The Tortoise and the Geese (Kalila and Dimna collection)

Once upon a time, in a lush, vibrant forest lived a tortoise named Tanu. Tanu was wise but also carried a streak of arrogance, believing that his wisdom made him superior to other animals. He lived near a serene, clear pond that was home to many creatures, including two geese, Gagan and Gaurav. The three of them were close friends, often engaging in long conversations about life, the forest, and beyond.

One day, as they were talking by the pond, the geese mentioned their upcoming journey to a faraway lake. The tortoise, curious and intrigued, asked, “What is it like to fly? What do you see up there?”

Gagan, flapping his wings lightly, replied, “The world looks vast and beautiful from the sky, Tanu. You can see mountains, rivers, and endless stretches of green forests.”

A spark of desire ignited in Tanu’s heart. He longed to see the world from above. “I wish I could fly too and witness the beauty you describe,” he said with a sigh.

Gaurav, the wiser of the two geese, thought for a moment and then said, “It’s a dangerous wish, Tanu. You are not built for flying. But if you truly desire it, we might have a way to help you.”

Tanu’s eyes lit up with hope. “Tell me, what do I need to do?” he asked eagerly.

“We could carry you between us by holding a stick in our beaks. But you must promise not to open your mouth during the flight, or you will fall,” Gaurav explained.

Tanu agreed without hesitation, his mind already filled with images of soaring through the skies. They found a strong stick, and Tanu clamped his jaws firmly around its center while the geese took hold of either end with their beaks.

With powerful flaps of their wings, Gagan and Gaurav lifted off the ground, and Tanu felt the exhilarating sensation of rising into the air. The forest below shrank, and the vast expanse of the world unfolded beneath him. It was even more magnificent than he had imagined.

As they flew over a village, people looked up in astonishment at the unusual sight. Tanu could hear their murmurs of wonder and felt a surge of pride. He wanted to shout down to them, to tell them it was he, Tanu, flying like a bird. But he remembered Gaurav’s warning and kept his mouth shut.

They continued their journey, and soon they were flying over another village. This time, a group of children saw them and started pointing and shouting excitedly. Tanu’s pride swelled even more. How he longed to boast about his newfound ability!

But then, a thought struck him: what if they didn’t realize it was him, the wise and magnificent Tanu? His desire to speak and show off his achievement grew stronger, and he started to forget the promise he had made.

Gagan and Gaurav noticed Tanu’s struggle and flapped their wings harder, hoping to reach their destination quickly. But Tanu’s pride got the better of him. As they flew over yet another village, he could no longer contain himself.

“Look at me!” he tried to shout, but as soon as he opened his mouth, he let go of the stick. Tanu plummeted towards the ground, his body flipping and turning uncontrollably. He landed with a thud, and everything went black.

When he regained consciousness, he found himself lying in a soft bed of moss, with the geese standing over him, worry etched on their faces.

“Tanu, are you alright?” Gagan asked.

Tanu groaned and tried to move but felt a sharp pain in his legs. He looked up at his friends, shame filling his eyes. “I... I couldn’t resist. I wanted them to know it was me,” he confessed.

Gaurav shook his head sadly. “Pride always comes before a fall, Tanu. We warned you, but you let your arrogance take over.”

Tanu nodded, tears of regret welling up. “I’m sorry. I should have listened.”

The geese helped Tanu back to his pond, where he recovered slowly over the next few weeks. The other animals in the forest heard about his fall and the lesson it carried. Tanu, though still wise, became humbler, realizing that true wisdom lay in understanding one’s limits and listening to good advice.

The geese continued to visit him, and their friendship grew stronger. Tanu often shared his story with others, emphasizing the dangers of pride and the importance of humility.

And so, the tale of the tortoise who tried to fly spread far and wide, teaching many the value of wisdom and humility. Tanu’s dream of flying had been fulfilled, but the price he paid served as a reminder that not all desires are meant to be pursued, especially at the cost of one's own well-being.