[Read more…] about The Oak and The WoodcuttersAn Oak tree was cut down and split using wedges made from its own wood. The Oak lamented the fact that its own material was used against it.
Misfortunes springing from ourselves are the hardest to bear.
The Bull, The Lioness, and The Wild-Boar Hunter
[Read more…] about The Bull, The Lioness, and The Wild-Boar HunterA Bull killed the cub of a Lioness who complained bitterly about it. A Hunter chided her as she had killed many young of others. Turnabout is fair play.
Don’t complain about things you yourself have done.
The Lamp
[Read more…] about The LampA Lamp, burning bright, boasted it had light like the Sun. Wind blew it out. The Master re-lit the lamp and told it to not boast any longer.
Do not boast lest you be taken down.
The Shepherd and The Dog
[Read more…] about The Shepherd and The DogA Shepherd was about to lock a Wolf up for the night with the sheep. His Dog queried him about the reasonableness of doing that; a wise question.
Be watchful or all will be lost.
The Bald Knight
[Read more…] about The Bald KnightA bald Knight wore a wig which a gust of wind took away. While his companions laughed, the Knight took it in stride and made a joke of it. Good for him.
It’s good to be able to laugh at yourself.
The Traveler and Fortune
[Read more…] about The Traveler and FortuneA person slept by a well. Fortune, not wanting to be blamed for a drowning, saved the person from folly.
Everyone is more or less master of his own fate.