The Crow’s Journey of Comparison
A crow lived in the forest and was absolutely satisfied with his life. One day, however, he saw a swan. The crow thought, “This swan is so white, and I am so black. This swan must be the happiest bird in the world.”
He expressed his thoughts to the swan. “Actually,” the swan replied, “I was feeling that I was the happiest bird around until I saw a parrot, which has two colors. I now think the parrot is the happiest bird in creation.”
The Parrot’s Perspective
The crow then approached the parrot. The parrot explained, “I lived a very happy life until I saw a peacock. I have only two colors, but the peacock has multiple colors.”
The Peacock’s Insight
The crow then visited a peacock in the zoo and saw that hundreds of people had gathered to see him. After the people had left, the crow approached the peacock. “Dear peacock,” the crow said, “you are so beautiful. Every day thousands of people come to see you. When people see me, they immediately shoo me away. I think you are the happiest bird on the planet.”
The peacock replied, “I always thought that I was the most beautiful and happy bird on the planet. But because of my beauty, I am entrapped in this zoo. I have examined the zoo very carefully, and I have realized that the crow is the only bird not kept in a cage. So for the past few days, I have been thinking that if I were a crow, I could happily roam everywhere.”
Moral of the Story
This story highlights a common human problem: the tendency to make unnecessary comparisons with others, leading to dissatisfaction and unhappiness. Instead of counting our blessings from the Lord, we often fall into the vicious cycle of envy and discontent. There will always be someone who has more or less than we do, and true happiness lies in being satisfied with what we have.
Lessons to be Learned
- Contentment is Key: True happiness comes from being satisfied with what we have, rather than constantly comparing ourselves to others.
- Appreciate Your Blessings: Recognize and appreciate the unique blessings you have, rather than longing for what others possess.
- The Grass is Not Always Greener: What may seem like a perfect situation for others may come with its own set of problems. Everyone has their own struggles and challenges.
- Providence and Destiny: Trust that the position in which you are placed by providence is for your ultimate good. Discontentment can never bring happiness.
Scriptural Reference
This lesson is beautifully illustrated in Srimad Bhagavatam 8.19.24, where Lord Vamanadeva states:
yadrcchayopapannena / santushto vartate sukham naasantushtas tribhir lokair / ajitaatmopasaaditaih
“One should be satisfied with whatever he achieves by his previous destiny, for discontent can never bring happiness. A person who is not self-controlled will not be happy even with possessing the three worlds.”
Prayer
Let us pray for the wisdom to be content and the strength to appreciate our blessings.
Hare Krishna Mahamantra: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
PS
I humbly request all the devotees to please forward and share this moral/instructive story so that everyone can benefit from hearing about Krishna and His dear devotees.
