Once upon a time, in a dense forest, there stood a vast and beautiful tree. The tree was so large and dense that it seemed to be the king of the forest. Its branches touched the sky, and its fruits were extremely sweet and juicy. Thousands of birds nested on the tree, including a virtuous parrot (Shukha). The parrot was born in the hollow trunk of the tree and had lived there for years.
One day, a hunter came to the forest in search of prey. He saw a deer and shot a poisonous arrow at it. Unfortunately, the deer escaped, but the poisonous arrow pierced the trunk of the huge tree.
The arrow's poison was so potent that its effect gradually spread throughout the entire tree. The tree, once laden with fruits and flowers, began to dry up. Its green leaves fell off, its branches turned black, and its bark began to peel off. Seeing the tree dying, all the birds, insects, and other creatures living on it abandoned it one by one and moved to other green trees.
The entire tree became desolate, but that one old parrot remained. He remained sitting on the same dry, stumpy branch of the tree. He found neither fruit nor shade. Hunger and thirst slowly reduced the parrot to a skeleton. His feathers began to fall off and his body became limp, but he remained steadfast in his devotion to the tree. Even the forest gods were astonished by his tenacity and selflessness.
The news of the parrot's incredible devotion reached heaven. Indra, the king of gods, could not believe that a bird could have such devotion and selflessness. To test this, Indra disguised himself as a Brahmin (human) and approached the withered tree.
Indra addressed the parrot and said, "O King of Birds! Why are you sitting on this dry and lifeless tree? Look, it is dead now. It has no leaves, no fruit, and it cannot provide you any shade. There is a beautiful forest nearby, with fruit-laden trees and lakes of clean water. Why are you risking your life here? Stop this foolishness and go somewhere else."
The parrot looked at Indra with his weak eyes and replied with utmost humility and firmness:
> "O traveler! You appear to be learned, but your words are against Dharma.
I was born on this tree. I learned to fly in its lap. Its sweet fruits satisfied my hunger for years, and its dense shade protected me from storms and predators. This tree is like my parents and friend.
When it was strong and flourishing, I enjoyed its blessings. Today, when it is facing adversity, how can I abandon it? Supporting in happiness and turning away in sorrow is the work of selfish and cowardly people. I cannot be ungrateful. I have lived with it, and I will give up my life with it."
Hearing such words of Dharma and love from the parrot, the heart of Lord Indra melted. He revealed his true form.
Indra said, "O virtuous Shuka! I am deeply pleased with your gratitude and loyalty. Such sacrifice is rare even among humans. Ask for any boon you wish."
The parrot had the opportunity to ask for immortality, power, or abundant food. But he said,"Lord! If you are pleased with me, please grant me just one boon. Revive this tree that shelters me. Breathe life back into its dry branches, so that it becomes lush and green as before."
Indra bowed to the parrot's selfless love and showered the tree with nectar. In no time, the dry stump was laden with new leaves, fruits, and flowers. The tree's beauty increased even more. Both the parrot and the tree lived the rest of their lives happily.
This story teaches us the most important values of life : -
* True loyalty: A true friend is one who never abandons you in times of adversity.
* Gratitude: We should never forget those who raised us or helped us in difficult times.
* Religion above selfishness: It is unrighteous to abandon relationships to satisfy one's hunger.
Read more : - A Merchant's Final Lesson
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