Source: Buddhist Legend
(Rafe Martin’s Adaptation)
I.
Literal Comprehension
Context:
This story has been adapted from the Buddhist Legend by Rafe Martin. It
describes an event in Lord Buddha's previous life as a bird.
Lord Buddha was a parrot in his
previous life. Once, because of thunder and lightning, the jungle where he
lived in caught fire. The animals started running hither and thither to save
their lives. The parrot also flew away to the sea to save its life. But he was
kind and could not see other animals and birds suffering from the blazing fire.
Therefore, in an effort to put out the fire, he drowned himself into the sea
and came back to the fire to sprinkle the drops of water above it. He repeated
this action several times, but it was impossible to quench the roaring fire in
that way. His legs were slightly burnt. His lungs ached. His eyes were red.
Some gods who lived in the happy place (heaven) were enjoying delicious food
above in the sky. They didn’t pay attention to the sufferings of the animals
and the birds. Moreover, they laughed at the parrot for his futile efforts. But
one of the gods felt sympathetic toward the parrot, disguised himself as a
ferocious golden eagle and flew to the parrot. He advised the parrot to stop
his silly act and save his own life. Despite the eagle’s effort, the parrot was
not ready to stop sprinkling water drops to the burning flames. The god looked
at his fellow gods and felt ashamed for their apathy toward the suffering of
animals and birds. Therefore, he cried and his tear came out of his eyes as two
powerful streams. The fire was put out and everything was restored to the
previous condition. All the dead animals came alive again. The parrot also
became hale and hearty again with red, green and yellow feathers.
II.
Interpretation
The
story might be trying to tell us that we should not be hopeless when we are in crisis.
We must keep our duties with patience and strong determination even though
there is no reasonable chance for success. Though his own life was in danger,
the parrot did not give up until he succeeded to save others’ lives. The story
is also an example of the statement that only the sufferer knows the pain of
suffering. The gods of the happy realm did not have any sympathy toward the
dying animals and birds, but the parrot knew what suffering was and tried to
share the pain with others. The parrot finally proved that we can be successful
in getting god’s help if we work selflessly.
III.
Critical
Thinking
There are so many
things in this story that are very difficult for us to accept. Who believes in
this 21st century that there are gods and that there is the heaven?
Is it possible for the dead animals and birds to be alive again with the magic
of god? Is it possible that even the parrot and the eagle speak like human
beings? Who believes in the modern time in the idea of reincarnation? Were
there not other parrots in the jungle? If there were, why does the story talk
about only one parrot? Despite having all these questions unanswered in mind,
readers can enjoy the story as a legend.
IV. Assimilation
This story has taught me the meaning of the
proverb: God helps those who help
themselves. Nothing happens without our effort. If we put our effort, then
god helps us to make it successful. This story has also taught me that all
great people are not good and unselfish. Despite their greatness and strength,
the gods, except the one that comes to help the parrot, did not show their
sympathy.
22.11.14
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