The Monkey and the Fishermen

The Monkey and the Fishermen
It was a usual day. A monkey sat on a tree and watched fishermen catching fishes from the river. He saw two fishermen throwing their nets into the river. This action of the fishermen kindled monkey's interest. One day as midday reached, the men left their nets on the river bank and went for lunch.

As soon the fishermen left, the monkey being inquisitive came down from the tree and picked up the net. He tried to throw the net into the river, as he had seen the fishermen doing. But alas he was not successful, because the net got tangled and he was caught in the net.

He spoke aloud and said that he has learnt lessons that it is wise not to do others work.

Source - Grandma stories

Is it Good to get early

Is it Good to get early
Mullah’s father was a good and hard working merchant. Mullah was happy to go to Madrasa; the schools were he used to go to study. He was a lazy boy and wanted to sleep for longer times. Hence for him to get up early was a difficult job. His father’s ambition was to make Mullah a learned man. He looked for opportunities to educate Mullah and started to give advice on why one should get up early.

Mullah’s father had a habit of going to early morning walks. He liked the morning scene where the birds used to sing. One day he saw a bird attack a small worm on the ground. As the grounds in the morning time are cool and moist, the bird was able to get the worm. Hence the early bird got all the worms that were visible on the ground.

Suddenly this thought touched the Mullah’s father and he thought with this he could educate his son. While he was returning to his house he found a bag lying in the middle. He picked it up and was surprised to see gold coins in the bag. Being an honest man he looked all round for the owner, as he did not see anybody in the early hour, he picked up the bag and rushed to his house. Now he had two stories to tell his son, the importance of getting up early.

When he reached home, he saw that Mullah was still sleeping. He went near to him and shook him up to tell about the incidents. But Mullah did not listen and went to sleep again. Unable to wake him up, his father poured some water over Mullah’s head and face.

Mullah immediately woke up and started to ask his father what was the urgency to wake him up. His father responded and told him that he would like to share his bounty to him. The father told his son how the birds that made cheerful noise and started to collect worms for their food. Also he told about the bag of gold coins he found in the path. The father explained since he got up early he was able to get all these things and how important it was to get up early as you might have a chance to collect worms and find a treasure.

But Mullah had a different reasons for the both the incidents. He logically told his father that when the worms got up early, he was eaten by a bird. Similarly the man who got up early lost his bag of gold coins. Poor man must be crying somewhere. Hence according to Mullah getting up will bring trouble. The father was aghast to note how his son interpreted his logic and was able to convince him, which he could not refuse.

The story tells us that what is good for others, cannot be good for us

The Story of a Tigress

The Story of a Tigress

It was not long ago that Bodhisattva was once again born as a scholar. He became an ascetic and had mastered all the scriptures. Hence he had a number of followers and Ajita was a disciple. As they were walking in the forest, Bodhisattva saw a hungry tigress. The tigress was so hungry that she was going to eat her own cubs. This act of the tigress moved Bodhisattva and he decided to offer, himself as food to the tigress. He also knew that his disciple will not allow him, hence he requested Ajita to go to their cottage and get some food. As soon Ajita left, Bodhisattva stood in front of the Tigress. The Tigress being hungry tore the Bodhisattva into pieces, and along with her cubs had a great feast. When Akita returned with food, he was shocked to see his master’s blood stained clothes lying aside, and cried his heart out. He was shocked and moved. He returned to his quarters and started to narrate how his master sacrificed his life due to compassion. From that day onwards Ajita started to live a life with full of compassion and charity.

Source: 365 Jataka Tales- Om Books International

Ninurta the rain deity

Ninurta the rain deity
He was an agricultral and rain deity. He was one of the 'young god' who was associated with wild storms and martial prowess. In the mythological text"Splendid storm king" during the begining of time people did not follow to feed themselves.It is said that Ninurta defeated a demon. He also made a giant stone dyke and diverted the flow of the river Tigris from flowing eastwards. The river flows through the remains of his slain enemy.

Legend of Little Statesmanly

Legend of Little Statesmanly

A man named Statesmanly lived in a country called Vietnam. His stature was dwarf like not more than the size of a thumb. Even though he was small, he was an intelligent man. Hence the king of the land offered him a ministerial post in his kingdom. Suddenly a dispute arose between China and Vietnam and the king did not know how to solve the matter. So he sent Statesmanly to China to settle the matter. Accordingly Statesmanly went to China, but as soon he reached China people started to make fun of his built. They started to call me as a dwarf. Statesmanly did not bother to the comments he received and went ahead to meet the Chinese Emperor. The Emperor, who was seated in a dragon throne, was surprised to see a man of this size and remarked how a tiny man would be able to solve this big problem. To this Statesmanly replied that his king would send big men to solve big problems and small persons to solve small problems. Statesmanly said, he was sent because the king felt the problem was a small matter. At once the Chinese Emperor was impressed by Statesmanly reply. in no time they both solved the problem peacefully.

Source: 365 Folk tales - Om Books International

The Superstitious Brahmin

The superstitious Brahmin

Bodhisattva now born as a Brahmin lived in the forest named Himavanta. He was invited by the king and he stayed in the royal park. In the park he saw a Brahmin who was sleeping under a tree. All of a sudden the Brahmin woke up and took of the shawl that he was wearing. He said since his shawl was gnawed by rats, it indicated bad evil omen. He decided to get rid of this shawl. He called his son and asked him to throw the shawl into the river to avoid disaster. Saying so he threw the shawl at his son, instead the shawl fell near the Bodhisattva. Bodhisattva tried to reason out with the Brahmin saying that the rats might be searching for some food and might have gnawed his shawl, and in no way did the shawl show any evil omen. Bodhisattva also went and said that wise men should not believe in these sorts of omens. But alas the Brahmin was so superstitious and would not heed to any reasoning and handed the shawl to his son and asked him to throw it into the river. The son was so obedient and he threw the shawl into the river.

Source: 365 Jataka Tales – Om Books International

The Honeybee's Sting

In Greek mythology Zeus is considered as the protector of this universe. He is also the deity of thunder and lightning.

One day, the honeybee came to Zeus and requested him to be granted a wish. Zeus agreed and asked the honeybee to tell what he wanted. To this the honeybee requested that he be given the power to inflict great pain on others. Tot his Zeus replied that this wish was a cruel one. But the honeybee was persistent and asked Zeus to fulfill his word and to grant the wish.

Zeus agreed to fulfill the honeybee’s desire but laid one condition. To this the honeybee agreed. Zeus said that before he stings a person, honeybee had to use sound judgment before he can cause any harm to others, and he can use the sting only once during his life time. It is believed even today that the honeybee stings a person only once and after which the honeybee dies.

Source: 365 Folk Tales - Om Book International

Tortoise the Birds and the Feast

Tortoise the Birds and the Feast

Not long ago the animals in a forest were pushed to hardship. Famine had set in the forest and the Tortoise was starving. All of a sudden he heard that the sky god was about to give a feast to the birds. he felt he should also attend the feast. Hence he convinced all other birds to take him with them. So the birds stuck feathers to his arms so that he could also fly. Tortoise was so happy to wear the feathers and he requested the birds to call him on his new appearance. To this the birds agreed. The sky god was to happy to receive his guests and laid a grand spread for all the birds. As soon as he saw the food, the Tortoise became greedy and immediately he told the birds that the entire food was for him and he would not allow the birds to even touch the food. The birds remained silent and watched the Tortoise eat up all the food. They felt cheated and wanted to teach the Tortoise a lesson. They went to the Tortoise and invited him for the feast that was to be held in the land. So when all of the birds and the Tortoise reached the place, the head among the birds announced that no one will eat if they had dirty claws. So the Tortoise went to a nearby pond to clean himself. After washing himself the Tortoise reached to the spot but noticed that while walking back his limbs became dirty> He tried many times but was not able to keep his limbs from becoming dirty. The birds began to mock at him and said please watch us how we eat the food. The birds started to laugh at the plight of the Tortoise.

Source: 365 Folk Tales – Om Book International.

The Last Wish

The Last Wish

This story takes us to the times of king Krishnadevaraja. During that time the Brahmins in his court were greedy. Hence to check on them the king said that his dying mother’s last wish was to eat a mango. Hence he requested the Brahmins if there was any way to get the mangoes as the mangoes were not available [off season]. He wanted them urgently so that his mother’s soul could rest in peace. One of the Brahmins said, it would be great if the king made 108 mangoes of pure gold and offer it to the Brahmins. As usual Tenalirama, the witty minister of the king decided to teach the Brahmins a lesson. During the feast held to honor the king’s mother, Tenalirama gave instructions to the servants to place red hot iron rods on to the Brahmins feet. The king was astonished and asked Tenalirama the reason behind this deed. At once Tenalirama said since the late mother was suffering from arthritis and made a request before dying, that her feet to be touched with red hot iron. Since he was not able to fulfill her last wish, he decided to this to the Brahmins so that her soul could rest in peace. His explanation was if the brahmins were given golden mangoes to keep the mother’s soul in peace, she could also get comfort when the red hot iron rods touch the Brahmins feet. To this reply the king had a hearty laugh and the heads of the brahmins bowed in shame. This shows the clever logic that Tenalirama used.

Source: Om Books International

The Legend of the Dipper

The Legend of the Dipper

Long time ago, a little girl and her mother lived in a small cottage in the woods. They were poor. Suddenly her mother fell ill. As water was not there in the house, the little girl had to go out and fetch water for her mother.

After taking the water in a dipper, she started to walk back home. While she was walking, she met a dog which was thirsty. Knowing fully well that there was not much water in the dipper, she poured some water into the mouth of the dog.

Lo! All of a sudden the wooden dipper turned into a silver dipper and water was full. As she was too tired, she did not see the change. While walking further down, the girl met a stranger who was also thirsty. She poured some water into man’s lip. This time the dipper changed to gold.

Finally the poor girl reached home and quenched her mother’s thirst. After drinking the water, her mother gained strength and she became strong. This time the dipper was filled with precious stones like diamonds and sparkling jewels.

The girl’s mother was happy, as she felt all their problems were solved and they were no longer poor.

Source: 365 Folk Tales – Om Books International

Cats and Rats

Cats and Rats

A long time ago, there lived a king who had a very faithful cat for a house keeper and a rat for a houseboy. Now the rat fell in love with one of the servant girls. But being very poor, he could not give her any presents.

He thought of an idea. Every night, he entered the king’s store through a small hole in the roof. He took corn and pears from there and gave them to his sweetheart.

At the end of the month, the cat had to give an account of the things in the store. When the king saw so much corn and pears missing, he demanded an explanation from the cat.

The cat was unable to explain. That evening her friend told her what the rat had been doing.

When the king was informed about this, he ordered for the servant girl to be put behind bars. As for the rat, he was given to the cat and you can guess what the cat did. Since then, cats and rats are enemies.

Source: 365 Folk Tales - Om Books International

The Sunflower

The Sunflower
Clytie was a beautiful sea nymph. She had gorgeous yellow curls and a fine pink complexion. All the sea animals loved Clytie for her warm and friendly. One sunny morning when Clytie woke up, she heard her friend, Serena the mermaid sing a melodious song about a golden light. “A golden light?” asked Clytie. “Yes, it’s the most radiant light and it spreads its warmth across the whole universe,” replied Serena. “I want to see the light!” said Clytie. Serena and Clytie swam to the surface. “Look, it’s here high up in the sky!” said a thrilled Serena as she pointed to the big golden sun. Clytie stood gazing at the dazzling sun and refused to go home. As days passed, her long golden tresses slowly changed to bright yellow petals and her dainty feet into nimble roots. Clytie had become a sunflower! To this day the sunflower gazes at the sun high up in the sky and receives its golden warmth.

Source: 365 Folk Tales - OmBooks International

The Golden Fish

The Golden Fish

An old fisherman and his wife lived in a small hut beside the seaside. They were very poor and hardly had enough to eat. One day the fisherman caught a little golden fish. “Spare me and I’ll do whatever you want,” said the fish in a human voice. The fisherman took pity and let it go. When he reached home empty handed, his wife was angry and shouted, “Just go and get some food and fish.” The fisherman did as he was told. The fish gave him food everyday. Soon, the fisherman became very rich. Days passed and his wife became greedier. Not satisfied with their wealth, she wanted to become a queen. The magical fish granted this wish too. But the fisherman’s wife ill-treated him. At last when she desired to become the ruler of the seas, the sea water became black and the golden fish disappeared forever and along with it the palace, the guards and all the servants vanished. Once again the old man and his wife became poor.

Source: 365 Folk tales - Om Books International

The shepherd's Mistake

The Shepherd’s Mistake
A shepherd took out his sheep to graze every morning. He would sit and watch while the sheep fed on the fresh grass. One day, while the sheep were grazing, the shepherd saw a wolf eyeing his sheep from a distance. At first, the shepherd was afraid lest the wolf would harm his flock. But the wolf did not try to attack the sheep. Instead, he quietly followed the sheep home. Gradually, the shepherd’s fear of the wolf subsided. One day, the shepherd was urgently called home. Thinking that his sheep would be safe with the wolf, he left them in the wolf’s care. But when he returned, he was dismayed to find that the wolf had eaten up most of the sheep. Sitting down with his hands on his head, the shepherd moaned, “It was my fault. I was foolish to trust a wolf to guard my sheep.”

Source: 365 Folk Tales - Om Books International

The Legend of the First Rainbow

The Legend of the First Rainbow

A farmer had a beautiful garden full of golden flowers. One day, he built a wall around his garden but when he woke up in the morning, he was puzzled to see that the wall had crumbled down. He built the wall again but alas! Next morning, the wall was in shambles again. This continued for many days. Tired of building the wall over and over again, one day, the farmer decided to stay awake and catch the culprit. That night, he saw three fairies come from heaven and knock down his wall. Two of the fairies flew away when they saw the farmer but the third couldn’t escape because the farmer hid her magic wings. After a few days, the farmer married the fairy and soon they had a son. The farmer loved the fairy and was very happy. One day, when the farmer was away, the fairy found her magic wings in a small, dark cupboard in the house. She was overjoyed. She wore them and went back to heaven with her little son. The farmer was very sad and wept for his wife and son. The gods took pity on the farmer’s condition and made a rainbow so that he could climb up the sky to meet his family whenever he wanted.


Source: 365 Folk Tales – Om Books International

How the Camel Got its Hump

How the Camel Got its Hump

A long time ago, when God made the world, the camel did not have a hump. He used to be very lazy camel. All day long he chewed sticks and thorns and milkweed and prickles. The other animals wondered how to make the camel more like them. One day, the horse said, “Oh Camel, what a wonderful day! Why don’t you come out for a trot with me?” The Camel just said, “Humph!” and walked away. Later, the ox went to the camel and asked him to help him carry his load. “Humph!” said the camel. When the dog went to share his duty of guarding their kingdom, he just turned his face away. The angry animals decided to teach the camel a lesson. They went to the jinn of the desert and asked him to help them. The next day, the ox asked the camel, “What is that on your back?” When the camel looked, he realized to his shock that his back had grown into a hump. “Oh my back! My back!” he wailed. “That’s your punishment for being lazy,” said the jinn. Ever since, the camel has a hump.

Source: 365 Folk Tales – Om Books International

The king and the Falcon

The King and His Falcon
Long ago, there lived a king. He loved to go hunting in his free time. The king had a pet falcon. Whenever the king rode into the forest, his falcon would accompany him, perching upon his shoulder. The king loved his falcon very much.

One day, the king went hunting with some of his men. The falcon sat upon his shoulder as usual. Suddenly, the king spotted a deer and was fascinated by its beauty and grace. He quickly got hold of his bow and arrow and prepared to shoot.

But the clever deer sensed the danger, and galloped away. The king and his men chased the deer. But it disappeared in the bushes. The king got down from his horse and rove through the thicket, but in vain. The deer was safely out of the forest.

Faraway, the king was still searching for the deer. Dodging through the bushes, he came upon clearing in the forest. Suddenly, he realized that he had lost his way and his men had fallen back. The only company he had was his falcon.

“ I wish I could get some water to drink!” thought the king. He wandered in search of a lake or pond. Suddenly he saw a small pool of water under a tree. The king was overjoyed. He quickly took out a small bowl and ran towards the pool.

The king filled his bowl with water and brought it to his mouth to drink. Suddenly, the falcon began to flap its wings. “What’s it?” cried the king. The bird snapped at the bowl with its feathers and spilled the water onto the ground.

The king was annoyed. But he did not scold his beloved falcon. He bent down and refilled his bowl. Just as the king was about to drink from the bowl, the falcon began to flap its wings. Once again, it snapped at the bowl and spilled the water.

Now the king became very angry. “I think I have pampered you too much,” he shouted, “Let me teach you a lesson!” And saying this, the king drew out his sword. Just then the falcon began to screech, pointing towards the tree.

The king looked up. And what he saw was really frightening. The branches of the tree were spread in all directions, with hundreds of poisonous snakes coiled up on them. For a moment, the king was frozen with fear and shock.

As the snakes opened their mouth wide, droplets of venom oozed out and dropped in the pool of water under the tree. “Oh, so it is actually a pool of venom!” thought the king. Now he realized why his falcon had not let him drink from the pool.

The king looked at his faithful falcon, tears filled in his eyes. “Thank you, friend,” he said, “You have saved me. I am ashamed I tried to kill you!” The falcon gently rubbed his feathers against the king’s shoulders. Then they happily rode back home.

Source: More Tales from The Arabian Nights - Shree Book Centre

Urvashi and Pururavas

Urvashi and Pururavas

Once, Lord Indra was perturbed by the deep meditation of two powerful sages, Nara and Narayana. So, he created a beautiful nymph and sent her to break the concentration of the sages. The sages got angry at this and called Indra there.

“What you have done is unethical, Indra!” Nara shouted.”And don’t be proud that only you can create a nymph!” Narayana said. Then he slapped his thigh and out came a nymph.”She is Urvashi!” said the sage. Indra had never seen such beauty.

“As a penalty, you’ll have to look after her!” said Nara. Indra realized his mistake and accepted the punishment. Urvashi soon became popular in the heavens. But she had fallen in love with Indra’s friend, king Pururavas, who stayed on earth.

One day, a sage cursed Urvashi that she, be thrown out of the heaven and live on earth. Urvashi was happy in her heart as she would now be able to meet her beloved. As soon as she was transferred to earth, she went to Pururava’s palace.

The king saw Urvashi and fell in love with her.”Marry me, dear!” he said.

“On some conditions!” said Urvashi, “That my two pet lambs should never be harmed, and that I must never see you disrobed.”The king agreed and they were married.

Meanwhile, there was unrest in the heavens. Indra was worried at Urvashi’s sudden disappearance. he sent two Gandharvas on earth to find out Urvashi. The Gandharvas were the heavenly musicians who had magical powers.

Now it so happened that the Gandharvas spotted Urvashi in Pururava’s palace. By their powers, they also came to know about Urvashi’s conditions for marriage. They knew that Urvashi wouldn’t come with them willingly. So, they made a plan.

That night, the Gandharvas secretly entered into the palace and stole away Urvashi’s lambs. When Urvashi heard the lambs bleating, she woke up with a start. “Help! My lambs!” Urvashi screamed of fear and shock.

Seeing Urvashi’s hysterical behavior, Pururavas couldn’t hold back. He sprang out of his bed and went after the thieves. But he forgot to put on his robes. And Urvashi saw him disrobed! The plan of the Gandharvas had worked out well.

When Pururavas realized his mistake, he instantly returned to his chamber. “You have broken the condition! I’ll have to leave!” said Urvashi, sobbing. “B… but I didn’t do it deliberately!” said Pururavas. But Urvashi left him weeping.

Pururavas couldn’t live without Urvashi. So, he began to pray to Lord Vishnu. After many years of penance, Pururavas was able to appease Vishnu, who in turn blessed him to be reunited with Urvashi. And then they lived happily ever after.

Source: More tales of Gods and Demons from Indian Mythology- Shree Book Centre

Inanna

A Sumerian goddess with a complex mythological persona. Perhaps the result of a theological/philosophical combination between a local Sumerian deity associated with Uruk. The west-Semitic Venus - star deity Ishtar, introduced by the Akkadian ruling dynasty in the middle of the second millennium BC. The former was regarded as the daughter of the supreme sky god An.The latter as the daughter of the moon god Nannar. The dual nature of the planet Venus was conceptual as a bisexual deity. This accounts for Inanna's association with warfare, aggression and lust of power, as well as childbirth and erotic attraction. The myths about Inanna either stress her irascible nature and the fatal consequences of her anger, and her sexuality.

Courtesy : World Mythology – Parragon Publishing India

Enki

Enki - is the son of the sky god An. His mother was Nammu - a goddess of water and creation. He lives in the Apsu. It is located in the watery depths below the earth. It is the source of all fertility and organic life.Since water in Mesopotamia also had an important magical role. Enki was invoked in magic spells and ritualsHence he is regarded as a very wise one among the gods. He is the one who is called upon to find solutions to difficult problems. On the other hand his sexual appetite and his weakness for alcohol - accounted for less than perfect conditions of life on earth. He is not a war-like god and his major adversaries are various goddesses- especially Inanna, who tricked him into giving away divine prerogativees and powers.

Courtesy : World Mythology – Parragon Publishing India