A Tale from Asia: A young man grows up to be a harpooner on a whaling ship. One day he suddenly discovers himself to be a whale—the very one he was setting out to kill. After this experience Eizo gives up whaling and becomes a Zen priest. If we could fully imagine the lives of animals we hunt and kill, (or raise and slaughter) would we not change our attitudes towards living beings?
Indian Tale: A parrot remains loyal to the fig tree where he makes his home, although he is being tested. The god Shaka has withered the tree to test the parrot's fidelity. How does friendship endure the tests of time?
An Indian (Buddhist) Tale: The Buddha-to-be, born as a quail, instructs his flock how to escape the hunter’s nets by working together. He then encourages them to move deeper into the forest in order to practice cooperation. Some of the quail refuse to leave, and as a result of their arguing, they are caught by the hunter and perish.
A Jewish Tale: A generous woman whose home was open to all visitors, once borrowed money from her neighbor. When asked by her son why she had borrowed it, she explained that it was so her neighbor would never feel ashamed of coming to her if he was in need. Allowing others to give is also a form of generosity.
A Sufi Tale: Nasrudin Hodja acts hospitably when his good friend is standing on the doorstep with a fine-looking rabbit in hand. Hassan is invited in and a feast is prepared. But when visitors interrupt that man’s evening meal on a succession of nights, he comes up with a plan to discourage others from coming empty-handed. What are the customs of hospitality that must be followed?
A Sufi Tale: Usually the Hodja has no trouble coming up with the sermon to deliver on Friday afternoons. However, when he draws a blank, he uses his creativity and then he doesn’t have to give a sermon for weeks! What is the source of inspiration in our lives, and to whom do we look for guidance? Often wisdom is available within.
