Durjanasangati: Bad Company

Choosing friends wisely matters

The Ungrateful Tiger and The Brahmin and the Snake. Avoid bad company; some friendships are dangerous.

Durjanasangati: Bad Company

Laghupatanaka the crow flew down to where Hiranyaka was enjoying the morning sun. "My friend, I must tell you something I observed yesterday."

"What troubled you, Laghupatanaka?" asked the mouse.

"I saw a young traveler help a man who later tried to rob him. It reminded me of the ancient tales our elders told, about the danger of misjudging character."

Hiranyaka nodded gravely. "The wise say: dushta-sangati brings ruin even to the good. Let me tell you the tale of the Ungrateful Tiger."

The Ungrateful Tiger

In a dense forest, an old tiger named Kruravyaghra fell into a deep pit dug by hunters. Too weak to climb out, he waited for days. When a Brahmin traveler passed by, the tiger called out piteously.

"O noble one! Please help me escape this pit. I am old and weak. I promise I will not harm you."

The Brahmin hesitated. "You are a tiger. Your nature is to kill."

"I have changed," the tiger pleaded. "I have grown old. I have learned dharma. I swear on the sacred Vedas that I will be forever grateful and never harm you."

Moved by these words, the kind Brahmin lowered a branch. The moment Kruravyaghra climbed out, his eyes changed.

"Fool! You trusted a tiger? Now I am hungry, and you shall be my meal."

The Brahmin was horrified. "But you swore! You promised on the Vedas!"

"Hunger knows no oaths," laughed the tiger. "But since you helped me, I will be fair. Ask three witnesses. If any says I should spare you, I will."

Desperate, the Brahmin asked an old tree. The tree said: "Men cut my branches for shelter, then chop me down for firewood. Why should you be treated better?"

He asked a road. It said: "Men walk on me daily, giving nothing in return. Why expect gratitude from a tiger?"