The Wolf Goes on a Fast

In a forest by the banks of the Ganga, a wolf lived near a rocky outcrop that jutted into the river. One day, the wolf fell asleep on the rock, and a flood came, transforming the rock into an islet. When the wolf awoke, he assessed his situation. The current was too strong for him to swim back to the forest.

“It seems today I have to go without food,” he mused. “People often fast for a day for religious reasons; perhaps I can consider this day a day of pious fasting.” Raising his voice, he proclaimed, “Gods, I undertake a solemn fast today. Be witnesses to my penance, and grant me the benefits that come from it.”

Unbeknownst to the wolf, the Bodhisattva was nearby, invisible to him. The Bodhisattva took the form of a goat and wandered about the rock. The moment the wolf spotted the goat, he thought, “I can postpone my fast for another day and feast on that goat!” He leaped to catch it, but the goat slipped away. The wolf searched every corner of the islet but found no trace of the goat. As a result, he was left exhausted and, above all, still hungry.

After his futile chase, he lay down again and said, “Listen, Gods, I continue in my fast.” At that moment, the Bodhisattva could not help but burst into laughter. “You hypocrite! Do you really think you can deceive the gods?” he roared.

Feeling ashamed, the wolf slunk away to hide.