Once, a rich man owned a strong bull, called Shaurya. He was well fed and cared for. One day, Shaurya saw a poster calling for the strongest bull in town for a reward. ‘This is the best way I can repay my master,’ thought Shaurya. The next day, in the competition, the bulls had to pull one hundred heavily loaded carts. The master got on Shaurya’s back and whipped him hard. “Pull! You dumb animal!” shouted the master. Shaurya was very saddened at his master’s words. He did not move an inch. The master was annoyed. “Master, your words hurt me. Have I ever troubled you? Why are you whipping me?” asked Shaurya. The master realised his mistake and apologised to his gentle animal. Henceforth, he treated the bull with karuna (compassion) and they won the competition.
Moral: Kind words can achieve what strong actions cannot.
