In the heart of India, among sages and seekers, a tale was told that still speaks to the soul. It begins like this…
Once upon a time in a small village, there lived a snake who was feared by everyone. Whenever people came too close, he would strike with his fangs, and the villagers avoided the path where he lived.
One day, a swami passed through the village. The snake, as usual, prepared to attack. But the swami, calm and radiant, looked at him kindly and said, “My friend, it is not good to harm others. You should learn to live peacefully. Do not bite.”
The snake was deeply moved by the swami’s gentle words and promised never to bite anyone again. From that day forward, he became harmless.
But when the villagers discovered that the snake no longer defended himself, they began to tease and torment him. Children threw stones, and people kicked him as they passed by. The once-strong snake grew thin, bruised, and very sad.
Some months later, the swami returned and was shocked to see the snake in such a miserable state.
“What has happened to you, my friend?” he asked.
The snake replied, “Master, I did exactly as you told me. I no longer bite anyone. But now everyone hurts me, and I am suffering.”
The swami listened with compassion and then said gently, “I told you not to bite — but I did not tell you not to hiss. You should warn people to stay away, but without causing harm. To live peacefully does not mean to let others walk over you.”
The snake understood. From then on, he never bit anyone, but when someone came too close with ill intent, he raised his hood and hissed loudly. That was enough to protect him, while still keeping his promise of non-violence.
The Wisdom in this Story
This parable reminds us that kindness and non-violence does not mean weakness. We can live with compassion while also setting health boundaries. In fact, health boundaries is an act of compassion towards ourself.
It also teaches the importance of self-protection: acknowledging your feelings, expressing them, and standing your ground.
In life, as in this story, you should seek to respond without aggression, maintain gentle boundaries, and release the need to carry the pain of others’ actions.
Pause and Ponder
Take a quiet moment with your journal and consider:
- Are you allowing people to overstep your boundaries?
- Where in your life do you need to start “hissing” and stop “biting”?
- What step can you take this week to show yourself compassion by standing your ground.
A Gentle Reminder
Setting boundaries and protecting your energy can be accomplished with compassion. Every time you honour yourself without harming others, is a moment of growth.
Stories can spark change. May this one ignite your evolution.
