None Ofyourbusiness Loves Israel's Reviews > Kalila and Dimna

Kalila and Dimna captivates readers with its blend of animal fables that brim with wit and sagacity. Originating from translation from Arabic into ancient Sanskrit, these tales artfully employ animals as proxies to convey intricate moral lessons and human emotions. In the delightful story of "The Tortoise and the Geese," a loquacious tortoise, unable to heed sound advice, meets an amusingly tragic end while airborne.

These wonderful fables capture the essence of folly and virtue. The machinations of the jackals, Kalila and Dimna, in "The Lion and the Bull" explore themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the perils of ambition. The linguistic flair shines through, infusing each tale with a sophistication that appeals to both the young and the old. The seamless integration of puns and wordplay enriches the text, offering a multilayered reading experience.

Beyond its entertainment value, "Kalila and Dimna" holds an esteemed place in literary heritage across cultures through countless translations. The work provides sagacious reflections on morality and wisdom that transcend time by transforms the antics of animals into a mirror of our own lives, inviting readers to ponder and learn from the foibles and triumphs of these eloquent creatures. As wisely noted, "A wise man learns from the mistakes of others."

Originally penned in the 8th century, I understand that this is a seminal work in Islamic culture. Renowned for its rich moral and political lessons, this collection of fables played a crucial role in educating princes and civil servants about virtues such as wisdom, loyalty, and the pitfalls of deceit. Its widespread popularity ensured its preservation and dissemination across the Muslim world, cementing its place in the cultural and intellectual heritage. The book exemplifies the transmission of knowledge between civilizations, originating in Sanskrit and reaching global audiences, highlighting our shared quest for wisdom and understanding. It's wonderful to see this erudite, peaceful and profound side of a religion that is too often hijacked by the despicable loud murderous extremist voices.

"...Once upon a time a group of monkeys lived on a mountain. When the king of the planets went off into the west and the world was covered in darkness, the north wind launched an attack on the monkeys. The poor things, shivering from the cold, were looking for refuge when they spied a firefly and thought it was a fire. They heaped kindling on it and blew on it. A bird called out from a tree opposite and said, “That isn’t fire.” Of course they paid no attention to it. Just then a man arrived and said to the bird, “Don’t bother. They won't believe you, and you are giving yourself unnecessary trouble. To attempt to reform such persons is like testing a sword on a stone or hiding sugar under water.” The bird did not listen to him and flew down from the tree to make the monkeys understand about the firefly. They grabbed it and ripped its head off..."

"...The Brahman said, “Usually friendship and enmity are not permanent and are caused by some turn of fate. They are like springtime clouds: sometimes they rain and sometimes the sun shines through them, and they have no great permanence. Women’s agreeability, a ruler’s intimacy, a madman’s kindness, and an adolescent's beauty all have the same quality and should not be counted on for permanence. Many is the friendship that has flourished in all kindness and unity and lasted for a long time when suddenly the evil eye strikes and it is changed to enmity and grievance, and many an ancient enmity and hereditary hatred have disappeared with one kind act and turned into firm friendship and affection. An enlightened person of intelligence will put the Prophet’s words into practice in both cases: “Love your friend gently, for one day he may be your enemy. Hate your enemy gently, for one day he may be your friend.’ Do not neglect to accommodate your enemy and do not give up hope of friendship with him; do not rely totally on every friend or have confidence in his fidelity, and do not ever think you are safe from the machinations of fate. A foresighted person will consider an enemy's request for a truce to be a golden opportunity since it may ward off harm and have benefits for all the reasons stated. Anyone who keeps all these things in mind and watches out for his own best interests will sooner gain his objective and have good fortune and felicity..."