Summary and analysis of The Brave Little Parrot (Source: Buddhist Legend)
About the Author Rafe Martin
Rafe Martin (1946 -) was born in New York, America. He is
one of the influential critics as well as story writers in the contemporary
time. As morning shows the day, he spent most of his childhood up in treetops
with a good story. When he was in grade six, he discovered Moby Dick, and read
it over and over. He has published a number of short stories in the academic
field.
Summary of The Brave Little Parrot by Rafe Martin
‘The Brave Little Parrot’ is a popular story by Rafe Martin.
This story is based on a Buddhist legend. It is a mythological as well as a
moral story. This story tells us that selfless social service, bravery, and
benevolence are the key to a meaningful life. Furthermore, it encourages us
that if we continue our tireless effort, of course, we can be successful in the
coming days.
The Buddha was born as a little parrot. The little parrot
used to live in a dense forest. One day, a storm fell upon the forest; as a
result, lightning flashes and sparks caught the tree. All the wild animals are
in danger because of the widespread fire in the forest. Out of then, a little
parrot flies with the help of wings to save his life.
When the little parrot flies to save his life, he looks at
the terrible scene where hundreds of animals are trapped by the fire and are
going to die. It is because they could not fly like birds. The little parrot
decides to save them from such danger. For that, he uses his creative mind. He
flies to the river, plunges into the river, comes out and shocks his body, and
releases some drops of water. However, the fire could not be controlled by a
few drops of water. Anyway, the little parrot could not stop his work of
helping other animals. Gods become very happy looking at the courage, service,
and love of the little parrot to other animals.
One God comes to the earth in the form of a golden eagle and
stands near the parrot. He advises the little parrot to save his life and leave
his effort because his task is hopeless. But the little parrot continues and
replies that he needs proper advice and help in such a situation. God feels
ashamed. He begins to weep and appreciates the work of the little parrot. He
even promises to help him. Then, the stream of tears pours from his eyes so
that flames die and smoke begins to vanish. At last, with the blessing of God,
everything in the forest changes. All animals of the forest get a new life,
peace, and happiness out of such dangers, suffering, and pain.
Application of Four Levels of The Brave Little Parrot
Literal Comprehension
This story shows that the Buddha was born like a little parrot. Suddenly, there is a storm and firing in the forest where the little parrot used to live. Looking at the terrible situation, the parrot flies in the sky with the help of his feathers to save his life. Meanwhile, he looks down where hundreds of animals are trapped and in danger of dying.
Then, he wants to save their life so he goes to the river time and again and drops the small amount of water on the fire. He tries a lot but no effect happens due to the dangerous fire. However, he continues his effort with bravery and service. Gods become surprised at his work and one God in the form of an eagle comes down to the earth and being closer to the parrot advises him to leave such effortless try and save his own life. But the parrot replies that he does not need any advice in such a situation but rather only help.
Listening to and looking at
such bravery and humanity of the parrot, God starts weeping to appreciate the
effort of the parrot. Fortunately, the storm of tears starts coming down from
the eyes of God and within a few times, the dangerousness of the forest is
solved by stopping the fire. Then, all animals in the jungle feel their new
life full of peace and happiness.
Interpretation
Though this story is based on Buddhist legend, it is equally
moral, too. It teaches us that benevolence, self-service, and bravery are
essential for a meaningful life. We can be successful even in challenging
situations if we continue our tireless brave efforts. In addition, this story
gives necessary stress on courage and confidence to have success in life. A
single poor creature, a little parrot, saves all other creatures and the
struggle for a noble cause has been supported even by God. So, nobility and
kindness are always admired. We should also not think about the result of our
work before deeds. Right decision with the right effort can lead to achievement
and happy life.
Critical Thinking
This story says that courage is the secret to happiness. It
is the man's surest weapon against all kinds of dangers and problems. Besides,
this story gives knowledge on the moral theme of love to all creatures of the
world. It also teaches us the importance of bravery, selfless social service,
and benevolence. These ideas are admirable as well as moral in the society
where we live in. However, some of the ideas in the story are less confusing.
Was Buddha really born like the little parrot? How can tears stop the fire? Is
it true that God appears in the form of the golden eagle on the earth?
Assimilation
After reading this story, I believe that God loves him/her
who loves all living creatures. It also shows the significance of humanity.
Last year I had gone to my house. I found a woman in the village very sick.
Since her family was too poor, she used to suffer a lot. Looking at such a
pitiable condition, I collected the donor from all families in the society and
she was recently sent to a hospital. Within two hours after treating her
health, she became normal and started her usual work. All people praised me.
Then, I have been giving continue to help as well as keep on such social
service.
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"The Brave Little Parrot" can be interpreted as an advice to you about how you should conduct your own life. Please explain what this advice might be.
The story "The Brave Little Parrot" can be
interpreted as an advice to us about how we should conduct our own life. It
also suggests us that benevolence, selflessness, altruism and social service
are the symbols of bravery. It encourages that we have to love and help the
creatures in their need. In addition, courage is the weapon and secret of
happiness.
In this story, the little parrot follows the route of
humanity, altruism and courage. He keeps on continue to his offer in order to
save all living creatures who are trapped by the fires. Though Gods tell the
parrot to leave his meaningless effort, but the parrot continues it and finally
he becomes able to save animals' life with the help of God.
Therefore, this story moralizes us that we must have faith on our work. If we respect and help others, we are also respected and helped by them. In short, if we adopt the way of the little parrot, we can reach in our destination with successful remark.