The Merchant and the Vultures

Once, the Bodhisattva was born as a vulture named Gijjakuta. One day, there was very heavy rainfall and Gijjakuta and his friends had to take shelter in a ditch. As night fell, the vultures and feeling pity, gave them fire and food to make themselves comfortable. When the storm was over, the vultures went back to their haunts but they did not forget the merchant’s kindness. They decided to show him their gratitude. So they started picking up jewellery and other precious things and dropping them in the merchant’s garden. When the king came to know about this, he got Gijjakuta caught. The merchant too was summoned and when the king came to know the truth, he released Gijjakuta and asked the merchant to return the fineries back to the owners.

The author of this story is unknown and greatly appreciated!