The Decorated Cow

Ramesh was very fond of decorating himself with new clothes, a turban, slippers, and a staff. However, he hardly ever worked and was of no use to anybody.

One day, his maternal uncle came to visit him. Ramesh immediately asked, “Uncle, what have you brought for me?”

“Ramesh, I have not brought anything for you, but if you come with me to my house, I will give you something,” said the uncle. Ramesh eagerly accompanied him. Upon reaching his uncle’s home, Ramesh was presented with a cow, which was gorgeously ornamented. “Take the cow to the market and sell it. You can spend whatever money you make as you wish,” instructed the uncle. “But do not hide from the people the one and only defect the cow has: it does not yield any milk,” he added.

At the market, many people were attracted to the beautifully decorated cow. However, when Ramesh disclosed the cow’s defect, nobody was willing to buy it. Some even laughed at him, which made Ramesh feel embarrassed.

As the evening approached and the market began to close, Ramesh returned to his uncle’s house, leading the cow beside him.

“Ramesh, I know the situation. You need not explain your failure to me. A cow that does not serve any purpose but simply looks gorgeous is of no value. The same is true for human beings,” said the uncle. Ramesh understood the lesson his uncle was trying to impart.