old-path-white-clouds-thich-nhat-hanh

“When the heron had devoured all the shrimp and fish, only the crab remained. Still hungry, the heron said to the crab, ‘Nephew, I have
carried all the fish and shrimp to the lotus pond where they now live happily. You are all alone here now. Let me take you to the new pond,
too.’
“‘How will you carry me?’ asked the crab.
“‘In my beak, just as I carried all the others.’
“‘What if I slipped out and fell? My shell would shatter into a hundred pieces.’
“‘Don’t worry. I’ll carry you with utmost care.’
“The crab thought carefully. Perhaps the heron had kept his word and truly carried all the shrimp and fish to the lotus pond. But what if
he had deceived them and eaten them all? The crab devised a plan to insure his own safety. He said to the heron, ‘Uncle, I’m afraid your
beak is not strong enough to hold me securely. Let me wrap my claws around your neck to hold on while you fly.’
“The heron agreed. He waited for the crab to crawl onto his neck and then he spread his wings and flew into the air. But instead of
carrying the crab to the lotus pond, he landed by the plumeria tree.
“‘Uncle, why don’t you put me down by the lotus pond? Why did we land here instead?’
“‘What heron would be so stupid as to carry a bunch of fish to a lotus pond? I am no benefactor, nephew. Do you see all those fish
bones and shrimp shells at the foot of the plumeria? This is where your life will end, as well.’
“‘Uncle, the fish and shrimp may have been easily fooled, but you can’t trick me so easily. Take me to the lotus pond at once or I will cut
off your head with my claws.’
“The crab began to dig his sharp claws into the heron’s neck. Seized by sharp pain, the heron cried out, ‘Don’t squeeze so hard! I’ll
take you to the lotus pond right this minute! I promise I won’t try to eat you!’
“The heron flew to the lotus pond where it intended to let the crab down by the water’s edge. But the crab did not release its hold on the
heron’s neck. Thinking about all the fish and shrimp so cruelly deceived by the heron, the crab dug his claws deeper and deeper into the
heron’s neck until he cut right through it. The heron dropped down dead and the crab crawled into the water.
“Children, at that time I was the plumeria tree. I witnessed all these events. I learned that if we treat others kindly, we will be treated
kindly in return; but if we treat others cruelly, sooner or later, we will suffer the same fate. I vowed that in all my future lives, I would
endeavor to help other beings.”
The children listened to the Buddha’s tale with great interest. They were moved by the plumeria’s pain, and they felt pity for the helpless
fish and shrimp. They despised the heron’s deceit and were impressed by the crab’s shrewdness.
King Bimbisara stood up. He joined his palms and bowed. He said, “Master, you have shared an important lesson with young and old
alike. I pray that Prince Ajatasattu remembers your words. Our kingdom is blessed to have you among us. I would now like to present you
and your sangha with a gift, if you agree.”
The Buddha looked at the king, waiting for him to explain. After a moment of silence, the king continued, “About two miles north of
Rajagaha, there is a large and beautiful forest known as Venuvana, Bamboo Forest. It is quiet and serene, cool and refreshing. Many gentle
squirrels inhabit that forest. I would like to offer you and your sangha Venuvana as a place where you can teach and practice the Way. O
Great Teacher of Compassion, please accept this gift from my heart.”
The Buddha reflected for a moment. It was the first time the sangha had been offered land for a monastery. Certainly his bhikkhus did
need a place to dwell during the rainy season. The Buddha breathed deeply and smiled, and he nodded his head in acceptance of the king’s
generous gift. King Bimbisara was overjoyed. He knew that the presence of the monastery would mean that the Buddha would spend more
time in Magadha.
Among the many guests at the palace that day were a large number of brahmana religious leaders. Many of them were not pleased with
the king’s decision but they did not dare to say anything.
The king asked for a golden vase of water. He poured the clear water over the Buddha’s hands and solemnly announced, “Master, as
the water in this vase pours over your hands, Bamboo Forest is transferred to you and your sangha.”
This ritual concluded the offering of Bamboo Forest from the king to the Buddha. The ceremonial feast came to an end, and the Buddha
and his 1,250 bhikkhus departed from the palace.