In the present the crows attack the owls by day, and the owls attack the crows by night. The Buddha tells a story of how their enmity came about in the first age of the world when an owl was chosen for king, and a crow objected.  

1. Sabbehi kira ñātīhi kosiyo issaro kato,
Sace ñātīhanuññāto, bhaṇeyyāhaṁ ekavācikan-ti.

Over all my relatives, it seems, the owl has been made ruler, if I have permission of my relatives, I would speak one word.

This is the meaning: I speak after listening to you who made proclamation. Over all of my assembled relatives, it seems, this owl has been made king. But if I would have permission from my relatives, I would speak one word here, I would say something.

2. Bhaṇa samma anuññāto, atthaṁ Dhammañ-ca kevalaṁ,
Santi hi daharā pakkhī, paññavanto jutindharā ti.

Speak, friend, you have permission, all that is Dhamma and meaningful, although these birds are young, they’re endowed with wisdom and brilliance.

In this connection, speak, friend, you have permission, dear friend crow, you have the permission of all of us, whatever you would speak, please speak it.

All that is Dhamma and meaningful, speaking without letting go of reason and the words handed down by tradition, do speak.

They are endowed with wisdom and brilliance, the young birds are endowed with wisdom and bear radiant knowledge.

3. Na me ruccati, bhaddaṁ vo, ulūkassābhisecanaṁ,
Akkuddhassa mukhaṁ passa, kathaṁ kuddho karissatī ti?

Good luck to you, but I do not like the anointing of the owl, look at his face when not angry, what will it be when made angry?

This is the meaning: may there be good luck to you, but three times with the words of proclamation is the anointing of the owl, it is not liked by me. For now look at his face when his mind is content and he is not angry, I do not know what it will be when made angry, though in every way it is not liked by me.

 

last updated: November 2022