This Being Good in a Bad World

Have you ever been told:

• “That’s not how the real world works.”
• “Don’t be idealistic. Be practical.”
• “You can’t be a saint in a world of thugs.”
  

Often, we know what the right thing to do is — but we hesitate. Social pressures, financial constraints, or personal struggles hold us back. At such times, the parable of the parrot in the forest fire offers a powerful reminder.

The Forest Fire

In the Jataka tales, there is a story about a parrot living in a forest. One day, a massive fire broke out. Flames raged through the trees, and thick smoke darkened the sky. All the animals and birds began fleeing.

But the parrot could not leave. This was his home. 

“Is there nothing I can do?”, he thought.

Just then he had an idea. He flew over the lake nearby, and dipped his wings in the water. As he flew back towards the forest, the water dripping off his wings fell into the fire. But the fire was huge. The droplets hissed and evaporated as soon as they touched the ground. 

The World Watches and Laughs

The parrot continued to fly back and forth, between the forest and the lake. The animals running away from the forest noticed the parrot flying in the opposite direction. 

“You cannot put the fire out with your little wings. Run if you want to save your life. Don’t be foolish.” they scoffed.

“What will a few drops of water do in a huge blaze?”

The parrot replied: 

“When history is written, there will be three kinds of people:

• Those who started the fire.
• Those who watched the forest burn.
• And those who tried to put it out.

I want to be in the third group.”

The Universe Responds

The parrot continued to fly back and forth. The Gods were watching this too. They were quite amused at the little bird’s attempt to put out such a huge fire. But there was one God who was moved by the bird’s intentions. Indra. He brought down a heavy rain that extinguished the fire. 

The Fires Around Us

The parable speaks to us even today. Fires burn all around us — injustice, corruption, deceit, greed. And voices around us say:

• “If you don’t follow the trend, you’ll be left behind.”
• “No one cares about the product — it’s all about the packaging.
• “It’s not what you know, it’s what you show.”
• “Corruption is everywhere — keep your head down and take your paycheck.”
• “You can’t have a family and a career — you have to choose.”

Doing the Right Thing Anyway

Doing the right thing — even when it’s hard — is what dharma truly means. It plays out at many levels.

• Personal dharma: Nourishing the soul, even when the world urges us to chase status or appearances. Living each day with integrity — in thought, word, and action — even when it’s uncomfortable.
  
• Interpersonal dharma: Choosing authenticity in relationships, even in a culture flooded with pretence. Responding with honesty, regardless of what others bring to the table. Remembering that life is not about how others behave, but about your choices in response.
  
• Social dharma: Playing our part in addressing injustices or suffering. Offering our work, words, ideas, time — even if they feel small. Staying optimistic. Believing in humanity. Trusting that goodness ripples outward.

It’s not always easy. Sometimes we burn our wings in the process. We falter. But each day, life calls us again. Every sunrise is a fresh invitation — to listen to our inner voice, to choose the right path, and to trust that the Universe notices.

Reflection

Have you ever stood by your truth, your conscience, or kindness — even when it wasn’t convenient or profitable? We’d love to hear your story in the comments below.

References

• Discourse by Brahmakumari Sister Shivani
  
• Dutch International Storytelling Center (DISC) – The Bird in the Forest