A
Brahmin once got a lamb as a gift from a merchant. Carrying the lamb on
his shoulders, the Brahmin began his homeward journey. Three crooks,
very hungry and emaciated, crossed his path and seeing the healthy lamb
on the Brahmin’s shoulders thought, “Ah, God has sent us good food. Let
us trick the Brahmin into parting with it and free us from hunger and
cold.” At once, they began to act.
One
of them asked the Brahmin ,“ O what a fool you are? Why are you
carrying this dog on your shoulders? This will bring you ridicule. Don’t
you know that it is a sin to touch a dog, or a rooster, or a donkey? ”
The
Brahmin lost his temper and said, “ You stupid fellow, are you blind
? Why do you call a lamb a dog ? ” The first crook replied, “ Don’t
be angry, if you think he is not a dog, please carry on. I have no
objection.”
The
Brahmin hardly walked a little distance when the second crook greeted
him and said, “ O respected sir, it is highly regrettable that you are
carrying a dead calf on your shoulders, however dear it is to you. The
man who touches dead animals or birds has to undergo purification
rites.” The Brahmin challenged him, “ Are you too blind? This is a
live lamb and you say he is a dead calf.” The second crook said, “
All right, sir. Please excuse me. I am an ignorant fool. Do as it
pleases you.”
Now
it was the turn of the third cheater to cross the Brahmin’s path.
Turning
to the Brahmin, the crook said, “Sir, it is highly improper. You are
carrying a donkey on your shoulders. This is not done. The elders have
said he who touches a donkey, knowingly or otherwise, has to take a bath
fully dressed. So, please leave him before anybody notices it.”
Thinking
that there was something wrong with the animal he was carrying, the poor
Brahmin threw the lamb to the ground and went home.
“ There is hardly any person
Who is not misled by
The servility of a new servant or
The sweet words
of a guest or
The mock tears of a wily
woman.”
MORAL:Men with great common sense and a
little bit of cunning can subdue stronger enemies like the tricksters
who cheated the innocent Brahmin of his
lamb.
Panchatantra Stories 
Home | About India | Language Book | Activity
Book | Story Book
Contact
Us
