THE MEDITATING PARROT

 

 

Once, King Krishnadev Rai of Vijayanagar was presented a speaking parrot, as a gift from one of his admirers. The parrot was intelligent and could talk in any human language. The king was very delighted this wonderful gift.

The King called one of his personal attendants and gave him the responsibility of looking after the parrot. He was given the instruction, “Look after this parrot well. It is very much dear to me. If anything happens to it, I’II get your head cut off as punishment.”

 

 

The servant brought the caged parrot to his room. He started taking care of him with all his attention. However, one fine morning, to his horror, he found the parrot lying dead in the cage. He remembered the king’s warning and didn’t have the courage to go and inform the king about the sudden death of his dear parrot.

He was very disturbed. Suddenly, he was reminded of Tenalirama who was known for his intelligence. Immediately, he rushed to his house. Telling him the whole story about the dead parrot, he requested him to save his life. Tenalirama assured him of all his help.

 

 

After the servant had gone, Tenalirama went running to the King. He said hesitatingly, “Your Majesty! Your parrot…….”

“What has happened to my parrot? Why are you so nervous?” asked the king.

“Sir……! The parrot is neither speaking nor moving. It seems to have gone into deep meditation.”

“What? The king was shocked. Along with Tenalirama, he went running to the cage, only to find that the parrot was not in meditation but was actually dead. The King was very upset and angry. He told Tenalirama, “Why didn’t you tell me earlier that the parrot was dead. Unnecessarily, you made me run to the cage.”

 

 

“Your Honour!” replied Tenaliraman. “Had I told you about the parrot’s death before, you would have beheaded the poor servant. I wanted you to understand that no one can take guarantee of anyone’s life. Death and life is totally in God’s hands.”

The King realized his mistake and didn’t punish the servant. The servant thanked Tenalirama. His life was saved because of Tenalirama’s cleverness.