There was once a wealthy merchant from Magadha who often traveled overseas for trade. Before each journey, he would gather his family and ask, 'What would you like me to bring back for you?' One day, after asking all his family members, he turned to his pet parrot and asked, 'What shall I bring for you?'

The parrot replied, 'Do you remember the forest where you found me? In that forest, there is a giant pipal tree where many parrots like me live. Go there, tell them I am with you, and ask if they have any message for me. That is all I want.'

The merchant soon embarked on his voyage. After six months of successful trading, he decided to visit the forest as promised. He found the great pipal tree and spoke to the parrots, telling them what his pet had said. As soon as he did, one of the parrots on the tree fell lifeless to the ground, while the rest flew away without a word.

Surprised and disappointed, the merchant returned home and told his parrot what had happened. Upon hearing the story, the parrot in the cage suddenly had a fit, and within moments, it too lay lifeless. The merchant was shocked and hurriedly opened the cage door. To his amazement, the parrot instantly revived, flew out of the cage, and disappeared into the sky, leaving the merchant speechless and bewildered.

The parrot had cleverly used the message from its fellow parrot to gain freedom, showing the merchant that it had never lost its spirit or desire for the open skies.

Knowledge Bank

Is Bhagavad Gita an Upanishad?

Bhagavad Gita is called Smriti - Upanishad. It is a combination of both Smriti and Upanishad. Upnishads reveal the secrets of the universe. Smritis are rule books of religious life. Smritis do not give the reason behind a particular rule. The reason should be searched for in the Veda / Upanishad. Bhagavad Gita gives both the rule and its reason at one place. Hence it is called a Smriti - Upanishad.

What is the message of Astika Parva of Mahabharata?

A Brahmin should be friendly towards all living beings. He should be the protector of all living beings. Only a Kshatriya or the ruler has the authority to punish. Astika performed his duty as a Brahmin by stopping the massacre of serpents in Janamejaya's Sarpa yajna.