Listen to a story of the forest and the mountains. Listen to a story of arrogance and patience. This is the tale of a prince who learned that true flight is not fueled by strength, but wings are filled with understanding. This story revolves around a deep forest and a wondrous bird.
Prince Arjun lived in the kingdom of Amarapur. He was skilled in warfare, unparalleled in archery, and invincible in strength. But he had one flaw – immense pride. He believed that nature and its creatures were made only to bow before man. He would hunt in the forest and, upon seeing flocks of birds, would say, “If only I could fly too. These small birds are nothing. If I could ride a giant bird and conquer the sky’s dominion, that would be something.”
One day, a scholar from his court told him a tale written in an ancient scripture. “Prince, in this very dense southern forest lives a divine bird named ‘Garudraj’. It is so vast that a man can tour the sky seated on its back. But it only reveals itself to one who possesses boundless patience and humility.” Upon hearing this, Arjun’s arrogance awoke. “Patience? Humility? These are traits of the weak. I will subdue it with the power of my sword!” And the very next day, he set out for that mysterious forest.
The forest was dense and silent. The trees were so tall that the sun’s rays could not reach the ground. Arjun wandered for many days but found no trace of Garud. His food supplies ran out. His pride gradually began to turn into fatigue and despair. It was then that his gaze fell upon an old man sitting beneath a giant, ancient Banyan tree.
The old man was dressed in white clothes, and there was a wondrous peace in his eyes. Arjun said arrogantly, “Hey, old man, have you seen a giant bird in this forest? I have come to capture it.” The old man looked at him calmly and smiled, “Come to capture? No one can capture Garud, Prince. It chooses someone itself. You have a sword in your hand, but does your heart have that reverence?”
Arjun grew irritated. The old man continued, “If you truly wish to see Garud, then fulfill the first condition. In the deepest, calmest lake of this forest, a lotus blooms. Hidden in the roots of that lotus is a shiny, white pearl. Bring it. But remember, do not break the lotus. Do not touch its petals. Only bring the pearl.” This seemed absurd to Arjun, but he accepted the challenge.
The lake was extremely beautiful and peaceful. In its very center bloomed a pink lotus. Arjun thought, “This is so easy.” He jumped into the water and swam to the lotus. As soon as he grabbed the lotus stem and bent to break it, a strange thing happened. The lotus petals contracted, and it vanished into the water! Arjun was astonished. He tried again, but every time he acted hastily, the lotus disappeared.
Days began to pass. Arjun would sit on the lake shore, hungry and thirsty, just watching the lotus. One day, tired and defeated, he gave up his haste. He sat quietly, without any desire, simply gazing at the lotus. Then a miracle occurred. The lotus slowly bloomed, and the white pearl hidden in its rays began to glow. Gently, without touching the lotus, Arjun dipped his hand into the water and retrieved the pearl. For the first time, he had tasted patience.
He took the pearl to the old man. The old man smiled and said, “Good. You have learned the first lesson. Now there is a second condition. In this forest, there is a high cliff from where the entire forest can be seen. You must go there and sit for a full day and night. Without moving, without hunting, without speaking to anyone. Only listen, and only watch.” Arjun obeyed. Sitting on the cliff, for the first time, he heard the sounds of the forest – the rustle of leaves, the song of birds, the music of the wind. He saw how an old deer dies peacefully and how two deer settle their dispute without fighting. His mind became calm.
When he returned on the third morning, the old man was not there. In his place, atop the Banyan tree, with the first ray of the sun, sat the gigantic Garud bird. Its wings were shining like gold. Arjun’s heart filled with reverence. He himself knelt down. Garud said in a deep, sweet voice, “Rise, Prince. You have learned the lesson of patience and peace. Now you are worthy.”
Garud seated Arjun on its back, and they flew into the sky. Arjun saw his kingdom, rivers, mountains, and everything with a new perspective. Everything seemed so small, yet so important. Garud said, “See, your sword would never have given you this height. This height has been given by the patience and respect within you. The price of wings is not gold or silver, but a humble heart.”
Upon returning, Arjun was a changed man. He renounced his pride. He took a vow to protect the forest and began to behave humbly with his subjects. He never asked to ride Garud again, because he understood that true freedom lies not in external wings, but in inner peace.
And thus, Prince Arjun learned that the world’s greatest power is not in attacking or capturing, but in waiting, understanding, and giving respect. Everything in life has a right time, just like that lotus blooming. We cannot achieve anything by force or arrogance. A true blessing, be it knowledge, success, or flight, comes only to a humble and patient heart. This is the true price of wings.
So friends, how did you like this story? Have you ever lost something in impatience? Or gained something through patience? Please do tell us in the comments. If you liked this story, then please subscribe to our channel ‘Hindi Kisse Kahaniyan’ and don’t forget to press the bell icon so you stay connected with every new story. Share it with your friends and family. We’ll meet again with another new story. Namaskar!