FRAME TALE

Raghav Rao

Three monks are deep into a long journey, though they tread lightly, as if they have only just left.
The eldest offers to tell a story. The others must guess its meaning.
There is no true answer, he assures them, but he will offer his walking staff to the one that makes him laugh.

THE ELDEST MONK’S STORY

The Great Khan was a prodigious artist and fond of games. One day, he summoned his closest advisers to examine a painting. He asked them to describe what they saw.

“I see a heron tearing across a cloudless night sky, disappearing into the distance. This is a symbol of your continued grace.”

“I see three herons descending from the heavens. This is a blessing for the years to come.”

The princess, seated with a sleeping kitten in her lap, remarked, “You see nothing but yourselves.” 

“What do you see?” they demanded of her.

“The only thing there is to see: myself.”

THE LOUD MONK’S ANSWER

Mirror reflects

Monkey sees

Monkey Throw

Colors reflect

Man sees

Wonder Ponders

Man yes

Moneky no

Man guess

Monkey Know

THE QUIET MONK’S ANSWER

Eyes describe

Heart decides

Together examine

Stimulating colors

Poner cause

Determine effect

Answer truthful

Offense direct

Abuse colorful

The eldest monk gives his staff to the loud monk.

The three monks are now making the return journey. The eldest admits to having lied. His story has an undeniable truth. What is it, he asks.

THE LOUD MONK’S ANSWER

The princess can afford to be truthful.

The court knows that any request is an implied threat.

THE QUIET MONK’S ANSWER

When you think, it is for yourself

When you speak, it is for the room.

The eldest monk reclaims his staff, breaks it across his knee, and throws the fragments into the chasm below.