In this week’s Jataka Tale highlight, we visit a parrot who stays faithful to his fig tree through every season, year after year. When the king of the gods, Shakra, witnesses this unwavering loyalty in comparison to other birds who only seek the tree when it suits their needs, he decides to test the parrot's loyalty. After Shakra destroys the tree and encourages the parrot to leave, the parrot refuses, proclaiming that a true friend does not abandon another even when they can offer nothing. Touched by this display of loyalty, Shakra grants the parrot one wish: to restore his friend to health.

Buy The Parrot and the Fig Tree Here

“Why do you, all alone, cling to this tree that will never bloom again?” (The Parrot and the Fig Tree, p. 14).

“Since ancient times, friends have been content to support each other through good times and bad. They know how to be faithful, and never forget to be good to one another,” (The Parrot and the Fig Tree, p. 15).

The Endurance of Care

Caring for others is as much about our actions toward them as it is about how we navigate our own journey through life. When we nurture a spirit of care, we often find ourselves drawn to qualities we want to share with the world. Take, for example, the parrot who showed remarkable endurance in caring for his friend. He understood that true friendship remains steadfast, even when others can’t always offer something in return. Endurance isn’t just about physical strength and taps into our emotional reserves. Sometimes, showing care means pushing beyond our limits, accessing resources we didn’t know we had. Genuine care requires commitment, even when it’s tough. The parrot’s unwavering support is a powerful reminder that true caring extends into all aspects of our lives, guiding us to be loyal and supportive, especially when those we love need us the most.

For more on the subject, feel free to explore Caring and the different ways this kind of dedication can manifest for yourself and others.

REMINDER: Upcoming Fundraiser – Fall Harvest Celebration!

We’re thrilled to invite you to our 2nd Annual Harvest Celebration at Ratna Ling! Join us on October 6th, 2024, for an afternoon of music, garden tours, and a delicious Ratna Ling vegetarian dinner. Your support will help us buy organic fertilizer, compost, and plant starts. If you can’t attend, you can still donate and receive a special gift for donations of $200 or more. Thank you for being part of our community and supporting our efforts in Regenerative Agriculture!

Upcoming Retreat – What Is The Story You Have To Tell?

Join us for another Sonoma County Writers Camp with Elizabeth Stark and Ellen Sussman! This retreat is designed to infuse your writing with creative energy and help you explore the story you are meant to tell. Embrace this opportunity to tap into your deep knowledge, find your unique voice, and celebrate your personal passions and obsessions. Discover how mindfulness can deepen your creative work and develop scenes and stories that captivate readers.