The Brave Little Parrot

The Brave Little Parrot: Rafe Martin, USA (1946-)

Summary:

"The Brave Little Parrot" is a famous story written by Rafe Martin. This story is based on the Buddhist legend. It is not only mythological but also a moral story. This story tells us that selfless social service, bravery and benevolence are the key to meaningful life. Furthermore, it encourages us that if we continue our tireless effort, of course, we can be successful in coming days.

The Buddha was born as a little parrot. That little parrot used to live in a dense forest. One day, a storm fell down upon the forest, as a result, lighting flashes and spark caught the tree. All the wild animals are in danger because of the wide spread of the fire in the forest. Out of them, a little parrot flies with the help of wings in order to save his life.

When the little parrot flies to save his life, he looks at the terrible scene where hundreds of animals are trapped by the fire and are going to die. It is because they could not fly like birds. The little parrot thinks to save them from such danger. For that, he uses his creative mind. He flies to the river, plunges into the river, comes out and shock his body and releases some drops of water. Anyway, the little parrot could not stop his work for helping other animals. In fact, Gods becomes happy looking at courage, service and love of the little parrot to other animals.

One God in the form of golden eagle comes to the earth and stands near to the parrot. He also advises the little parrot to save his life and leave his effort because his task is hopeless. But the little parrot continues and replies that he needs proper suggestion and help in such situation. The God feels mortified. He begins to weep and appreciate the work of the little parrot. He even promises to help him. Then, the stream of tears pours from his eyes so that flames die and smoke begins to clear. At last, with the bless of god, everything in the forest changes. All animals of the forest get a new life, peace and happiness out of such dangerness, sufferings and pain.

Application of Four Levels

1. Literal Comprehension:

This story shows that the Buddha was born like a little parrot. Suddenly, there is the storm and firing in the forest where little parrot used to live. Looking at terrible situation, the parrot flies in the sky wit the help of his fathers in order to save his life. Meanwhile he looks at down where hundreds of animals are trapped and in danger of dying. Then, he wants to save their life so that goes to river time and again and drops the small amount of water on the fire. He tries a lot but no effect happens due to dangerous fire. However, he continues his effort with bravery and service. Gods become surprise on his work and one God in the form of eagle comes down to the earth and being closer to the parrot advises to leave such effortless try and save his own life. But parrot replies that he does not need any advice in such situation rather only help. Listening and looking such bravery and humanity of parrot, the God starts weeping appreciating the effort of the parrot. Fortunately, the storm of tears starts coming down from the eyes of the God and within a few times, the seriousness of the forest is solved stopping the fire. Then, all animals in the jungle feel their new life with full of peace and happiness.

2. Interpretation:

The story "The Brave Little Parrot" can be interpreted as an advice to us how we should be conducting our own life. It teaches us that benevolence, self- service and bravery are essential for meaningful life. We can be successful even in difficult or challenging situation, if we continue our tireless brave efforts. In addition, this story gives necessary stress on courage and confidence to have success in life. A single poor creature, little parrot, saves all other creatures and the struggle for a noble cause has been supported even by God. So, nobility and kindness are always admired. We should also think about the result of our work before deeds. Right decision with right effort can lead to a successful achievement and happy life. Therefore, the story moralizes us that we must have faith on our work. If we respect and help others, we are also respected and helped by them. In short, if we adopt the way of the little parrot, we can reach in our destination with successful remark.

3. Critical Thinking:

This story says that courage is the secret of happiness. It is the man's surest weapon against all kinds of dangers and problem. Besides, this story gives knowledge on the moral theme of love to the all creatures of the world. It also teaches us the importance of bravery, selfless social service and benevolence. These ideas are admirable as well as moral in the society where we live in. However, some of the ideas in the story are less convincing. Was Buddha really born like the little parrot? How can tears stop the fire? Is it true the God appears in the form of golden eagle in the earth? Is it possible for a bird or other animal to speak like a human being? Is it possible for a man to reborn as a parrot or god as an eagle? Are there really god? Do they really come to help us as when we are in critical or difficult stage?

4. Assimilation:

After reading this story, I believe that God loves him/her who loves all living creatures. It also shows the significance of humanity. Last year I had gone to my house. I found a woman in the village very sick. Since her family was too poor, she used to suffer a lot. Looking at such pitiable condition, I collected the donor from all families in the society and she was recently sent to hospital. Within two hours after treating her health, she became normal and started her usual work. All people praised me. Then, I have been giving continue to help as well as keep on such social service.

(Bastakoti, (2007). A Combined Guide To Compulsory English. Kathmandu: Kalyani Prakshan)