Reading Diary B: Indian Fables and Folklore

For part B, the reading is very similar to part A since this book is not the continuation of one long story, but multiple stories all put together.  I particularly like the story "Shibi and the Hawk" from this week's reading.  This story tells of a noble and courageous king who although mighty and powerful, shares a weakness for the lesser, and a strong love for animals.  He is a kind king that looks after those who cannot defend themselves and one day a defenseless and tired little pigeon lands in his hands.  After a moment, a hawk comes down and says that this little bird is his prey and demands he must be given what he is owed for it is not out of cruelty but for survival and these little pigeons are the only food the hawk is allowed to eat.  The king cannot bare to sacrifice the poor little bird and shares compassion for the hawk as well, so he allows the hawk  to take the pigeon's weight in flesh from his own body.  In this way, the king sacrifices part of himself for the life of both the little bird and the hawk.  I really like this story because it is one of pure selflessness and love and kindness for others.

Shibi and the Hawk