THE HUMILIATED SNAKE
The story of the humiliated snake is a rich allegory that can be connected to the teachings of the Mahabharata, especially regarding ethical dilemmas and the search for balance between virtue and assertiveness. Below, we develop a narrative based on this intersection of themes.
In a dense and vibrant forest, there lived a snake that was once feared by all. Its hiss echoed through the trees, and no animal dared to cross its path. However, one day, a wise man passed by. Seeing it attack indiscriminately, he reprimanded it: "Why do you spread so much fear and destruction? It does not need to hurt in order to exist." Touched by the wise man's words, the snake promised never to attack again.
Over time, the animals noticed its change in behavior. No longer its usual aggressiveness, it became the target of mockery and attacks. Crows pecked its head, rats nibbled its tail, and even deer trampled on it without fear. Humiliated and wounded, the snake decided to seek out the sage again.
“O great master,” the snake lamented, “I have done as you asked. I have not attacked anyone else, but now I am mistreated by everyone.” The sage smiled gently and replied, “I asked you not to attack unnecessarily, but I never told you not to defend yourself. Learn to hiss to ward off those who wish you harm.”
This story resonates deeply in the teachings of the Mahabharata, where similar dilemmas are presented repeatedly. A striking example is Arjuna’s dilemma in the Bhagavad Gita. On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Arjuna hesitates to fight against his own relatives and friends, fearing that it would be unjust or cruel. Krishna then teaches him about dharma (duty), explaining that acting firmly for justice is not only necessary but also virtuous when done without emotional attachment or selfishness.
Furthermore, the Mahabharata contains stories involving snakes that illustrate similar lessons. The story of King Parikshit, bitten by a snake for a rash act, and his son Janamejaya’s subsequent attempt to exterminate all snakes in a mass sacrifice (sarpasattra), are clear examples of this. The sacrifice is interrupted by a sage who teaches Janamejaya about forgiveness and balance. This intervention reflects the importance of avoiding extremes—whether excessive aggression or absolute passivity—in order to achieve harmony.
Inspired by these lessons, the humiliated snake returned to the forest with a new posture. When the crows approached to attack it again, it raised its head and hissed loudly. The animals retreated in fright, realizing that it was no longer defenseless. However, true to its promise to the sage, the snake never again attacked without cause.
This transformation of the snake symbolizes the balance between compassion and assertiveness—a central theme in both the story and the Mahabharata. Just as Arjuna learned to fight for dharma without being consumed by anger or attachment, the snake found its middle ground: to protect itself without causing unnecessary harm.
The final lesson of this narrative is clear: true balance lies in the ability to act firmly when necessary, but always with moral and ethical awareness.
Whether in the Indian epic or in the forest of the humiliated snake, the human (and animal) challenge is to find that point of harmony between strength and virtue.
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