The Three Fishes

In a quiet pond lived three fishes named Anagatavidhata, Pratyutpannamati, and Yadbhavishya, along with many others.

One afternoon, a group of fishermen passed by the pond. Looking into the water, they noticed it was full of fishes, many of them large. Since they already had a good catch for the day, they decided to return the next morning.

“This pond is full of fish,” they said. “We’ve never fished here before. Let’s come back tomorrow and catch them all.”

The three fishes overheard the fishermen’s plan.

The first fish grew alarmed. He immediately gathered the other fishes and said, “We are in danger. Tomorrow the fishermen will return with their nets. I will leave with my family at once. I urge you all to follow me before it’s too late.”

The second fish agreed. “You are right, my friend. It would be foolish to stay here. I too will leave tonight.”

But the third fish only laughed. “Cowards!” he said. “This pond belonged to our ancestors, and it is our home. No harm has ever come to us here. Why panic because of a mere conversation? If death is destined, it will come no matter where we go. Let us stay and face it bravely.”

The fishes were divided. Some chose to stay with the third fish, while others followed the first two through a small outlet to another pond.

By morning, the fishermen returned as planned. They cast their nets over the pond and caught every single fish that had remained behind. None survived.

Those who had left with the first two fishes, however, lived safely in their new home.

Moral of the Story:

When danger is certain, wisdom lies in acting quickly, not in ignoring the warning. It means When you see a danger coming, act immediately.