Table with Moral - The Tiger and the Traveller (Hitopadesha)
Once upon a time, an old tiger lived near the banks of a secluded lake. In his youth, he had killed a wealthy merchant and kept a gold bangle as a souvenir of his hunt. Gradually, the tiger grew frail. Unable to chase preys, he realized he had to rely on guile rather than strength to survive. Recognizing that humans were inherently driven by greed, he devised a cunning plan. He placed himself on the muddy banks of the lake, holding the golden bangle high for all to see.
A solitary traveller happened to pass by the lake. The tiger called out in a gentle voice, offering the precious gold bangle as a gift stating that he no longer needed worldly wealth.
The traveller stopped and shouted back, "How can I possibly trust a ferocious beast like you?"
The clever tiger put up a highly convincing act. He wept openly, confessing that in his youth, he had been terribly wicked, killing countless animals and humans. As a punishment for his sins, his family had perished, leaving him alone in the world. A wandering holy man advised him to change his ways and practice charity to redeem his tarnished soul. The tiger gestured to his blunt claws and missing teeth.
The traveller stood confused, desperately weighing his options. Though the intense greed in his mind forced him to ignore the danger. He reasoned to himself, "Nothing of great value is ever gained without taking a risk."
Sensing the traveller’s hesitation fading, the tiger gave the final instruction: "Before you can accept this sacred gift, you must first purify yourself by bathing in the lake."
Completely blinded by the gleam of gold, the traveller stepped eagerly into the water. Within seconds, his feet sank deep into a marshy swamp. Stranded and immobilised, he watched in horror as the tiger’s gentle, holy demeanor instantly vanished. The old tiger smiled a wicked, knowing smile and easily killed the helpless traveller for a satisfying meal.
Moral of the Fable: Greed blinds judgment
