Once, a Monkey King by the name Arahant ruled thousands of monkeys in the Lumbini Grove. A drought struck. The monkeys started to leave their homes in search of water. The Monkey King warned them, “Do not eat fruit or drink water that looks unusual.” The monkeys reached a lake. The Monkey King looked around the lake and said, “There are footprints of animals going into the lake. However, I do not see any footprints coming out. I am sure this lake has a naraka (demon).” Just then, a naraka appeared and said, “Do not be scared! Come and have this nice and cool water.” Arahant, the Monkey King, stayed calm. He looked around and saw bamboo growing at the lakeside. He said, “Monkeys, do not enter the lake. Instead, sip water using the bamboo stems.” The monkeys happily drank water. The naraka went back into the lake, grumbling at his failure.
Moral: Always listen to the wise.
