The Dilemma of Chinnayya
In the heart of the jungle, a farmer faces a moral quandary, guided by an aged sage to choose compassion over violence, echoing the timeless essence of life and coexistence.
Chinnayya, a farmer living in a village near a jungle, was returning home one evening after working in the fields when he saw a tiger caught between two trees that had grown closely together. The tiger was roaring in pain, and he thought he should kill it before it escaped and pounced on him.
The animal was struggling to free itself, and Chinnayya understood that he would have to immobilize the tiger to effectively use his sickle. He managed to grab hold of its hind legs with both hands, but at that moment, he realized that his hands were occupied, making it impossible to pick up the sickle.
Fortunately for him, a sanyasi happened to pass by. “You see my predicament, O sage! I can’t leave the tiger to pick up my sickle. Please take it and kill the animal for my sake,” pleaded Chinnayya.
“Oh, no!” the sanyasi replied. “One should not kill any living being. It’s the greatest sin!” Chinnayya, feeling desperate, suggested, “If you feel that way, at least do me this favor. Please hold the tiger’s legs while I retrieve my sickle and kill it.”
The sanyasi grabbed hold of the animal’s legs, and Chinnayya picked up his sickle. However, instead of attempting to kill the tiger, the sanyasi began to walk away. “Where are you going? You can’t leave without killing the tiger!” shouted Chinnayya.
Chinnayya turned around and said, “O sage! I’ve decided to heed your advice and not kill any living being. Why should I commit a sin by taking this poor animal’s life? Farewell.”