In a lush forest, a mighty lion once choked on a jagged bone while devouring his prey. Writhing in agony, he could neither swallow the bone nor spit it out. Seeing the predator's distress, a kind woodpecker, who was the Bodhisatta in a past life, offered to help. To ensure his own safety, the bird placed a sturdy stick between the lion's jaws to keep them propped open. He then flew inside the lion's mouth, skillfully dislodged the bone, and flew out safely. Some time later, when the woodpecker was hungry, he saw the lion feasting on a fresh kill and asked for a small portion. The lion roared, 'Is it not enough that I let you leave my mouth alive? Do not ask for more!' The woodpecker simply flew away, realizing that while one should help those in need, one should not expect gratitude from the selfish.
Do good for the sake of kindness itself, and do not expect gratitude or rewards from the ungrateful.
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Questions about this story
What is the moral of The Woodpecker's Kindness?
The story teaches that true kindness is its own reward. We should help others because it is the right thing to do, not because we expect something in return.
Who was the woodpecker in a previous life?
According to the Jataka Tales, the woodpecker was the Bodhisatta, the being who would eventually become Gautama Buddha through many virtuous incarnations.
Why didn't the woodpecker get angry at the lion?
The woodpecker realized that the lion lacked the virtue of gratitude. He chose to maintain his inner peace rather than waste energy on someone incapable of appreciating help.
What did the lion do when the woodpecker asked for food?
The lion selfishly refused and even threatened the bird, claiming that letting the bird live was a sufficient reward for saving his life.
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