Literal Comprehension: Once, long ago, the Buddha was living in a forest as a little parrot. One day the forest was caught by fire. The animals were terrified and they began to run in every direction. The little parrot also flew away. But as he was flying away, he saw his fellow animals trapped in the fire. The little parrot wanted to help the animals. So he flew into a nearby river, dipped his body in water, flew back to the forest, and released a few drops of water on the fire. The drops would change instantly into vapor, leaving no effect on the raging fire. But the little parrot continued with his effort. At that very movement, a few gods were floating in the sky. When they saw the little parrot, they laughed at him because they thought that the little parrot was a fool to risk his life for nothing. However, one of the gods had sympathy for the little parrot, and he went to advise the parrot to change him into an eagle. The little parrot said to the eagle god that he did not need the eagle god's advice. The little parrot said he needed someone to help. The eagle god was impressed, hearing the little parrot. So, the eagle-god wept to cause a big rain to fall with his tears. The rain put out the fire instantly and brought everything back to a normal condition.
Interpretation: This story seems to suggest that good action can have the power to change people's attitudes. The eagle-god wanted to change the little parrot. But when the eagle-god saw the good, selfless act of the little parrot, the eagle-god changed himself and helped the parrot put out the fire. The little parrot represents the Buddha. So, the story can also be interpreted by linking it to Buddhist teachings. From the Buddhist point of view, the story suggests that one should not waste time talking and arguing when he or she finds someone in trouble. A person's first duty in such a situation is to help the troubled being come out of the trouble. The story represents the eagle- god as a follower of the little parrot, the incarnation of the Buddha. So, it also seems to suggest that the Buddha is the leader of the moral world, where other gods follow him
Critical Thinking: This story does not have a realistic message. It suggests that good action can change people's attitudes. But the reality is just the opposite. Could the good action of great people like Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, etc, change people's attitudes? If so, why were they killed like criminals? The story's message that one should try to help troubled beings come out of trouble is very impressive. However, are people ready to help troubled people selflessly? Isn't this world filled with people, who generally act being guided by profit motives? The story places the Buddha on a higher moral plane than it does the other gods. So, a non-Buddhist may find it difficult to accept the message of this story.
Assimilation: This story enlightened me much. I got knowledge of Buddhist teaching from this story. I came to understand that I should not waste time in an argument when I see someone in trouble. The little parrot impressed me with his strong determination. Surprisingly, he should try to put out such a great fire just releasing a few drops of water. However, his efforts brought about good results. The eagle god would not get impressed and help the little parrot if the little parrot had not continued his action. The story inspired me that I should also continue making efforts to help others in whatever way I can. I understand that if I have a strong determination I can get success in every attempt I make.
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