The Donkey Carrying the Statue of a God
One sunny morning, an old man put a beautiful statue on his donkey. For the village people the statue was very holy and precious. The man and his donkey set off for the big temple in the town. The little donkey walked slowly under the heavy load. Many people waited along the road and looked at them with curiosity.
When the town people saw the statue, they bowed down and prayed. Everyone stood at the side of the road and showed great respect. The donkey thought the people bowed to him, and he felt very proud. He said to himself, "What an important and strong animal I am!" Suddenly he slowed down, lifted his nose and started to bray. He did not want to walk; he stopped and greeted the people.
This proud behaviour made his owner very angry. The old man lifted his stick and hit the donkey's back lightly. In an angry voice he said, "Who do you think you are, silly donkey?" "These people do not bow to you, but to the holy statue on your back." When the donkey understood the truth, he felt ashamed and lowered his head. He forgot his pride and walked quietly on to the temple.
Pride in the rank and the worth of others only makes a person look funny. He who rides another man's horse soon gets down again.