The Raven’s Realization: about Gratitude and Happiness

This story is for those who feel dissatisfied with their lives and believe that others are happier.

Once upon a time, a raven was deeply unhappy. He sat on a tree branch, tears streaming down his face. A monk, resting beneath the tree, felt a teardrop fall on his cheek. Looking up, he saw the raven crying.

"My friend, why are you so sad?" the monk asked with compassion.

The raven sighed, "No one loves me. People shoo me away in disgust. No one offers me food, and I feel hated everywhere I go. A life like this is unbearable. I would rather not exist."

Hearing this, the monk gently said, "We must learn to be happy with what we have." But the raven, lost in sorrow, did not understand.

The monk then asked, "If you could be any other bird, what would you choose?"

Overjoyed, the raven replied, "Oh, wise one, please turn me into a swan."

The monk nodded, "I can do that. But first, go and ask a swan if he is truly happy."

Excited, the raven flew to a nearby pond where he found a swan gliding gracefully.

"You are so beautiful, as white as milk! You must be the happiest bird in the world," the raven exclaimed.

The swan sighed, "Not at all. My white feathers feel plain compared to the colorful birds around me. I believe the parrot must be much happier than I am."

Curious, the raven flew to a parrot and praised its vibrant colors. "You must be the happiest bird!" he said.

The parrot shook its head sadly. "No, my friend. People cage us because of our beauty. I always live in fear of being captured. I think the peacock must be the happiest bird, for he is even more beautiful than me."

Determined to find the happiest bird, the raven searched for a peacock. After a long flight, he found one inside a zoo, surrounded by a crowd.

Once the people left, the raven approached the peacock and said, "You are admired by thousands daily! I get shooed away, but everyone comes to see you. Surely, you must be the happiest bird!"

The peacock sighed. "I once believed that too, but my beauty has trapped me. Because of my feathers, I am locked in this cage. People pluck them for decoration, and it pains me deeply. My beauty is my curse."

Surprised, the raven asked, "Then who is the happiest bird?"

The peacock replied, "I have observed the zoo carefully. The only bird that is free is you, the raven. No one cages you. You can fly wherever you wish. If I could be a raven, I would be truly happy."

Hearing this, the raven was stunned. He realized that he had never valued his freedom. For the first time, he felt grateful for who he was.

He returned to the monk and said, "Oh, wise one, I no longer wish to change. I am happy as I am."

This is the reality of life. We constantly compare ourselves to others, believing they are happier. But true happiness comes from appreciating what we have. If we stop comparing and embrace our blessings, we can be truly content.

The happiest person is the one who is satisfied with what they have.