Hari
OM
Story-day is for cultural exploration, puraanas and
parables and finding out about leading lights in spiritual philosophy.
WE haven't had a fable for a while… this one is by Jean de la
Fontaine (17th century).
The Stag who Admired his Reflection
A vain stag saw himself
reflected while standing and gazing into a crystal-clear pool. His antlers
spread wide and handsomely, but when he looked down, he rued the sight of his
narrow limbs, which thinned to nothing under him.
"My legs do not match my head" he said in sorrow regarding
his form. "This copse upon my head is well merited, very smart indeed -
but my feet are nothing so smart at all"
Now, while the stag was pondering this, a bloodhound came and
started to chase him. The stag tried to save himself and he too off into the
forests. However, his magnificent antlers were an impediment. They were
catching the branches as he ran, slowing down the service rendered by the feet
he was so critical of and which, now, held the potential to save his life.
Thus, as he ran, he cursed the crown of horn which now began to drag him down.
Moral… We value what is
beautiful and scorn the useful; beauty often destroys us. The stag despised his feet which gave him
life, while valuing the crown which caused him strife.