In one of his previous lives, the Buddha was born as a parrot. There was a huge storm, and lightning struck a dead tree in the forest. Soon, the fire spread. To escape the fire, the parrot flew towards the river. Looking down, he saw that many animals were trapped and crying for help. The parrot dipped himself in the river water and flew back to the fire. He shook his wings, scattering water over the fire. He did this again and again. A god saw this and took the form of an eagle. “Go back; save yourself, O little parrot,” said the eagle. “I cannot save myself and leave all the others to die,” said the parrot. Moved by the parrot’s bravery, the eagle began to weep. His tears fell into the fire like rain, putting it out. Thus, the animals were saved.
Moral: Be compassionate towards all living beings.
