Long, long time ago at a small village in Vietnam, lived an old farmer and
his water buffalo. Every day, the Farmer went out to tend and work on his paddy rice field. And every day, his Water Buffalo would patiently and laborously help his owner
pull the plow.
One day, while the Farmer and his Buffalo were plowing up the the rice field, a Tiger
was wandering out of the jungle and approached from a distance. He saw Buffalo was laborously and patiently pulling the plow and occasional receiving a strong whip from the Farmer. Tiger was totally
surprised, amazed and confused at the sight. He thought to himeself - "why a big and strong Buffalo would endure such hard labor without any complaints. And, why such a
smaller and weaker Human could control a strong Buffalo?" Tiger couldn't walk away without knowing why. So, he waited.
At noon time, the Farmer let loosed his Water Buffalo so he could also relax and have his lunch as well. Tiger took the opportunity to approach and talk to Buffalo.
- Hey, Buffalo! You are much bigger and stronger than the Human. Why do put up with all that hard work and still being whipped?
Wasn't upset nor showed any sign of shame at Tiger's remarks, Buffalo, while eating his meal, turned around and whispered into Tiger's ear:
- Even though the Human is smaller and weaker, he has Wisdom!
Tiger's curiosity grew stronger after hearing that. At the same time, he was puzzle for he didn't know what exactly is "Wisdom." He had never heard nor seen it before. So, turn around and ask Buffalo:
- What is Wisdom? How does it look?
Buffalo didn't know how to explain it to Tiger, so he just answered it plainly:
- Wisdom... is Wisdom! What's else? If you want to know, why don't you go ask the Human?
Could not walk away without satisfying his curiosity and knowing what exactly is Wisdom, Tiger slowly approached the Farmer and asked in proudly tone of voice:
- Hey Farmer! Where is your Wisdom? Can I borrow and take a look at it?
Thinking for a moment, the Farmer said:
- I left it at home. I have to go home and get it. If you like, I can even give you some.
Tiger was very excited when he hear that. The Farmer stood up and pretend to go home. He walked a few steps then stopped suddenly like he forgot something. He turned around and said:
- I can't go home. I am afraid that while I am gone, yo will kill and eat my Buffalo. Would you agree to let me temporary tie you up against this tree while I am gone? This way I could have the peace of mind to go home.
Because he was so anxious to know what is Wisdom, Tiger then agreed to be tied up
against the tree. The Farmer then found a long twisted rope and tightly wrap Tiger against the tree. After he was done, the Farmer then piled up around the tree, including
Tiger, with dried grass hay. The Farmer then started to burn the dried grass and hay arund Tiger. Fire grew
stronger and hotter. Tiger was stuck inside; all his fur was burnt. He screams, roars and struggle to free himself, but no luck. Buffalo, witnessing this scene,
could not hold his laughter. He laughed so hard that his upper jaw hit a rock nearby breaking all of his upper teeth.
Fire continued to burn; Tiger was burnt so badly. Fortunately for him, fire had burnt off the twisted rope. Tiger took the opportunity and ran off into the jungle
without looking back.
Until now, Tigers have stripe on their bodies. Those are burnt marks caused by the burnt rope.
