Happiness is a universal pursuit. Every individual seeks it, yet its meaning remains elusive. While many chase happiness in various forms, few truly understand where it lies. Director Puri Jagannath, known for his unique storytelling style, recently shared an insightful story in his Puri Musings podcast that explores the essence of happiness. This story not only offers a powerful lesson on contentment but also encourages us to reflect on the futility of comparing our lives to others.
The Tale of the Crow, Swan, Parrot, and Peacock
In his podcast, Puri narrates a story featuring a crow who feels miserable because of its black feathers. The crow, sitting on a tree, is crying uncontrollably when a saint notices it and asks why. The crow responds that it is unhappy because its black color makes it unappealing. Wherever it goes, people chase it away with sticks, and no one seems to like it. Feeling rejected, the crow wonders, “Why doesn’t anyone like me?”
The saint, hearing this, advises the crow to visit other creatures and see if they, too, are happy despite their circumstances. First, the crow goes to a swan and asks, “Are you happy? You’re white and beautiful; surely you must be content.” The swan, however, expresses discontent, lamenting its life of solitude in a pool and longing to be as free as the parrot.
The crow then approaches the parrot, who is in a cage. The parrot, despite its beauty, shares its own sorrow. “I was born beautiful, but I am caged. People admire me but don’t let me be free. If only I could fly like the peacock.”
Next, the crow visits the peacock, who is admired by all for its majestic feathers but reveals its own struggles. The peacock says, “People come and take pictures with me, but I am confined to this zoo. I am no more free than you.”
Finally, the crow, after hearing from each bird, returns to the saint. The saint then imparts the wisdom of the story: “You see, every creature, despite their outer appearances, has its own struggles and burdens. The swan longs for freedom like the parrot, the parrot is trapped in a cage, and the peacock is confined to a zoo. Meanwhile, you—the crow—have the freedom to roam wherever you like. What you perceive as your flaw is, in fact, your greatest blessing.”
The Moral: True Happiness Lies in Acceptance
The story encapsulates a crucial lesson: it is futile to compare oneself to others. No one’s life is perfect, and every individual faces their own struggles. What may seem like the ideal life for one person can come with its own set of challenges. The crow’s perceived flaw—its black feathers—was actually its strength, as it had the freedom that others did not.
Puri Jagannath’s message is clear: true happiness is not found in comparing ourselves to others, nor in seeking perfection. Instead, it lies in acceptance of our own circumstances and being content with what we have. Happiness comes from within, and it is subjective, depending largely on perspective.
Conclusion
Puri Jagannath, through his Puri Musings, has once again shown how simple stories can carry profound life lessons. By narrating the tale of the crow, he emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and the understanding that everyone has their own unique struggles. Instead of wishing to be like others, we should focus on appreciating the blessings we already have. After all, happiness is not about having the perfect life, but about finding peace with the life you live.
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