The Humbling of the Golden Mallard
In a serene forest, there lived a group of animals who cherished their peaceful existence. Among them was a beautiful mallard duck named Suvikranta, renowned for his dazzling golden feathers. He was proud of his appearance and often boasted about his uniqueness.
One day, a wise old turtle named Kambugriva approached Suvikranta and said, “Dear friend, your golden feathers are indeed magnificent, but remember, true beauty lies in one’s character and actions.”
Suvikranta, dismissive of the turtle’s advice, continued to parade his golden feathers and revel in the admiration he received from other animals. His vanity knew no bounds.
Meanwhile, a group of jealous crows had grown resentful of Suvikranta’s pride. They hatched a cunning plan to humble him. One crow named Kapinjala approached Suvikranta and said, “Greetings, noble one. Did you know that your golden feathers are not as resplendent as they seem? There’s a lake deeper into the forest where even more splendid birds reside. If you truly wish to be the most beautiful, you must visit that lake.”
Suvikranta, intrigued by the thought of being even more magnificent, decided to embark on the journey to the distant lake. He bid farewell to his forest companions and set off on his quest.
After a long and arduous journey, Suvikranta finally reached the lake. But to his astonishment, he found no other splendid birds there. Instead, he saw his own reflection in the water. The realization struck him like a lightning bolt—the crows had tricked him.
Ashamed and humbled, Suvikranta returned to the forest, his pride replaced by a sense of humility. He sought out Kambugriva and confessed his folly. The wise turtle welcomed him with kindness and said, “Remember, my friend, true beauty comes from within. It’s the qualities of the heart that matter most.”
Suvikranta learned his lesson well. From that day on, he used his beauty to uplift others rather than to boast. He became a source of inspiration for the entire forest, sharing stories of his journey and the lessons he had learned.
And so, in the world of Jataka Tales, the story of Suvikranta, the golden mallard, remained a timeless reminder that true beauty is not merely skin deep, but a reflection of one’s character and actions.