The Lion and the Crane: A Tale of Gratitude
The Lion and the Crane: A Tale of Gratitude
Adapted from Indian Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs (1892)
An Unexpected Encounter
Long ago, in the majestic region of Himavanta, the Bodhisatta was born as a magnificent white crane. During this time, King Brahmadatta ruled over the kingdom of Benares.
One day, as a powerful lion feasted on his prey, a bone became lodged in his throat. The obstruction caused his throat to swell painfully, preventing him from eating. His suffering grew unbearable with each passing day.
The white crane, perched on a nearby tree searching for food, noticed the lion’s distress. “What troubles you, friend?” asked the crane.
The lion explained his predicament, his voice strained from pain.
“I could remove that bone for you,” offered the crane, “but I hesitate to enter your mouth, fearing you might devour me once I’ve helped you.”
“Do not fear,” the lion assured him. “I would never harm you after such a service. Please, save my life.”
A Cautious Healer
“Very well,” agreed the crane, instructing the lion to lie down on his left side.
The crane was not naive, however. Thinking to himself, “Who knows what this creature might do?” he took a precaution. Finding a small stick, he placed it upright between the lion’s jaws to prevent them from closing. Only then did the crane insert his head into the lion’s mouth.
With precision, the crane struck one end of the bone with his beak. The bone dislodged and fell out. Having completed his task, the crane carefully withdrew his head, using his beak to knock away the stick as he retreated. He then flew to a safe branch above.
The lion recovered quickly. Some time later, he was enjoying a buffalo he had hunted when the crane decided to test the lion’s gratitude. Settling on a branch directly above the feasting predator, the crane spoke:
“A service have we done thee
To the best of our ability,
King of the Beasts! Your Majesty!
What return shall we get from thee?”
The True Nature Revealed
The lion looked up from his meal and replied with chilling honesty:
“As I feed on blood,
And always hunt for prey,
‘Tis much that thou art still alive
Having once been between my teeth.”
Hearing this, the crane understood the lion’s true nature and responded with wisdom:
“Ungrateful, doing no good,
Not doing as he would be done by,
In him there is no gratitude,
To serve him is useless.
His friendship is not won
By the clearest good deed.
Better softly withdraw from him,
Neither envying nor abusing.”
With these words, the crane spread his wings and flew away, never to return to the lion’s territory.
The Buddha’s Lesson
When Gautama the Buddha shared this tale with his disciples, he would conclude by saying, “At that time, the lion was Devadatta the Traitor, but the white crane was I myself.”
Through this story, the Buddha taught that not all beings respond to kindness with gratitude. Some natures remain unchanged even after receiving help. The wise recognize this truth and know when to withdraw from those who cannot appreciate good deeds.
The crane’s wisdom reminds us to choose carefully whom we help and trust, for not all will value our kindness.
