In an ancient Jataka tale, a brave little parrot lived in a beautiful forest until one day, lightning struck a dead tree and ignited a fire that quickly spread with the wind. Sensing danger, the parrot cried out, “Fire! Run to the river!” While she could have flown away to safety, she noticed many animals trapped by the flames and resolved to help them.
Diving into the cool river, the parrot soaked her feathers and then flew back over the raging fire. At the heart of the blaze, she shook her wings, letting tiny droplets of water fall like jewels into the flames with a hiss. Despite the intense heat, scorched feathers, aching lungs, and burning eyes, she repeatedly carried water from the river to the fire, determined to make a difference.
High above, some carefree gods watched from their ivory and gold cloud palaces. They laughed, mocking the little bird for her futile attempt to quench a fierce fire with mere sprinkles of water. Yet one of these gods was moved by her courage. Transforming into a majestic golden eagle, he descended and called out, “Go back, little bird! Your task is hopeless—save yourself!” But the parrot, undeterred, dismissed his warning, insisting she needed help more than advice.
As the eagle soared above, he saw the gods’ indifference toward the suffering below and felt deep remorse. Overwhelmed by the parrot’s selfless bravery, he wept streams of sparkling tears. These divine tears cascaded over the forest, cooling the flames, extinguishing sparks, and nurturing new life from the scorched earth. Miraculously, where the tears touched the parrot’s wings, they transformed into bright, colorful feathers.
In awe, the forest animals marveled at the sudden rain and the miraculous transformation. Safe and unharmed, they looked up to see their brave friend soaring high in the clear blue sky. In that moment, when hope seemed lost, the little parrot’s courage and perseverance had saved them all.