The Monkey and the Crane - A Story by The Buddha

20240221 - The Cruel Crane Outwitted

In a lush forest, the Buddha-to-be was once born as a clever monkey. His tribe lived harmoniously until a deceitful crane entered the scene. This crane, cruel by nature, pretended to befriend the monkey. The monkey, unaware of the crane's true intentions, trusted him.

One day, the monkey watched the crane skillfully catching fish with his long beak. Intrigued, the monkey expressed a desire to learn this art. The cunning crane, seizing the opportunity, agreed to teach the monkey but proposed they go to the other side of the river where the fish were more plentiful.

Trusting his newfound friend, the monkey agreed to the plan. The crane offered to carry the monkey on his back and flew across the river. However, as they reached the middle of the river, the crane's true colors began to surface. He revealed his intention to eat the monkey.

Realizing the impending danger, the clever monkey quickly formulated a plan. He told the crane that he had left his heart on a tree in the middle of the river and that he couldn't live without it. Playing on the crane's greed, the monkey requested him to fly back to the tree and fetch his heart.

Unaware of the monkey's clever ploy, the crane agreed and flew back to the tree. Meanwhile, the monkey seized the opportunity, safely reaching the other side of the river. The crane, upon returning to the tree and realizing the trickery, found the monkey safe and sound, perched on a branch.

The moral of the story resonates with the teachings of Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of discernment in choosing friends. It warns against those who may appear friendly but harbor deceitful intentions. The tale also underscores the value of cleverness and quick thinking in navigating life's challenges.

As the monkey outwitted the cruel crane, the story encourages individuals to be cautious and astute in their interactions. It serves as a timeless reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and one must exercise wisdom in building relationships. The cleverness of the monkey serves as a model for navigating treacherous situations, showcasing the power of intelligence and resourcefulness.

In the broader context of Buddhist teachings, the story aligns with the concept of right understanding and right intention. It prompts reflection on the ethical dimensions of relationships and the consequences of trusting those with malicious intentions.

As the tale concludes, the monkey's cleverness triumphs over the crane's cruelty, reinforcing the idea that intelligence and discernment can overcome even the most treacherous situations. It encourages individuals to cultivate virtues such as wisdom, compassion, and mindfulness in their journey towards enlightenment.

In summary, "The Cruel Crane Outwitted" is a timeless Buddhist Jataka tale that imparts valuable lessons about trust, discernment, and the power of cleverness in navigating life's challenges. Through the clever actions of the monkey, the story teaches us to be vigilant in our relationships and to cultivate qualities that lead to wholesome and fulfilling lives.

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