Ja 236 The Story about the (Deceitful) Heron
(Bakajātaka)
In the present one deceitful monk is brought to the Buddha, who tells a story of how a heron had stood in the water trying to fool the fish into believing he was no threat to them, only to be discovered by the king of the fish.
1. Bhaddako vatayaṁ pakkhī, dijo kumudasannibho,
Vūpasantehi pakkhehi, mandamando va jhāyatī ti.
That excellent bird, twice-born, resembling a white water-lily, with its wings both settled and calm, he meditates like a great fool. Lit: fool-fool.
In this connection, he meditates like a great fool, becoming like a great fool, Following CPD: abalabala, mfn. (accord. to Ct. abala + abala, āmreḍita- cpd.), foolish, silly. like some who are unknowing, he meditates alone.
2. Nāssa sīlaṁ vijānātha, anaññāya pasaṁsatha,
Amhe dijo na pāleti, tena pakkhī na phandatī ti.
You do not understand his character, unknowing, you praise him, This line is also found at Ja 175 Ādiccupaṭṭhānajātaka. this twice-born bird doesn’t guard us, because of this the bird does not move.
In this connection, this twice-born bird doesn’t guard us, this twice-born bird does not guard us, does not watch over us, he considers: “When will I make a mouthful out of these?”
Because of this the bird does not move, because of this the bird does not move, does not shake.