Story Summary
Discover The Wise Quail, a classic Jataka tale where a clever bird teaches his flock that unity is strength, until a petty argument puts everyone in danger.
Long ago, a fowler made a living by catching quails. He would mimic their call to lure them together, then throw a heavy net over the flock. The Bodhisattva, reborn as a wise quail, realized his kin were being decimated. He gathered the birds and said, 'When the net falls, do not panic. Thrust your heads through the mesh and fly as one to a thorn bush. There, the net will snag, and we can escape from beneath it.' For a long time, the quails followed this plan and remained safe, leaving the fowler empty-handed. However, one day, two quails began to bicker over a trivial accident on the ground. While they argued about who was stronger and who had bumped whom, the fowler cast his net. Instead of lifting together, the birds continued their dispute. The fowler gathered the entire flock with ease, proving that unity is the only shield against destruction.
The Moral
Unity and cooperation provide strength and safety, while internal conflict and bickering lead to certain ruin.
“When you quarrel, you provide the net that catches you all.”
Fun Fact
The Jataka Tales, including The Wise Quail, were often used by the Buddha to resolve real-life disputes among his monks by illustrating the historical consequences of discord.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Wise Quail?
The moral is that unity provides strength and protection against common threats. When a group works together, they can overcome challenges that are impossible to handle alone.
Who is the main character in The Wise Quail?
The main character is the Wise Quail, who is an incarnation of the Bodhisattva. He acts as a visionary leader who teaches his community how to survive through collective action.
How do the quails escape the hunter's net?
They escape by coordinating their movements, sticking their heads through the holes in the net, and flying up simultaneously. They then snag the net on a thorn bush to fly out from under it.
What caused the quails to be caught eventually?
The quails were caught because of internal discord and bickering over a minor accident. Their failure to cooperate at the critical moment allowed the hunter to capture them.
What does the fowler represent in the story?
The fowler represents external dangers or predators that exploit the weaknesses and divisions within a group. He only succeeds when the group's internal harmony breaks down.
Is The Wise Quail a Buddhist story?
Yes, it is one of the Jataka Tales, which are ancient Indian stories about the previous births of Gautama Buddha in various human and animal forms.