$JES 904 Compendium of Jainism (Jain Academic Bowl Manual 3rd Edition)

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Page 398

F07 Story - Moral Stories
04 - Two Frogs
04 - Two Frogs
A group of frogs were playing in the farm, when two of them fell into a pot of milk. All the other frogs gathered around the pot to see what could be done to help their companions. When they saw how deep the pot was, they agreed that it was hopeless and told the two frogs in the pot that they should prepare themselves for their fate because they were as good as dead. Unwilling to accept this terrible fate, the two frogs began to jump with all of their might. Some of the frogs shouted into the pot that it was hopeless, and that the two frogs wouldn't be in that situation if they had been more careful and more responsible. The other frogs continued sorrowfully, shouting that they should save their energy and give up since they were already as good as dead. The two frogs continued jumping with all their might, and after a while, were quite weary. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to the calls of his fellow frogs. Exhausted, he quietly resolved himself to his fate, drowned to the bottom of the pot, and died. The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could even though his body was wracked with pain and exhaustion. Once again, his companions began yelling for him to accept his fate, stop the pain, and just die. The weary frog jumped harder and harder, and the milk turned into butter with all the movement of the jumping. The frog was now able to stand on the layer of butter on top, use that as leverage, and finally leap high enough to get out of the pot. Amazed, the other frogs celebrated his freedom and then gathering around him asking, "Why did you continue jumping when we told you it was impossible?" The astonished frog explained to them that he was deaf, and as he saw their gestures and shouting, he thought they were cheering him on. What he had perceived as encouragement inspired him to try harder and to succeed against all odds. Moral:
The book of proverbs says, "There is death and life in the power of the tongue". Your encouraging words can lift someone up and help them make it through the day. Your destructive words can cause deep wounds. They may be the weapons that destroy someone's desire to continue trying, or even their life. Your destructive, careless words can diminish someone in the eyes of others, destroy their influence, and have a lasting impact on the way others respond to them. Be careful what you say. Speak life to (and about) those who cross your path. There is enormous power in words. If you have words of kindness, praise, or encouragement, speak them now to, and about, others. Listen to your heart and respond.
Page 398 of 398
Compendium of Jainism - 2015