Two Frogs

This Jain text, titled "Two Frogs" and authored by the JAINA Education Committee, is a short, allegorical story designed to impart moral lessons.

The story begins with a group of frogs playing, and two of them accidentally fall into a deep pot of milk. The other frogs gather around, and after assessing the situation, declare it hopeless, advising the trapped frogs to accept their fate.

The two frogs inside the pot, however, refuse to give up and begin jumping with all their might. Their companions outside continue to shout, some criticizing their lack of care, while others urge them to conserve energy and surrender to their inevitable death.

Despite the discouraging calls, one frog, exhausted and in pain, eventually succumbs to the negativity. He stops jumping, resigns himself to his fate, and drowns at the bottom of the pot.

The other frog, however, perseveres. Driven by an unwavering determination to escape, he continues to jump relentlessly. Miraculously, his continuous movement churns the milk into butter. This butter provides a solid surface, allowing him to gain leverage. With a final, powerful leap, he manages to spring out of the pot to safety.

The amazed frogs outside, witnessing his escape, question him about his persistence despite their pronouncements of impossibility. The frog reveals a remarkable secret: he was deaf. He had misinterpreted their frantic gestures and shouts as encouragement, believing they were cheering him on. This perceived support fueled his determination and enabled him to overcome the impossible.

The text concludes with a powerful moral, drawing a parallel to the "power of the tongue" from the Book of Proverbs. It emphasizes the profound impact of words, both positive and negative. Encouraging words can uplift and help individuals persevere, while destructive words can wound, extinguish the will to try, and diminish a person's reputation and influence. The story serves as a strong reminder to be mindful of our speech, to speak words of kindness, praise, and encouragement, and to "speak life" to those we encounter.