The Dove and the Hunter’s Net
One morning, a hunter spread his net under a huge banyan tree and sprinkled grains to trap birds. Soon, a flock of doves came flying. Their leader, a wise dove named Chitragriva, said, “Friends, let us land carefully. But beware, I sense danger.”
The doves were hungry and did not listen. They landed and began pecking at the grains. Suddenly—swish!—the net fell upon them. The hunter laughed from behind a bush.
The doves fluttered helplessly. Some cried, “Oh no, what will we do?” Another said, “We are trapped forever!”
But Chitragriva spoke calmly, “Do not panic. If we pull in different directions, the net will hold us. But if we rise together, we can escape.”
The doves trusted their leader. At his signal, they flapped their wings in unison. Slowly, the net lifted from the ground. The hunter ran forward, shouting, “Stop, stop!” But the doves soared higher, carrying the net with them.
They flew across the forest until they reached the home of their friend, Hiranyaka the mouse. The wise mouse came running and said, “Oh dear Chitragriva, how did this happen?”
Chitragriva replied, “A hunter trapped us, but together we escaped. Now, please free us with your sharp teeth.”
Hiranyaka nodded. He nibbled the knots of the net carefully until all the doves were free. The doves thanked the mouse and flew away happily, safe once more.
Moral: Unity is strength. Together, even the weak can defeat the strong.