The Stubborn Vulture: A Tale of Wisdom and Pride

Once upon a time, high above the earth in the vast skies, there lived a wise old vulture. He had seen many things in his long life and had learned the ways of the wind. The vulture had a son, strong and full of spirit, who was eager to soar higher than any bird before him. He was fearless, flying farther and faster than the rest of his kin, but his heart was full of pride.

The Bodhisatta, in this lifetime a wise vulture, watched his son with growing concern. “My son,” he called one day, “the winds grow strong as you fly higher, and they can be treacherous. It is dangerous to fly so far from the safety of our home.” But the young vulture, full of youthful arrogance, laughed at his father’s warning. “You are old, father,” he said, “and your wings no longer have the strength they once had. I am young and strong, and I can fly wherever I choose. The skies are mine to conquer.”

The Bodhisatta’s heart was heavy, but he knew that wisdom must sometimes bow to youthful pride. He watched as his son flew higher and higher, defying the winds and his father’s counsel. His wings cut through the sky, reaching for the highest clouds, until he ventured into a storm so fierce that even the strongest of birds could not withstand it.

The winds howled and tossed the young vulture about, until finally, with a crushing force, they shattered his wings. The young vulture plummeted from the sky, and when he crashed to the earth below, his life was lost.

The Price of Disobedience

The Bodhisatta, filled with sorrow, searched for his son’s broken body, his heart heavy with grief. He mourned the loss, not just of a son, but of the lessons that had been ignored. His son had been a victim of his own stubbornness, and in his refusal to listen to the wisdom of experience, he had brought destruction not only upon himself but also on the family that would be left behind in sorrow.

The Moral of the Story

The tale of the young vulture and his father holds a timeless lesson. Disobedience to wise counsel, especially from those with experience, often leads to needless suffering. The youthful desire to prove oneself can be powerful, but wisdom must always temper ambition. Those who refuse to listen to the advice of elders and those who care for them may find that their arrogance leads them into harm’s way.

The Buddha’s Teaching to His Disciple

In the time of the Buddha, one of his disciples was reckless and rebellious. He often ignored the Buddha’s teachings and advice, believing that his own views were superior. The Buddha, aware of this disciple’s stubborn nature, recounted the story of the young vulture to him. “Just as the young vulture’s pride and disobedience led to his fall from the sky,” the Buddha explained, “your disobedience may lead you to fall into suffering. The wisdom of the elders is not to be taken lightly, for it is born of experience.”

The disciple, reflecting on the story, realized the truth in the Buddha’s words. He understood that his actions in defying wisdom had consequences, just as the young vulture’s disobedience had led to his own death. This realization brought about a change in him, and he became more attentive to the teachings of the Buddha.

Final Thought

The tale of the stubborn vulture reminds us that wisdom often comes with age and experience, and it is unwise to disregard the counsel of those who have lived longer. As we seek to soar in life, let us remember that the highest flights are not always the safest, and the guidance of others can help us avoid the storms that lie ahead.

Tips for Embracing Wisdom and Avoiding Recklessness