The Wild Chicken & The Deceptive Cat: A Tale of Wisdom

Once upon a time, in a forest full of life and vibrant creatures, the Bodhisatta was born as a wise and vigilant wild chicken. He lived among his flock, always alert to the dangers that lurked nearby. His sharp eyes and quick reflexes made him a valuable member of the group. Yet, despite his wisdom, there was one creature that continually posed a threat to the safety of his flock: a cunning and devious cat.

This cat, known for her trickery, often deceived the wild chickens, luring them away from the group before eating them. Her hunger for the chickens was insatiable, and she had already taken many of the Bodhisatta’s relatives. However, the Bodhisatta was wise, and he was not easily fooled.

The Cat’s Deceitful Proposal

One day, the cat approached the Bodhisatta, knowing that he was both clever and beautiful. She decided to use flattery to lure him into her trap. “Oh, noble and beautiful chicken,” she said, “you are the most magnificent bird I have ever seen. Your feathers shine like gold, and your wisdom is unmatched. How I long to be by your side, to be your companion. Will you marry me, and together we can live in peace and happiness?”

The Bodhisatta, having heard such flattery before, knew at once that the cat had more sinister intentions. He was aware of her wicked ways, of how she had already destroyed many of his kin. Rather than fall into her trap, he politely but firmly rejected her proposal.

“Beasts and birds should never marry,” he told her, “for our nature is very different. I will not be deceived by your words.”

But the cat was persistent. She was not ready to give up so easily. She promised him all sorts of rewards. “I can offer you eternal youth and beauty,” she coaxed, “or if you prefer, I will serve you as a humble slave. You need not worry about anything. Marry me, and I will grant you everything you desire.”

The Bodhisatta, now more direct, turned to face her with a firm gaze. “I know exactly who you are,” he said. “You have already killed many of my relatives, and you seek to deceive me with promises of beauty and power. I will not be fooled.”

With those words, the cat, realizing that her deceit had been exposed, slinked away, defeated and unsuccessful in her attempt to trick the wise Bodhisatta.

The Moral of the Story

This tale of the wild chicken and the deceitful cat offers an important lesson about recognizing deceit and staying true to one’s values. The cat used flattery and promises of wealth and beauty to try to deceive the Bodhisatta, but he saw through her manipulations and refused to be lured by her false promises. The cat, no matter how cunning, could not fool the wise chicken, who valued truth over temptation.

In life, we are often faced with situations where others may try to deceive us, promising us things that seem too good to be true. It is essential to remain vigilant, to see through the flattery and promises, and to stay true to our principles. True wisdom lies in knowing when to reject falsehoods, even when they come wrapped in the guise of beauty or desire.

The Buddha’s Teaching to His Disciple

In the time of the Buddha, one of his disciples began to waver in his commitment to the monastic life after he encountered a beautiful woman. He was distracted by her beauty and was tempted to leave the sangha, seeking worldly pleasures. The Buddha, aware of his disciple’s inner turmoil, saw this as an opportunity to impart a valuable lesson.

The Buddha told his disciple, “Women are like cats: they deceive and lure men into ruin, much like how this cat deceived the wild chicken. They may offer beauty, comfort, and pleasure, but in the end, they lead only to destruction.” The Buddha then shared the story of the Bodhisatta’s wise rejection of the cat’s deceitful proposal, reminding the disciple that true happiness and fulfillment lie not in fleeting desires but in spiritual wisdom and self-discipline.

The disciple, having heard the Buddha’s teaching, realized the truth in his words and chose to remain in the sangha, committed to the path of enlightenment.

Final Thought

The story of the wild chicken and the deceptive cat teaches us that wisdom and discernment are vital in navigating the temptations of life. Beauty, wealth, and worldly pleasures may seem enticing, but they can often lead us astray. It is important to recognize deceit for what it is and to trust in the wisdom that guides us toward what is truly valuable: honesty, integrity, and spiritual fulfillment.