Two Classic Tibetan Fables

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The two engaging stories in this volume originate in Tibetan folklore and deliver their essential moral message in such a way to appeal to adults and children alike. In the first tale, A story of Antelopes: A Message of Renunciation Towards Cyclic Existence, we meet a stubborn antelope, whose refusal of his chieftain’s wise advice leads to his downfall despite the compassionate prayers of great sage. From this tale we learn the invincible laws of self responsibility or karmic cause and effect.

The second fable, the legend of the Birds and Monkeys, involves us in a dispute between a group of monkeys and a flock of birds. The way the dispute is resolved highlights the wisdom of a fair-minded and logical approach in the face of arguments and aggression. The enduring relevance of this message is particularly useful in today’s world.

Although works of fiction, the two tales contained in this hand book are worth reading for their eternal spiritual and social moral lessons. They make an effort to place before the interested reader many pieces of valuable advice such as that aggression and peace-loving outlook are far more effective than aggression and impulsiveness in the solution of a dispute. In the original Tibetan, the two stories are eloquently composed without engaging in an excessive use of jargon, rhetoric or complex poetic styles.

In rendering these stories into English, it has been difficult to maintain the same degree of eloquence as the originals possess. For the sake of readability some slight liberties have therefore been taken with the literal translation without in any way sacrificing the essential meaning and content of the tales. It is hoped that this handbook way to the body of literary works of this genre.

A Brief Summary of the Two Stories.

A story of Antelopes: A Message of Renunciation towards Cyclic Existence is a story whose chief protagonist is Dopa’i Khyuchog, an antelope from among the subjects of the animal chieftain Rigpa’i Dawa. He not only refuses to follow his chieftain’s far-sighted advice to shift their dwelling place to a safer location but also attempts to prevail upon his fellow animals share his view. One day a cruel hunter accompanied by his many fearful hounds launches an attack on the antelopes. By the force of his past bad actions, Dopa’i Khyuchog falls into the hunter’s trap. Despite the fervent requests made by Saint Thongna Ga to free Dopa’I Khyuchog the hunter kills him with a poisonous arrow. Dopa’I Khyuchog takes rebirth in the deepest hell and experiences its endless tortures. In conclusion the saint explains the implacability of the law of karma and the important of practicing virtue.

The Legend of the Birds and Monkeys centres around a dispute that flares up between a flock of birds dwelling in the middle of kunzang hill, and a herd of monkeys residing at the foot of the hill. When a group of monkeys unlawfully saunters on to the birds’ land and wantonly consumes the produce there the birds become angry and gather to discuss the matter. They decide to send the celestial snowbird to the monkeys to attempt to dissuade them from their antisocial behavior. But the monkeys refuse to listen and so begin several ineffectual rounds of talks between the two parties. The monkeys enlist the help of the deer and other wild the monkeys are at fault. Eventually the rabbit Loden is selected as mediator with the birds and he request the insightful domestic rooster to accompany him on his assignment. Employing skillful means the two finally bring about a far-sighted solution to the dispute between the birds the monkeys.