The Brave Little Parrot: A Buddhist Fable of Selfless Service
The Brave Little Parrot: Four Levels of Understanding
Literal Comprehension: The Parrot’s Heroic Act
Once, Buddha was born as a little parrot in a forest where various animals and birds lived. While all the creatures were spending a happy life, a storm and lightning turned the forest into a raging fire. Helpless animals and birds were trapped, creating a terrible scene where they cried for help. Seeing this situation, the little parrot started to put out the fire by dipping into the river and spreading drops of water onto the flames. Though it got burnt all over its body, the parrot still continued its work. Seeing such foolishness, the gods in heaven laughed. But one of the gods became ready to help, transforming himself into a golden eagle. The parrot didn’t like the eagle’s advice, preferring to continue its efforts even when told to stop. So, the eagle began to weep, tear upon tear, until the fire was completely extinguished. By the mercy of the god, all the animals and plants in that forest were saved, and greenery returned everywhere. All the animals expressed their gratitude to the brave little parrot that had saved them.
Interpretation: Lessons in Selfless Love & Perseverance
Since this story is based on a Buddhist legend, it speaks volumes about human kindness, love, and help. It tells us we should love and help as much as we can, selflessly. If we offer selfless help, a higher power acknowledges us. Another meaning can be that we should always struggle diligently, regardless of immediate results. The lesson is to persist in the struggle without expecting immediate rewards. The good deeds of the parrot are praiseworthy and are recognized by a higher power. Those who have experienced bitter life or suffering can truly understand others. Thus, wealthy and aristocratic individuals often fail to grasp the true pain of the poor and common people.
Critical Thinking: Examining the Fable’s Core Ideas
The story teaches us to offer selfless service and help others as a moral lesson. While such a concept is suitable and impressive in philosophy, in practical life, this feeling can be challenging because many people lack strong faith in a higher power. Some points for critical discussion include:
- Is it possible for a human to be reborn as a parrot?
- Do we truly believe in the existence of a god?
- Can tears extinguish a forest fire?
Despite these thought-provoking questions, the story presents praiseworthy ideas. Teaching humanity to help others selflessly, and to be kind and helpful, are truly humane principles. This aspect of the story is truly acceptable and deeply touching.
Assimilation: Applying the Parrot’s Wisdom to Life
I was profoundly influenced after reading “The Brave Little Parrot” and realized we should strive to be like the little parrot. While innocent and less fortunate people perform honest and dutiful work, so-called ‘wealthy’ individuals often act with selfish motives. The wealthy are often indifferent to the suffering of the poor. Nevertheless, the parrot’s righteous conduct further teaches us to adopt similar behaviors in our own lives. If we help others without selfish nature, there will always be someone ready to help us in return. These concepts germinated within me after reading this mythological story, “The Brave Little Parrot”.