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Hitopadesha Tales

Narayana Pandit’s “beneficial counsel” — fables of friendship, war and peace

The Hitopadesha (“beneficial advice”), compiled by Narayana Pandit, retells and extends the Panchatantra tradition in four books — gaining friends, losing friends, war and peace — each tale sealed with a Sanskrit maxim.

🦅The Blind Vulture and the CatBook 1 — Mitralabha (The Winning of Friends)Never give your trust or your home to a stranger before testing his true nature.🏺The Brahmin's DaydreamBook 4 — Sandhi (Peace)Do today's work before enjoying tomorrow's rewards, for castles built in the air come crashing down on the dreamer.🦉The Crows and the OwlsBook 3 — Vigraha (War)Speak the truth gently and only when it is needed, for needless harsh words make enemies for life.🦌The Deer, the Crow and the JackalBook 1 — Mitralabha (The Winning of Friends)A false friend flatters only to feed on you, while a true friend's wisdom can save your life.🐘The Elephant and the JackalBook 3 — Vigraha (War)When someone showers you with grand praise and sudden crowns, check the ground beneath you before you take a single step.🦁The Lion, the Mouse and the CatBook 2 — Suhridbheda (The Parting of Friends)The selfish value you only as long as they need you, so never thoughtlessly destroy the very reason you are valued.🔔The Monkeys and the BellBook 2 — Suhridbheda (The Parting of Friends)Face a fear and examine it calmly, for most terrors vanish the moment someone is brave enough to look closely.🐅The Old Tiger and the TravellerBook 1 — Mitralabha (The Winning of Friends)Never let greed persuade you to trust sweet words from one whose nature is cruel.🐟The Three FishBook 4 — Sandhi (Peace)See danger early and act, for foresight saves surely, quick wit saves narrowly, and waiting on fate saves no one.🫏The Washerman's DonkeyBook 2 — Suhridbheda (The Parting of Friends)Do your own duty well and do not take over another's, for meddling — even well-meant — earns blows instead of thanks.

Explore more: Puranic stories · Chanakya Niti · Bhagavad Gita