In a peaceful village, a merchant named Somu traveled from place to place with his two animals: a swift, proud horse and a steady, hardworking donkey. The horse was quite vain and believed it was far superior to the donkey. It often spent its time whispering complaints about the donkey to Somu.
"Master, look at that donkey! It walks so slowly that we will never reach the market on time," the horse would neigh. Somu, listening to the horse, would often scold the donkey for being sluggish. The horse would feel very satisfied with itself whenever this happened.
One summer afternoon, Somu had to cross a wide, rushing river. He was carrying precious silks and bags of grain. The donkey was heavily laden with supplies, and the horse carried only a light saddle.
As they reached the riverbank, the donkey, exhausted by the heavy load, sat down heavily to rest. The horse immediately turned to Somu and said, "See, Master? I told you! The donkey is lazy and useless. Now we are stuck here by the river!"
However, the donkey spoke up calmly, "Master, please listen. The river is flowing much faster than usual today. If the donkey's heavy bags fall into the water, everything will be ruined. Since the horse is taller, please move the most precious silk bundles onto the horse's back. That way, they will stay above the water level."
Somu realized the donkey was right. He carefully moved the heavy, valuable silk bundles from the donkey to the horse. The horse, feeling the sudden immense weight, trembled with fear. It had to walk very carefully through the deep water to keep the silk dry.
They crossed the river successfully. Somu patted the horse and said, "You were very brave to carry such a heavy load to save our goods!" But the horse felt a deep sense of regret. It realized that by constantly mocking the donkey, it had only brought a heavier burden upon itself.
Moral
Speaking ill of others behind their backs can often lead to your own troubles.
