The Ignorant Scholar

In a faraway kingdom, there lived four friends who had grown up together. Three of them were very learned scholars. They had read every book in the library, memorized ancient spells, and knew the secrets of the stars. But they had one problem: they had no common sense. The fourth friend, named Subuddhi, was different. He hadn’t read many books, but he was practical and wise in the ways of the world.

One day, the four friends decided to travel to distant lands to show off their knowledge and earn money. As they walked through a dense forest, they came across a pile of bleached white bones lying on the grass. “Aha!” said the first scholar. “Here is a chance to test our skills. These look like the bones of a mighty Lion.” “I know a spell to assemble the skeleton!” he boasted. He chanted a mantra, and Click-Clack! The bones joined together to form a perfect lion skeleton.

The second scholar stepped forward. “That is nothing,” he said. “I can add flesh, skin, and muscle.” He chanted a complex spell. Whoosh! Suddenly, the skeleton was covered in muscles and golden fur. A lifeless, sleeping Lion lay before them.

The third scholar smiled arrogantly. “You have done well, but I am the greatest. I can breathe life into this body!” He prepared to chant the final mantra.

“Stop!” cried Subuddhi, the fourth friend. “Are you crazy? That is a Lion! If you give it life, it will attack us!” The three scholars laughed at him. “You are just jealous of our supreme knowledge,” said the third scholar. “Go away if you are scared, you ignorant fool.”

“I am not jealous, I am careful,” said Subuddhi. “If you must do this, please wait until I climb this tree.” Subuddhi quickly scrambled up a tall banyan tree and sat on a high branch. The scholars mocked him and continued. The third scholar chanted the spell. “Arise!”

The Lion’s chest heaved. Its eyes snapped open. They were glowing yellow. It let out a deafening roar that shook the forest leaves! ROAAAR! The Lion was hungry. It saw the three men standing right in front of it. It bared its sharp teeth and crouched to pounce.

The scholars panicked! All their book knowledge flew out of their heads. They forgot their spells of protection. They screamed and turned to run. The Lion chased them, roaring loudly. The scholars ran faster than they had ever run in their lives, dropping their books and scrolls. They didn’t stop until they were far, far away, completely out of the forest. The Lion, satisfied that his territory was clear, went back to sleep.

Subuddhi watched from the tree until it was safe. Then he climbed down and walked home, whistling a tune. He knew that common sense was the most useful magic of all.

Moral of the Story: Knowledge represents power, but without wisdom and common sense, it can be dangerous.