The Partridge, the Hare, and the Hypocritical Cat

In a dense forest, there stood a very large and ancient banyan tree. At the base of this tree, in a hollow, lived a partridge named Kapinjala. He lived happily, going out for food every morning and returning by evening. Once, when the rainy season began, food became scarce. In search of food, the partridge traveled to a distant field where he found plenty of grain. He enjoyed it so much that he decided to stay there for a few weeks. Meanwhile, a hare happened to see the empty hollow and decided to move in. After some time, the partridge returned and was shocked to see the hare living in his home. 'Hey, this is my house! You must leave at once,' the partridge shouted. The hare calmly replied, 'A house belongs to the one who occupies it. Since I am living here now, it is mine.' They started arguing fiercely. Finally, they decided to find a judge to settle their dispute. As they walked along a riverbank, they saw a cat standing on one leg with its eyes closed, appearing to be in deep meditation. The cat was chanting about non-violence and kindness to all living beings. The partridge and the hare were impressed and thought this holy cat would be a perfect judge. They approached the cat cautiously and told him about their problem. The cat acted as if it were very old and hard of hearing. 'Dear children,' the cat said softly, 'I am old and my ears don't work well. Please come closer and speak into my ears so I can understand your case.' Believing the cat's saintly act, the partridge and the hare moved very close to him. In an instant, the cat sprang upon them with its sharp claws and killed both of them for its meal. Their mistake of trusting a natural enemy cost them their lives.