Once, there was a monk who lived in a monastery deep in the forest. One day, he went out to collect firewood and accidentally stepped on a snake, injuring it. The snake was in great pain and slithered away, leaving a trail of blood behind.
Feeling remorseful, the monk followed the snake and found its nest. He saw that the snake had several young ones to care for, and he felt even worse for causing the snake so much pain. So the monk decided to stay with the snake and tend to its wounds until it healed.
Days turned into weeks, and the monk continued to care for the snake, bringing it food and water and tending to its injuries. Eventually, the snake’s wounds healed, and it became strong and healthy again. The monk was pleased to see the snake doing well and was about to leave when the snake spoke to him.
“Thank you for your kindness and compassion,” the snake said. “I was once a human, just like you. But I made many mistakes in my past life and was reborn as a snake. You have shown me that even a lowly creature like me can receive love and care from others.”
The monk was amazed to hear the snake speak and asked how he could be reborn as a human again. The snake replied, “You must cultivate good deeds and practice compassion and kindness towards all beings. Only then will you be able to attain enlightenment and be reborn as a human again.”
The monk was inspired by the snake’s words and promised to follow its advice. He then left the forest, determined to live a life of kindness and compassion towards all beings, just as he had shown towards the snake.
This story teaches us about the Buddhist principles of compassion, kindness, and the potential for rebirth based on one’s actions. It also highlights the interconnectedness of all beings, regardless of their form or status.