In which today's story is an old one, from a place far far away
The Four Harmonious Friends, a Jataka tale (Bhutan)
One day a peacock planted a little seed.
Along came a
rabbit. She asked, “Can I help?”
“Yes”, said the peacock. "Please bring water." So the rabbit watered the seed.
Along came a
monkey. He asked, “Can I help?”
“Yes,” said the rabbit. "Please bring fertilizer." So the monkey fed the seed.
Along
came an elephant. She asked, “Can I help?”
“Yes,” said the monkey. “Please watch the seed.” So the elephant guarded the seed.
A seedling sprouted. A little plant grew. The little plant became a big tree. Beautiful fruit grew on the tree.
“I cannot reach the fruit,” cried the elephant.
“I can help,” said the monkey. He jumped onto the elephant’s back. “I cannot reach the fruit, either,” cried the monkey.
“I can help,” said the rabbit. She jumped on the monkey’s back. “I cannot reach the fruit either.”
“I can help,” said the peacock. He jumped onto the rabbit’s back.
The peacock
picked for everyone, and together they shared the fruit of the tree they had
grown together.
It is said
that when the story of the Four Harmonious Friends is told, auspicious events
will occur.

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