Lies Beget Danger There was a small village at the foot of a hill, where the villagers lived happily. A shepherd boy also lived there. He used to graze the sheep in the valley from dawn to dusk, and returned home in the evening with his cattle. One day the shepherd boy thought of befooling the villagers." He shouted at the top of his voice. "Wolf, Wolf!" The villagers came running to-the spot with their sticks and weapons in hand to save the boy and his cattle. But they found no wolf there. The shepherd boy began to laugh, as tie was able to befool the villagers. After a few days, ... read more

The Jackal and The War Drum Once in a forest there lived a jackal named Gomaya. He was too lazy to hunt for his food. He often chased away younger jackals who would catch a prey and eat it himself. All the other jackals were upset with him. They all got together and decided to get rid of Gomaya. None of them was as big as he, and could not challenge him individually. "This is getting beyond control," said one jackal. "We make all the effort and kill a prey and Gomaya comes and claims it." "I have an idea," said another jackal. "We will take turns catching prey. And while one of ... read more

The Lazy Dreamer Once, in a small village, there lived a poor Brahmin. He was very learned, but did nothing all day. He lived on the alms the villagers gave him every day. One day, as usual, the Brahmin got up in the morning, performed his morning rituals and set out to beg for alms. As he went from door to door, people gave him several things. Some gave dal. Others gave him rice and yet others gave him vegetables. But one generous lady gave the Brahmin a large measure of flour. "Ah! What good luck. I will not have to beg for alms for a long time," thought the Brahmin to himself. H ... read more

A Monkey and Two Cats Once a cake was stolen by two cats from a house. But they did not want to share it. Each of the cats claimed that it was his earning and that he was not prepared to give a share to the other. When their quarrel reached the climax, a monkey appeared on the scene. He offered himself to solve the dispute. He heard the case and opined that as they were good friends, they should share the cake equally. And he offered himself to divide the cake into two equal parts for them. Somehow the cats agreed to his suggestion. Then the monkey took and 'divided the cake into two ... read more

King Bruce and the Spider Once upon a time there was a king in Scotland. His name was Robert Bruce. He fought many battles. Once he was defeated. He ran away from the battle field. He hid himself in a cave. There was a spider in that cave. It was trying to reach the roof of the cave. It failed again and again. After every fall, the spider tried again. It did not lose heart. The spider reached its web in the seventh attempt. The spider taught King Bruce a great lesson. It filled him with new hope and courage. He came out of the cave and gathered his forces. This time he fought bravely. ... read more