Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c8.1786

c8.1786

The rat said:—“There was a bhikṣu (one who lives on alms) named Cūḍākarṇa living in a house in my place. He used to eat only what was required to maintain life in him. He would cook his own food and keep the remains everyday in his kitchen. I used to eat that food and live. Then one day another Sannyāsin named Bṛhatsphik (Viṇākarṇa) came to this house. Every night Viṇākarṇa used to read the Purāṇas to Cūḍākarṇa. Cūḍākarṇa would sit and make a sound on the bow kept nearby to drive me away. The first time he did so Viṇākarṇa who was reading resented the interrupting sound and asked Cūḍākarṇa why he made it. He then explained that it was intended to drive away the rat coming to steal the food. I was forced to starve and I became lean and weak. Even rivers would go dry if there are no rains. Only those with wealth would have friends. Begging is a nuisance to others. Everywhere it is important to acquire good and faithful friends. When a good man is in danger only good men rush to help him. When an elephant falls into a pit it is always another elephant which comes to its rescue. Therefore I desire to make friends with you.”