But the Guru felt pity for the animal.
'If that were the roar of a tiger, they would not laugh'
he thought. The thought put an idea in his head. At
home he had the gift of a tiger skin, given him months
ago. He had some friends bring the donkey to him. He
led the animal home, fed and watered it, then gently
laid the tiger's skin along its back. Back to the village
he led it and let it roam free.
The donkey was amazed. Everywhere he
went, now, a path was cleared for him. Women and children,
rushed from him screaming; the men cowered in corners.
Even the other animals kept their distance, jumping
out of the way in fear. Soon, the donkey was alone in
the market. Even his master ran when he saw him, but
he left those lovely piles of apples and carrots. Soon
the donkey was having the feast of a lifetime. It was
hard to understand because until today, he was beaten
if he so much as sniffed at the fruit and vegetables.
But the city was terrified. They had
to be rid of the dangerous tiger wandering round the
market. No-one was safe. They must drive it back to
the forest. The problem was to find a way and a meeting
was called to solve the problem. At the meeting, the
Guru had an idea. He would frighten the tiger and they
could drive it before them, back into the forest. So
it was agreed.
Soon the drum beats echoed round the
market place bewildering the poor donkey. This way and
that it turned, then beat a retreat as far into the
forest as it could, anywhere away from the noise. His
whole body shivered in a panic. He gave voice to his
fear in a loud, quivering bray. The hunters stopped.
They could not believe their ears. 'But that is no tiger.'
they shouted to one another. 'Surely, that is only the
vegetable donkey from the market.' Slowly they approached.
In a clearing, the donkey stood staring at them nervously,
the skin of a tiger hanging caught on the branch of
a shrub.
Slowly, the Guru soothed the frightened
animal, smoothing its head and ears with his hand. 'Remember,
the vegetable donkey' he told the people. 'He wore the
skin of a tiger, but he had only the spirit and actions
of a donkey.'
