Parables of Wisdom
A Simple Lie
एक छोटा सा झूठ · એક નાનું જૂઠ
Mitali tells one tiny lie, and it keeps on growing
- 3 min full story
- 2 min children's telling
- For all ages
Seven year old Mitali eats the sukhdi that her mother made for a guest and says the neighbour's cat must have taken it. It seems like such a small lie, until it begins to grow.
What it teaches Truth Satya Courage to admit
The opening of the children's telling
Mummy made some yummy sukhdi for Dimple Masi, who was coming to visit. "Do not eat these, Mitali," she said. Then she went to the shop.
The sukhdi smelled so good. Mitali went into the kitchen just to look. Then she ate one piece, just to taste. Then another, because it was so yummy. Then, oh dear, she ate them all, until the plate was empty.
Read the whole story See plans
To carry into the day
Even a small lie grows; the truth lets it shrink again.
To talk about together
Why do you think Mitali felt lighter after she told the truth?
Retold for JainStory from the traditional narrative and checked against published Jain sources. Details vary between tellings.