Once upon a time, a sage was wandering through a lush forest. While exploring, he stumbled upon a stunning peacock displaying its magnificent feathers amidst the greenery. The sight captivated the sage, and he approached the peacock with admiration.
“O Peacock!” he exclaimed, “Have you lost your senses? Why would you pluck such beautiful feathers from yourself? Don’t you realize that each of your feathers is treasured by many?”
The peacock looked down with sorrowful eyes and replied, “Wise sage, my tears speak of a deeper truth. You may not see the hunters lurking in the shadows. They seek to capture me for my beauty, and many of my kin have already fallen into their traps.”
The sage frowned, puzzled. “But why would you willingly harm yourself by shedding your feathers?”
With a heavy heart, the peacock explained, “I do this not out of vanity but to survive. By plucking my feathers, I hope to escape the fate that has befallen so many others. For me, life is far more precious than the admiration my feathers bring.”
The sage listened intently, realizing the depth of the peacock’s wisdom. He began to understand that sometimes, one must make difficult choices to protect what truly matters.
“Indeed,” the sage said thoughtfully, “you have taught me a valuable lesson. True worth lies not in beauty or recognition but in the quiet strength to prioritize life and safety over fleeting glory.”
The peacock smiled gently, “Remember, wise one, that happiness does not always stem from fame. It often comes from the simple act of safeguarding one’s life and well-being.”
With newfound understanding, the sage bowed respectfully to the peacock. He left the forest that day, carrying with him a profound lesson: life and safety hold far greater significance than mere appearances.
Life Lesson
The value of life and safety is far more important than the pursuit of beauty and fame. Sometimes, we must make sacrifices to protect what truly matters.