There was a monkey who lived in a tree, by the river. One day, the monkey saw a fish swimming in the river and thought the fish was struggling. Feeling compassionate, the monkey resolved to save the fish. It swiftly climbed down the tree, reached out, and grabbed the fish from the water. It then climbed back up and laid the fish on a tree branch. There, the fish flapped violently and soon died. The monkey was puzzled. He had only wanted to help.
This story highlights a fundamental idea about different perspectives, environments, and misunderstanding.
The monkey, being a land dwelling creature, interrupted the fish’s swimming as struggling or suffering because it judged the situation based on its own environment and experience. It saw the fish being underwater, not breathing air, and assumed that the fish was in peril. In its well-intended efforts to help, it took the fish out of its natural environment and put it into its own environment. And the fish died.
The monkey had the best of intentions but was driven by his limited understanding of the fish's existence. And it led to the fish's demise!
This parable encourages us to develop a deep sense of understanding and empathy for the diverse perspectives and needs of different beings, recognizing that we each have our own unique way of being in the world.
Often with even the best intentions, we impose our views and ways of thinking on others, without considering their needs or requirements. If we only look at others on the surface and don't take the time to dig deeper, we may give them poor advice.
This is the pitfall of cultural insensitivity.
As we humbly interact with others, we must realize there is danger in presuming we have all the answers or that our way of life is the only way.
We all have diverse perspectives. It's important for us to be curious about the perspectives of others, instead of hastily imposing our own views.
Before giving someone advice or sharing your views, get to know them and engage in a dialogue that creates mutual understanding.
JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE SEEMS TO HAVE NEEDS
DOESN'T NECESSARILY MEAN WE KNOW HOW TO HELP THEM!
