Once upon a time, there was a young man named Androcles who used to be a slave living a dull life. One day, Androcles decided to escape from his master’s control and ventured into the forest. As he walked on the bushy path, a painful roar startled his steps.
Androcles carefully moved towards the source of the sound. In the bushes, he saw an injured lion! With sharp teeth and enormous claws that could easily tear apart prey, the lion was painfully curling up on the ground.
At first, Androcles was terrified, trembling from head to toe, and almost turned to flee. But he plucked up his courage and approached the lion, discovering that a huge sharp thorn had pierced deep into its front paw, with blood flowing continuously, making it suffer in agony.
Feeling pity, Androcles carefully pulled out the thorn, then washed the wound with water and leaves, and bandaged it to stop the bleeding. Finally free of excruciating pain, the lion slowly stood up and licked Androcles’ palm to show gratitude.
From then on, the lion brought Androcles back to its cave to live together. Every day after hunting, the lion would share its food with Androcles. Gradually, they became the best of friends.
However, good times did not last. One day, Androcles and the lion were cruelly captured by hunters. To entertain the emperor and his people, Androcles was to be thrown into the arena to be torn apart and eaten by the hungry lion!
The moment the lion was released from the cage, it let out a roar and charged straight at Androcles. Androcles closed his eyes in fear.
At this critical moment, the lion suddenly stopped and nuzzled Androcles’ face and palm affectionately with its wet nose, recognizing the person who had saved its life.
Seeing this incredible scene, the emperor and all his people were extremely surprised. Thus, the emperor immediately set Androcles free and also let the lion return to its home in the mountains.
What principles and lessons can be learned from the above stories?
This story tells us that in this self-interested world, a little kindness and compassion can go a long way, touching even those misunderstood and hurt. As long as we dare to reach out and care, we can dissolve hatred and create miracles.
