Jamal and the Talking Bird

On a hot, dry day, Jamal, a skilled and patient hunter, searched through the rocky desert for a rare bird. This was no ordinary bird—it had bright, shining feathers like emeralds and sapphires, and its song was said to bring peace to anyone who heard it. For weeks, Jamal had chased this bird. He dreamed of catching it, not just for fame, but because it had become his obsession.

Finally, after many tries, Jamal found the bird caught in one of his traps. It struggled, its wings glowing in the sunlight. As Jamal approached, proud and excited, something unbelievable happened—the bird spoke.

“O wise man,” said the bird gently, “if you kill me, you’ll have one small meal. But if you let me go, I will teach you three great life lessons—lessons more valuable than gold, bringing true happiness and peace.”

Jamal was surprised. Though he was a man of reason, he was also curious. The bird’s promise seemed far more interesting than a simple reward. After thinking for a moment, he agreed.

The bird said, “I will tell you one lesson now, one when you let me sit on your hand, and the last one only after I’m fully free.”

Jamal carefully untied the bird. It hopped onto his hand and said:

**“Never believe something that sounds impossible, no matter who says it.”**

The bird warned that lies and false hopes are everywhere, and one should always use logic and reason.

Then the bird flew to a tall tree. From a high branch, it gave the second lesson:

**“Never regret what has already happened.”**

The bird explained that the past cannot be changed, and holding on to regret only brings pain. We must learn from our mistakes and move on.

Suddenly, the bird’s voice changed. It laughed and mocked Jamal.

“You fool!” it shouted. “If you hadn’t caught me, I would’ve shown you a treasure buried right where you stood—gold and jewels enough to make you rich forever!”

Jamal was shocked. His heart sank. He begged the bird to return and show him the treasure. But the bird only laughed harder.

Then it said, “You didn’t listen to the first two lessons. You believed an impossible story, and now you’re full of regret. Why should I give you the third?”

It explained that true wisdom requires understanding and self-control. Jamal had thrown away valuable advice for the hope of instant reward. Because of that, he had lost everything.

With those final words, the bird flew high into the sky, leaving Jamal alone and filled with sorrow. He now understood: the real treasure wasn’t gold, but the wisdom he had ignored.

**Final Thought:**

*A greedy heart cannot grow with wisdom, just like a dry land cannot grow seeds. True treasure lies in learning, self-control, and wise choices.*