The Two Fish and the Frog

In a large and beautiful pond, there lived two big fish named Shatabuddhi (possessor of a hundred wits) and Sahasrabuddhi (possessor of a thousand wits). They were very proud of their intelligence. In the same pond lived a frog named Ekabuddhi (possessor of a single wit). The three were good friends and spent their evenings chatting on the bank.

One evening, some fishermen passed by the pond. They noticed the abundance of fish and said, "This pond is full of fish. Let us come back tomorrow morning and catch them." The frog, hearing this, became worried and suggested to his friends, "Friends, did you hear the fishermen? We must leave this pond and find a safer place immediately."

Sahasrabuddhi laughed and said, "My friend, don't be afraid. Why run away just because of words? I know a thousand tricks to escape nets. I will hide deep underwater where no one can find me." Shatabuddhi agreed, saying, "I too know a hundred ways to save myself. We are far smarter than these simple fishermen. There is no need to leave our home."

But the frog was cautious. He said, "You may have many wits, but I have only one, and it tells me to leave. I am going to the nearby pond right now." The frog left that very evening. The next morning, the fishermen arrived and cast a huge net. All the fish, including Shatabuddhi and Sahasrabuddhi, were caught. They tried all their tricks, but the net was too strong. As the fishermen carried them away, the frog watched from safety and said, "Look at those who were too proud of their wits. My simple common sense saved my life."