The fish who wanted to fly

Once upon a time there was a fish that wanted to fly. It asked many birds to teach her how to fly.

A pair of doves took pity on the fish and explained to her that flying was something that innately came to birds and could not be taught.

The fish continued to want to learn how to fly. One day an Advaita teacher heard of this fish and decided to instruct her.

The teacher went up to the pool and called out to the fish.

The fish emerged from the depths and was happy to see a bright looking human looking at her.

The fish said, “How can I help you maam?”

The advaita teacher said, “I heard you want to learn to fly?”

The fish said, and happily said, “Yes.”

“Wonderful,” said the teacher and disappeared from the place.

The fish was puzzled.

“Why did she come here?” the fish asked the pair of doves.

“To teach you that your wish to be like a bird, though unfulfilled, is a remarkable one. Only enlightened beings feel oneness with the lives of beings who are different from them.”

“But will I learn to fly?” the fish persisted.

“Maybe not,” said the doves and flew away.