Once, Chandaka, a superstitious man, saw a banyan tree. He thought, ‘This is a Kalpavriksha (tree). I am sure this banyan tree will fulfil my wishes.’ He prayed to the banyan tree, “If my wish comes true, I promise to sacrifice an animal as an offering.” One day, Chandaka’s wish came true. It was a matter of chance, though. However, Chandaka thought, ‘The banyan tree god has fulfilled my wish. I will now fulfil my promise.’ Chandaka bought a goat as his offering. When Chandaka was about to kill it, the spirit of the banyan tree spoke, “I am not a god. If your wish came true, it was destined to be. God never fulfils wishes at the cost of another life. That is adharma. You are only increasing the burden of your bad karma (actions) by doing so.” Chandaka was ashamed and let the goat go free.
Moral: Do not be superstitious.
