In ‘The Saint and the Scorpion,’ discover a powerful tale of compassion and resilience as a monk saves a scorpion despite facing adversity.
Once, there was a monk traveling through the Himalayas. On a sunny morning, he reached a shallow river he needed to cross. As he was about to step into the water, he saw a scorpion struggling to stay afloat. Knowing scorpions can’t swim and seeing it unable to reach the riverbank, the monk decided to rescue it to prevent it from drowning.
So, the monk gently lifted the struggling scorpion in his left hand, planning to place it safely on dry land. But just as he was about to do so, the scorpion suddenly stung his finger and quickly scurried back into the water. It continued struggling to get out. Despite the pain in his left hand, the monk remained calm, soothing it with his right hand.
Keeping in mind that the scorpion might die, the monk switched to using his right hand to lift it out of the water. But the scorpion panicked and stung him again. It quickly slipped from his grasp and fell back into the river, continuing to struggle. Now, both of the monk’s hands were throbbing with intense pain.
Undeterred, the monk persisted in his rescue mission. He carefully gathered the scorpion in his hands and swiftly placed it onto dry land before it could react. The scorpion disappeared among the pebbles near the riverbank, and the monk felt a surge of happiness, knowing he had saved its life through his determination. He believed the pain he endured was worth it.
Unnoticed by the monk, a man who had witnessed the entire event approached him. Surprised and puzzled, he asked, “May I ask you a question?”
“Of course,” replied the monk.
The man shared his thoughts, saying, “Firstly, I don’t see the point in saving a scorpion. It doesn’t benefit anyone and is generally seen as harmful. Secondly, if your intention was kindness or compassion, one attempt should have been enough. I’m surprised you kept trying after it stung you so ungratefully. Can you explain why you didn’t just squash it after that?”
The sage responded, “Well, it’s quite simple, my dear. You see, a scorpion’s nature is to sting, cause pain, panic, and harm others. They’re not known for being kind or compassionate. They’re considered weak. On the other hand, as a monk, it’s my duty to spread love, kindness, and compassion wherever I go. I’m supposed to be strong in my values, principles, philosophy, ethics, lifestyle, and mindset. I aim to uplift and transform others. Do you agree?”
The young man agreed with the monk’s words.
The monk continued, “So, when a tiny, weak creature like a scorpion doesn’t change its nature, should I, as a sage, abandon my virtuous conduct and principles? Am I so weak that a stingy creature can change me? The scorpion acted according to its nature, and I acted according to mine. My duty is to help any creature, whether human or animal, and that’s what I did.”
The man bowed down before the monk, grateful for the wisdom he had shared.
The Saint And The Scorpion – Moral Of The Story
The Saint and the Scorpion teaches us that true compassion isn’t about expecting gratitude or positive outcomes. Despite being stung, the monk continued to save the scorpion, showing kindness without conditions. This story reminds us to stay true to our values, even when faced with negativity or hardship.
Like the monk, we should strive to be kind and empathetic, no matter how others respond. By choosing compassion over resentment, we not only stay true to ourselves but also help make the world a better place.
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
— Aesop
The Saint And The Scorpion – Lessons And Application To Our Lives
The story of The Saint and the Scorpion offers powerful lessons that can guide us in our daily lives. Here’s how we can apply them in a meaningful way:
Compassion And Empathy :
This story reminds us that true compassion isn’t about who “deserves” it. The monk didn’t help the scorpion because he expected kindness in return. He helped because that’s who he was. Even when life stings us – through difficult people or unkind situations – we can still choose to respond with empathy and kindness.
Staying True to Our Values:
It’s easy to be kind when things are going well, but what about when we’re challenged? The monk stayed true to his values, even when the scorpion made it difficult. This teaches us that our principles shouldn’t change just because others don’t appreciate them. Being kind, honest, or forgiving shouldn’t depend on how others behave. It should reflect who we are.
Understanding Others Instead of Reacting:
The monk understood that the scorpion stings because that’s its nature. Instead of reacting with anger, he chose understanding. In the same way, accepting people for who they are can help us respond with patience instead of frustration. When we recognize that others act based on their own experiences, we become more empathetic and less reactive.
We can apply these lessons in our relationships, careers, and daily interactions. When we choose compassion, persistence, and integrity, we create a more understanding and kinder world – starting with ourselves.
“Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are.”
— Harold S. Kushner
What are your thoughts on this story? Have you ever faced a situation where you had to choose between reacting and understanding? Share your experiences in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!
