A Crow was deeply unhappy with his life. One day, as he sat crying on a branch, a Monk noticed him and asked, “Why are you crying?” The Crow replied, “Everyone dislikes me. I wish I were someone else.” The Monk thought for a moment, then said, “I may be able to help you. But first, go and ask the Swan if they are truly happy.”
The crow flew to the Swan. The Swan shook its head and said, “No, I am not happy. My bright white feathers and long neck make me impossible to hide. Beauty doesn’t feel like a gift when it makes you easy to find. Surely the Parrot is happier than I”
The Crow sought out the Parrot and found him perched inside a beautiful cage. The Parrot sighed, “I am not happy either. People admire my vibrant colors and laugh at the voices I mimic, but I live my life behind bars. I wish I were free. Surely the Peacock must be the happiest”
So the Crow went to visit the Peacock. The Peacock said, “It is nice that people come to admire my bright colors, except I live in a zoo, a bigger cage but still not free. So no, I am not happy. You are free to fly anywhere you wish without restraint Crow. I wish I had your life!”
The crow returned to the monk, quiet and thoughtful. The monk asked, “What did you find?” The crow answered “I understand now. Every creature, no matter how beautiful or fortunate it seems, carries its own burdens. Gratitude brings peace, comparison only steals it.”