The Monk and the Jackal

A monk once hid a jackal from hunters. The jackal bowed and promised, "I will always remember your kindness."

Some days later, the jackal found the monk's food bowl unattended. Hunger and habit overcame gratitude, and he dragged the food away.

The monk saw him and sighed, "A saved life is not always a changed heart." Gratitude must be practised, not merely spoken.