope in Hindi and Buddhist folktales. This isn’t surprising when one considers that these religions stress acceptance of one’s given role.
The King, the Hermit, and the Two Princes
Humility and asceticism is far better than riches. A selfless hermit is more likely to come to a good end than a selfish king.
The Lion and the Hare
Those who have wit and cleverness are more likely to come out on top than those with only physical strength.
The Crane and the Crab
One should not expect one’s enemies to become allies in times of trouble. They may become even more desperate.
The Crow, the Jackal, the Wolf, and the Camel
Do not expect others to sacrifice themselves to the greater good. They may simply be trying to look good to others in order to fulfill some darker objective.
The Camel Driver and the Adder
One should not expect gratitude. One is more likely to receive, like the story says, “evil for good.
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