The story of the four harmonious friends in Bhutan

A story about friendship and respect. We should aspire to be like the four friends.

The story of the four harmonious friends in Bhutan

Once upon a time in a land far, far away (jungle near Varanasi), there lived four friends: a bird, a rabbit, a monkey, and an elephant. They lived together happily, in agreement that there was a lack of respect in the world, especially from the young to the old. Thus, they were determined to show each other respect, as per the tradition of the Dharma. 

The four animal friends lived by a big fruit tree. They wished to find out who was the oldest among them, and did so by measuring their age with the tree.

The elephant shared that when he was little, the tree was already fully grown, whereas the monkey remembered the tree when it was still small. Meanwhile, the tree was a mere sapling when the rabbit was still a little bunny, whereas the bird told the others that it had eaten the fruits near the tree, and then excreted the seeds that eventually grew into this tree.

Hence, they deduced that the bird was the oldest, followed by the rabbit, and then the monkey. The elephant was the youngest among them.

From this part of the story, we learn that respect does not necessarily belong to the biggest in size and strength. While the elephant was the strongest and largest, the highest respect was given to the bird because of its seniority.

And when we assign respect to one another based on age, using it as a measurement of the person’s life experience, it acts as a guide that maintains harmony in the community. Nonetheless, age is not always the best indicator of a person’s character and wisdom, which is why among the monks, respect is accorded based on the number of years a person has been ordained, and not the person’s actual age.

One day, the four friends decided to set out to make offerings and pay homage. Each of them carried the older one on their back. Thus, the elephant was at the bottom, with the monkey on top of it. The rabbit perched on top of the monkey, while the bird rested on top.

Picture credit: fpmt

The bird taught the other three friends to follow several moral conducts. They were not to take lives, not to take what wasn’t theirs, never to lie, nor to conduct sexual misconduct. Each of the animals guided the other animals of their own species to follow these values too. Soon, there was happiness and comfort in the world. 

At the same time, the king and his subordinates were under the impression that they themselves had earned the good times they were enjoying. In an attempt to learn the reason for their happiness, they sought out a hermit.

The hermit, who had clairvoyant abilities, related to his guests that the country was prosperous not because of the merit of the people, but because of the four animals in the forest who guarded the five tenets of moral conduct, influencing the other animals to follow the same path. The hermit advised the people to learn from the animals. 

As a result, most people of the area watched their moral conduct and were reborn in the deva realm after death.

Another version of the story

In another version of the story, only the bird was present in the beginning, and the tree was only a tiny sprout, thus the bird could easily reach the plant to gather the fruits for food. But as the tree grew, it became more and more difficult for the bird to get food, as it was unable to fly.

Then along came the rabbit. The rabbit would eat off the ground and lift the bird up so that the latter could reach the fruits. This way, they could both fill their stomachs. 

Sadly for them though, the tree continued to grow, and soon, the bird couldn’t reach it, even on the back of the rabbit. But fortunately, along came the monkey. The monkey climbed the tree and dropped the fruits on the ground for the rabbit and bird.

Nonetheless, this didn’t always work, because getting the fruit at the very top of the tree was a challenge, at least until the elephant came along. The elephant could easily reach the fruits at the top of the tree, so there was plenty of food for everybody.

The dynamics the animals shared worked because none of them were concerned about themselves and instead prioritised helping others get what they needed. On top of that, they were not shy to ask for help and receive help when they needed it. In this way, the bird behaved at the ideal since it was more vulnerable than the rest and needed the most help, but was not shy to ask for it. From these friends, we can learn the importance of interdependence. 

Origins of the story

This Buddhist tale is popular throughout Tibet, Mongolia, and India. It likely originated from Jataka Tales of the Buddha. According to some sources, the story can be found in the first section of the Kangyur.

No matter where the story first appeared, the values are long-lasting. May we aspire to emulate the four friends, helping each other selflessly, for friendship and with respect.



Related Posts

Enduring Values From The Tale Of The Four Harmonious Friends

A parable steeped in Buddhism, the didactic tale of the four harmonious friends is regarded as the national folklore of...

Jan 23, 2020 17:58

The reason why Bhutan is a kingdom infused with deep spirituality

Most Bhutanese grow up listening and reading stories of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rinpoche. Although hugely...

Mar 30, 2021 15:02

First 2025 Gyalsung Cohort Completes National Service Training

Bhutan’s first 2025 Gyalsung cohort has completed their three-month National Service training with a grand Passing Out...

Jul 01, 2025 15:33

Gyalsung Skilling Programme Prepares 493 Gyalsups for National...

Bhutan’s Gyalsung Skilling Programme equips 493 Gyalsups with hands-on training in traditional arts and modern...

Jun 12, 2025 15:52

Unlock Bhutan’s Cultural Treasures with the Kingdom’s Debut NFT...

Discover Bhutan’s first-ever NFT collection on OpenSea—featuring a tribute to Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Unlock...

Jun 05, 2025 12:15

The Restoration of Wangduechhoeling Palace: A Cultural Revival in...

Discover the remarkable transformation of Wangduechhoeling Palace in Bumthang, Bhutan. After a decade-long restoration,...

May 02, 2025 16:05

Latest

News

First 2025 Gyalsung Cohort Completes National Service Training

Bhutan’s first 2025 Gyalsung cohort has completed their three-month National Service training with a grand Passing Out Parade attended by...

Jul 01, 2025 15:33

Gyalsung Skilling Programme Prepares 493 Gyalsups for National Service and Future Careers

Bhutan’s Gyalsung Skilling Programme equips 493 Gyalsups with hands-on training in traditional arts and modern technologies, preparing them...

Jun 12, 2025 15:52

Features

Passion and Purpose: A Bhutanese Woman’s 14-Year Journey in Tourism

Meet Chencho Lham, a seasoned Bhutanese tour guide from Paro, as she shares her 14-year journey of leading travellers through sacred...

Jun 18, 2025 15:20

Passion and Purpose: A Bhutanese's Guide Perspective on Happiness

Chencho Tshering, a seasoned Druk Asia tour guide with nearly a decade of experience, shares his journey, personal passions, and heartfelt...

May 28, 2025 16:38

Business

High Altitude, Higher Ambitions: Bhutan Enters the Wine World

Bhutan has officially stepped onto the global wine stage with the debut of The Himalayan, a record-breaking 7.57-litre bottle auctioned by...

May 23, 2025 16:38

Most Popular Bars in Thimphu

Discover Thimphu’s vibrant nightlife, where traditional Bhutanese drinks meet modern cocktails in the city’s top bars and lounges. Unwind...

Feb 10, 2025 16:14

Sports

Zimbiri Makes History as First Bhutanese Woman Elected to SAFF Executive Committee

Zimbiri has made history as the first Bhutanese woman elected to the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Executive Committee, a landmark...

May 28, 2025 10:49

Bhutan Cricket's New Milestone: The Inaugural Indoor Cricket Academy

The Bhutan Cricket Council Board (BCCB) inaugurated its inaugural indoor cricket academy on 20th December, with the objective of ensuring...

Dec 21, 2023 14:57

Travel

Is Bhutan Ready for Crypto Tourism? What the GMC Talks Revealed

Discover how Bhutan is embracing Binance Pay to boost crypto tourism, making travel payments easier, faster, and more secure for...

Jul 02, 2025 17:38

Bhutan’s Bhutan Believe Film Wins Silver at 2025 US International Awards

Discover how Bhutan’s national brand film Bhutan Believe captured the silver award at the 2025 US International Awards, celebrating a fresh...

Jun 27, 2025 17:26

Lifestyle

Bhutan Celebrates World Music Day with a Soulful Gathering in Thimphu

Bhutan marked World Music Day with a vibrant concert in Thimphu, featuring over 90 artists despite the rain. Discover how music is shaping...

Jun 23, 2025 16:37

What's in a Name? Discover Bhutan's Unique Naming Tradition

In Bhutan, names are traditionally given by monks and not tied to family lineage. Visitors can experience a traditional naming ceremony at...

Jun 03, 2025 14:04

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss out on new happenings and news stories!

newsletter

Download Daily Bhutan Mobile App

Connecting with us just got easier!

android app
apple app