Manusya, Journal of Humanities
Publication Date
2008-01-01
Abstract
The Hare and the Tortoise Part II: We do not race anymore won the ?7 Book Awards? of 2005 as the best work of children?s literature. This book borrows its plot from a well-known Aesop?s fable and creates some new content and philosophy. Instead of ignorantly running a race against the aggressive Hare, the Tortoise refuses to compete but rather walks slowly and happily to his destination. In addition to the plot from Aesop?s fable, the writer H. Nikhooky applies Buddhist doctrines with regard to defilements, i.e., lust, greed, anger, and delusion, as well as the Four Sublime States of Mind or the ?Brahm-Vihara4?, i.e., kindness, compassion, sympathy, and equanimity in the many episodes during the long journey of the Tortoise family. Also, the book suggests that the best way of bringing people and the world to real happiness is through gratitude, forgiveness, consciousness, wisdom and sufficiency. Though this book was written as a piece of children?s literature, it provokes the reader?s thoughts about the real world in which we live: a world full of competition in which winners like the arrogant Hare in this book are proud and happy to beat the losers. The Tortoise, on the other hand, leads us to realize that winning over oneself is the best and most beautiful way to lead our lives.
First Page
102
Last Page
113
Recommended Citation
Sujjapun, Ruenruthai
(2008)
"Wisdom from the Tortoise,"
Manusya, Journal of Humanities: Vol. 11:
No.
15, Article 8.
Available at:
https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/manusya/vol11/iss15/8