Foolish Tree

Long ago, two trees lived in peace and friendship in a forest which was full of wild beasts. Lions and tigers roamed freely in the forest and preyed on other animals. (According to the survival principle of this material world, "jivo jivasya jivanam"). After they had had their fill, they left the carcasses behind causing a foul stench all round. The forest was reeking with the smell. One day the first tree told the second tree 'Friend, these animals are such a nuisance! I feel suffocated by the smell. "The other tree also agreed that it was becoming difficult to live there. The first tree said "I can't bear it any longer. I'll drive these animals away." The second tree said, "Oh, No! Please don't! The wild animals protect us and keep men away!" But the first tree was determined. It said," But just imagine, how pleasant and pure the air will be. I'll do it. I'll drive them away." But the first tree was worried about the consequences. One night, shortly afterwards there was a strong breeze blowing and the first tree took this opportunity and it shook vigorously making a loud noise which awakened the animals sleeping beneath it. They were afraid to see the wild swaying of the tree and concluded that the tree is possessed and they all decided to run away from that place. The next morning none of the animals were to be seen and the first tree said "At last, I've got rid of those animals! Already, the air smells fresher." 

 

Many days passed.  Quiet and peace reigned in the forest. Then one day a cowherd boy passed that way chasing his calf which had run to this area of the forest. The boy was afraid that anytime a tiger may pounce upon him. But to his surprise he found that there were no animal footprints anywhere around. He went home and told his family about the discovery. The next day some of the villagers came there to look at this place and found that it will be easy for them to fell the trees there since there was no disturbance by wild animals. The second tree who was all the while observing this, then told the first tree, "You see what they are planning?  I had told you to let the wild beasts alone. "The first tree retorted" Don't be silly. I can frighten those men away, as I did the beasts." The tree again shook itself violently making a loud sound. The men weer not very much moved and they said that it is only the breeze rustling through the leaves. The tree tried again to shake more violently. Then one of the men suggested" Oh! it's nothing to worry about. We will cut down these trees and the wood will be useful for us."  At that point, the first tree became fearful and it pleaded to the second tree to help him. Then the second tree told him that it was too late and he had to bear the consequences of his action and that was the end of the tree. 

 

The tree's plans to drive away one miserable condition caused by the wild beasts, led the tree into another more miserable condition of being cut down by men. 

Prahlad Maharaj says in this connection (SB 7.9.17) :

 

yasmaat priyaapriya-viyoga-samayoga-janma-

shokaagninaa sakala-yonishu dahyamaanaḥ

dukhaushadham tad api duhkham atad-dhiyaaham

bhuman bhramaami vada me tava daasya-yogam

 

"O great one, O Supreme Lord, because of combination with pleasing and displeasing circumstances and because of separation from them, one is placed in a most regrettable position, within heavenly or hellish planets, as if burning in a fire of lamentation. Although there are many remedies by which to get out of miserable life, any such remedies in the material world are more miserable than the miseries themselves. Therefore I think that the only remedy is to engage in Your service. Kindly instruct me in such service."