Thoughtful Son
The Buddha was born in animal form in the form of a parrot. He
grew up to be a mighty bird under his father the king. There came a time when
the king could no longer be in charge and gave it to his son. The Buddha told
his father to rest, and that he would take care of the flock from then on. He
would lead the flock to their feeding ground and once they had gotten their fill,
he would take beak fulls back to his parents so that they could eat. He refused
to have them work. He believed their time was done working. The man watching
over the rice fields was afraid the birds would eat all of the rice so he went
and told the Brahmin of the parrot king. The Brahmin loved him before he even
saw him. They set a trap for the parrot. Once inside the king decided not to
move so that his people could get food, for if he cried out they would fly away
hungry. He told the Brahmin that he did not store up the rice but gave it to
his ancient parents and to the kids in need. After hearing this the Brahmin
told him to eat his fill. When he got back to his home he told his parents to
follow him to a land of plenty.
Bibliography: Eastern Stories and Legends by Marie L. Shedlock
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