BoSt Dragon Stories

MONKEY AND THE TIGER ARE IN DISPUTE REGARDING GRASS’ HUE

(Revised by Bost)

The Monkey sitting on the thick branch of an ancient tree, oblivious of the midday sun’s heat, told the Tiger resting in cool comfort of the shadows below, with sure tone: “The grass is blue.”

The Tiger replied: “No, the grass is green, brown or yellow but never blue​.”

The ongoing discussion soon became heated again, but this time the two decided to submit the issue to arbitration, and to do so they went to see His Majesty, The Celestial Dragon, temporarily residing in the Mortal realm.

At the majestic mountain whose summit was permanently crowned with mist and white clouds, there in a huge cavern (cave), the mighty Dragon, at the conclusion of court, was resting pensively (meditatively), on his throne.

Out of the blue, the arrogant Monkey rudely barged into the cave and entered the large hall, with the Tiger close at his heels (chasing the Monkey), disturbing hence, The Dragon’s thoughtful respite.

The Tiger solicitously (concernedly), with apt supplication, bowed to his Sovereign and asked forgiveness for this intrusion. No apologies were offered by the Monkey; and after his cursory bow, he addressed the Mighty Dragon: ′′Your Highness, isn’t it true that the grass is blue?”​

The Dragon snorted but then, opening his eyes and affixing his hard gaze on the Monkey, replied: “True, the grass is blue”​.

The Monkey emboldened by this, rushed forward and with conceit, added: ′′The Tiger, however, disagrees with me and contradicts me on this very issue; this, annoys me to no end, so please Your Majesty, punish him”​

The Dragon simply nodded and then declared: ′′The Tiger will be, henceforth, punished with 5 years of silence”​.

The Monkey elated, jumped with joy and went on his way, stating to everyone he met, with sure conviction:  ′′I’m right, I’m right; the grass is blue”​.

The Tiger had at first meekly (quietly, humbly) accepted his punishment, but then he asked the Mighty Dragon: ′′Begging your pardon, Your Majesty, but why have you punished me; after all, the grass’s hue is green, yellow and perhaps brown or grey when its dead, but never ever blue?”​

The Mighty Dragon snorted his agreement: ′Indeed, the grass’s many hues are as you’ve stated.”

The Tiger, baffled, looked up at his Sovereign with questioning eyes that seems to ask: ′′So why is it then, Your Majesty had seen fit to punish me?”​

The Mighty Dragon, after affixing his hard gaze on the Tiger for a moment, eventually grunted:

Whether the grass is blue, or green is inconsequential; the punishment you’ve received is because, a brave, intelligent creature such as you should have known better than to have waisted any time arguing with a wily Monkey, bent on mocking, toying with you; and on top of that, coming forth with that question, to bother me.

The Tiger lowered his gaze shamefaced, accepting his just punishment; he was mindful from then on of the learned lesson:

The most futile effort one can make, is to argue with a fool or a fanatic who doesn’t care about reality, but only the victory of his beliefs and illusions. One should never waste time discussing matters or try reasoning with such obstinate being.

That type of individual (or group)will, despite stark evidence presented to them, lack the ability to comprehend (accept) veracity; then there are those who are blinded by ego, hatred and resentment, and the only thing that they want is to be right even if they aren’t.

When ignorance screams loudly, intelligence is muzzled (shuts up). One’s peace and tranquility are worth more.