The Root Of All Troubles -A Hindu Story-

This story from the Bhagavata, which Sri Ramakrishna narrated often, focus on the source of suffering. This tale put into play the Four Noble Truths from Buddhism: 1. Life is suffering. 2. The cause of suffering is desire. 3. We can put an end to suffering. 4. Following the eight-fold path.

Transcript

In a certain place, The fishermen were catching fish. A kite swooped down and snatched a fish. At the sight of the fish, About a thousand crows chased the kite and made a great noise with their coins. Whichever way the kite flew with the fish, The crows followed it. The kite flew to the south and the crows followed it there. The kite flew to the north and still the crows followed after it. The kite went east and west, But with the same result. As the kite began to fly about in confusion, The fish dropped from its mouth. The crows at once left the kite alone and flew after the fish. Thus, Relieved of its worries, The kite sat on the branch of a tree and thought. That wretched fish was at the root of all my troubles. I have now got rid of it and therefore I am at peace.