Teaching Story - THE FOOLISH BRAHMINS

by Life Positive

Soon, they met in a forest, and one of them found a bone. It happened to be a tiger's thigh bone. The Brahmin who found it said, "I can create the whole skeleton of this animal," and he did so. The second Brahmin said, "I can give it skin, flesh, and blood," and so he did. There in front of them stood a lifelike tiger, stripes and all. The third Brahmin said, "You know what I can do? I know how to give it life."

The fourth Brahmin, who was not half as learned as the others, said, "Wait, don't give it life. We believe you." However, the third Brahmin said, "What is the use of having the power to do something and not doing it? I have never been able to exercise this art of mine. I am going to give life to this thing. Just watch." The fourth Brahmin said, "If you insist. Please wait till I climb this tree," and quickly scampered up the nearest tree. Then the third Brahmin, with his mantras and magic skills, breathed life into the tiger. As soon as it came to life, it was hungry and looked around for something to eat. It pounced on the three Brahmins, who stood there huddled in terror, unable even to run away. It killed them all and devoured them at leisure, leaving only their bones on the forest floor.

Apply it: Do not show off your knowledge or skills, but use it well.