Strategy If Surrounded by Many Rivals - Part 3

Strategy If Surrounded by Many Rivals - Part 3

The cat said, 'Why don’t you come up and enjoy? I will be your host. You have given my life back to me. Let’s be good friends forever. I am even willing to serve you for the rest of my life. That much is my gratitude to you.'

The mouse replied, 'Thank you so much. I know about this world very well. I know what friendship is for and what enmity is for. Any friend, at any time, can turn into your most bitter enemy. People come together and work together to get something done. But once the work is done, that’s it. You never know when this friend will stab you from behind.

There is no permanent friend or permanent enemy. People make friendships with you when they see some gain. The same people can become your worst enemies. You are a friend to someone as long as he thinks you are useful to him. Both friendship and enmity revolve around one’s own selfishness. No friend is permanent, and no enemy is permanent.

Never trust someone who is not trustworthy. Don’t blindly trust someone always, even if he is trustworthy. You have to be alert.

Even relationships such as mother, father, son, and brother are also selfish and circumstantial. If a son becomes a terrorist, don’t the parents give up on him and turn him over to the police—for safety, whether their own safety or others’? Even those relationships are not permanent.

You saved me, I saved you. The matter ends there. Where is the question of any obligation or you wanting to return my favour?'

The mouse continued, 'Even love between siblings, and between husband and wife, is driven by selfishness. Otherwise, why do brothers end up fighting? Why do husband and wife end up fighting? If you look into these fights, you will find selfishness. Each one is fighting for his own selfish gain.

This selfishness is always there, but it is covered up in formalities, niceties, and polished behaviour. When the need comes, this selfishness raises its head.

Someone becomes your favourite because he keeps on giving you. Someone becomes your favourite because he talks nicely to you. Someone becomes your favourite because he offers you physical help. When you stop getting these, the relationship also becomes less important.

Now, I know very well that your love towards me is only because your mouth is watering for my flesh. I am not a fool. For what other reason am I so lovable to you now? Everything changes with time. Why do you have to be courteous towards me now? There can’t be any other reason.

Friendship and enmity are like clouds; they keep on changing shape continuously. Having been my enemy for so long, if you can become my friend today, you can also become my enemy once again in no time.

There was a reason for us to come together. Now that the reason is gone, we better stay away from each other. By birth, we are enemies. We came together for some time for some reason. Now the reason is over, so we better return to how we always were.

When you got trapped in that net, you were looking around for food only. If you had found me then, you would have finished me. Then the situation changed for some time. Now you are free again and must be hungry again.

Your family is also very happy seeing us both talking so nicely to each other. They think that I will climb up the tree and come to you any time, making a good meal for them. They are also showing special affection toward you.

Now, you can call me smart or dumb—it does not matter. I am going to stay away from you. Anything else, if lost, can be earned back, but not life.

One has to always be alert. At least you can save yourself from the troubles you create yourself.'

The cat said, 'No, you are mistaken. I am a changed person now. My heart is full of gratitude for you. With your kind behaviour, you have changed me. Your act has influenced me so much that I am willing to give up my life at your call.

I have learned what is nobility, what is righteousness, and how to live a good life on earth.'

The mouse replied, 'Maybe you are truthful, sincere, and honest, but I can only remember what Shukracharya said:

When under common distress, the weak should ally with the strong with due caution, get his work done, and then separate himself from the alliance.

Never trust someone who is not trustworthy. Never over-trust anyone, even if he is trustworthy. Protect yourself always. Nothing else has value if you or your freedom ceases to exist.'

Knowledge Bank

What do Swastika and Reverse Swastika represent?

Swastika represents Aditi, the mother of Adityas (Gods). Reverse Swastika represents Diti, the mother of Daityas (demons).

Which yuga was Krishna born?

Krishna was born in the 28th Dwapara yuga.