Once, a giant tree grew in the forest. Many birds lived on this tree. Their leader was a wise bird. One day, the leader saw two branches rubbing against each other and then some smoke rising. The wise leader called a meeting of all the birds. There, he told them that the tree they were living in would soon create a fire. “The fire can destroy the whole forest,” he said. The wise birds followed the leader’s advice and flew away. However, the foolish ones stayed behind. They complained, “Our leader panics easily. Why should we leave our comfortable homes?” Soon, the sparks from the rubbing branches fell on dry leaves and the tree caught fire. The foolish birds understood and tried to fly away. However, due to their foolishness they were hurt. Then, they flew to their leader and apologised for their foolishness. The wise leader bird was a bhikshu (monk) in his previous birth.
Moral: Do not ignore the advice of the wise.
