法苑珠林 51.55

51.55

As the *Mahāsāṃghika-vinaya* says: The Buddha addressed the bhikṣus: “In a past age, at the foot of the Snowy Mountains, in an embankment of a winding mountain, there was a sunlit spot. A flock of birds gathered like clouds and discussed among themselves, saying: ‘Today we should select a bird to be our king, so that the flock will have respect and fear and not commit unlawful acts.’ The flock discussed, saying: ‘Good! Who should be king?’ One bird said: ‘We should choose the water-crane.’ Another bird said: ‘This will not do. Why? Its legs are tall and its neck is long; if any bird transgresses, it might peck our brains out.’ The flock all agreed. Another bird said: ‘We should choose the goose to be king; its colour is pure white, and it is respected by all the birds.’ The flock of birds said again: ‘This too will not do. Although its appearance is white, its neck is long and curved. If its own neck is not straight, how could it straighten others? Therefore it will not do.’ The flock spoke again: ‘There is precisely the peacock; its colourful feathers are pleasing to beholders. It could be king.’ They said again: ‘It will not do. Why is that? Although its feathers are beautiful, it lacks shame and remorse; whenever it dances, its ugly form is revealed. Therefore it will not do.’ One bird said: ‘Let the owl be king. Why? By day it is tranquil, and by night it diligently watches and protects us. It is worthy to be king.’ The flock all agreed. There was a parrot residing in a certain place who possessed great wisdom. It thought: ‘The way of the flock of birds is that they should sleep and rest at night and seek food by day. But the owl's way is that it does not sleep at night and sleeps much by day. If the birds attend and wait upon it on left and right, on guard day and night without sleeping, it will be a great misery. If I speak now, it will become enraged and pluck out my feathers; but if I choose not to speak, the flock of birds will suffer distress through the long night. I would rather have my feathers plucked than violate the right principle.’ It then went before the flock of birds, raised its wings with respect, and addressed the birds, saying: ‘Please listen to my opinion as stated before.’ At that time, the flock of birds replied in verse: