This is another interesting tale/ story from the
collection of Hitopadesha Tales. Once upon a time, there was a huge tree
on the banks of a river. The tree made a comfortable home for the family
of birds who had built their nests on its branch. The birds were living
there happily as the tree with its widespread branches sheltered them
from scorching sun and heavy rains.
One day, when the sky was overcast with dark clouds, it rained very
heavily. Some monkeys who were playing nearby the tree got drenched and
ran for shelter under the tree. All of them were shivering with cold.
When the birds saw the monkeys in the pitiable condition, one of the
birds said,” O Monkeys, you would not have to shiver like this, if
you had built a home like us. You would not have to suffer like this. If
we can build our nest with small beaks, then why cant you. By God’s
grace, you have two hands and two legs. Why don’t you make a nice
shelter for yourselves?”
On hearing this, the monkeys got annoyed and swore to teach a lesson to
the birds. They said to themselves, “These birds are not afraid of
the rain or of cold wind. They are living comfortably that is why they
are criticizing us like this. Let the rain stops, we’ll show them
how to build home”. As soon as the rain stopped, the monkeys
climbed up the tree and destroyed the nests of the birds. They also
broke the birds’ eggs and threw the young ones down.
The poor birds flew here and there in misery. They were full of regret
for their words and realized that they should not have given advice that
was not asked. Advice should only be given to learned, wise and to those
who ask for it.
Moral: Never give advice to fools.
