SEC-S30W4 : Building a Fable | The story of the arrogant banyan tree and the flexible bamboo

The Story of the Arrogant Banyan Tree and the Flexible Bamboo

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Many years ago, a huge banyan tree stood tall in the middle of a deep forest. Its roots extended deep into the ground and its branches were so large that they wanted to cover the entire sky. Its pride knew no bounds as many animals and birds in the forest took shelter in its shade. Right next to that banyan tree, a slender, slender and flexible bamboo tree grew.

One afternoon, a gentle breeze was blowing. The bamboo tree swayed from side to side in the wind as if it were dancing happily with the wind. Seeing this, the huge banyan tree laughed in a tone of contempt. The banyan tree said in a very proud voice, "Oh bamboo, how weak you are! With a little wind, you tilt from side to side, bow your head. My roots are so deep in the ground that I have never learned to bow my head."

The banyan tree was very calm and humble, he did not get angry at all after hearing the banyan tree's arrogant words. Instead, he replied very calmly, "Banyan brother, I have no doubt about your strength and greatness. You are truly great and many find peace in your shade. But I do not consider myself weak, I bow my head to the wind because I want to be in harmony with nature. Perhaps you have not yet realized that flexibility is also a kind of strength."

Hearing this from the bamboo, the banyan tree came up with a ho ho. He mockingly said, "What kind of strength is flexibility? The one who bows his head is actually cowardly and weak. Learn to stand straight and proud like me. Only then will you understand what real strength is!"

The bamboo tree did not answer anything else and quietly lived his life according to the laws of nature.

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Several months passed. Suddenly, one summer afternoon, a black cloud approached the sky. It became dark all around. A terrible Kalvaishakhi storm began. The wind was so strong that the large animals and birds in the forest started running in search of safe shelter.

Realizing the intensity of the storm, the bamboo tree lowered itself with the speed of the wind. The wind blew over it with a loud roar. The bamboo almost merged with the ground, but it did not break. It just waited patiently for the wind to end.

On the other hand, the arrogant banyan tree stood upright with its chest puffed out as it naturally does. It did not agree to bow to the wind in any way. It tried to resist the wind with its huge body, but the speed of the storm kept increasing. At one point, the pride of the banyan tree was forced to admit defeat to this terrible force of nature.

The strong branches of the banyan tree started breaking with a rattling sound due to the strong impact of the wind. Still, he refused to bow his head. Finally, a strong gust of wind uprooted the huge branches of the banyan tree from the ground. The arrogant banyan tree crashed to the ground with a terrible sound. All its pride turned to dust in an instant.

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The next morning, the storm stopped, the gentle sun rose. The bamboo tree slowly stood upright again. All around was quiet. He looked and saw the huge banyan tree lying on the ground right next to him, with no life left. Its branches were broken and ruined. The bamboo tree sighed and thought that it was never appropriate to brag about its strength. With humility and flexibility, it is possible to overcome any difficult situation.

Moral of the story

Earth is the root of downfall. Flexibility and humility are much stronger than stubborn pride. A person who can adapt to adverse situations without being arrogant, survives to the end.