Stories from the Hitopadesa: The Mouse and the Hermit

byIndira Rajagopal

The Hitopadesa is a collection of stories that teach statecraft and wisdom using simple parables. It is divided into four parts, each dealing with different techniques to be used in different circumstances. The fourth book, ‘Sandhi’ contains stories that teach us how to make peace and avoid conflict, war and destruction. Let’s look at one story from ‘Sandhi’.

Stories from the Hitopadesa: The Mouse and the Hermit

A king was listening to news reports from his courtiers. He was surrounded by his wise ministers and advisers. A reporter was telling him how a neighbouring king had honoured someone and elevated him to a higher position. The minister, listening to this, makes a comment:अिवचारयतो �