A tale of three fish: The procrastinating perishes

(A story from Mahabharata, Shanti Parva, chapter 135)

In a not so big pond lived three Shakula fish. Each had a unique personality. One of them was foresighted, the other could grasp the right time for action, and the third one was procrastinating.

Once a group of fishermen started draining the pond out. The foresighted fish told the other two that the water level in the pond is dropping and it is high time that they leave the pond through a drainage outlet. However, the procrastinating fish said that he would not act in haste. The fish noted for his presence of mind said that he would not hesitate a bit when it is time. Leaving his two friends behind, the foresighted fish escaped the pond through an outlet and reached a deeper pond.

When most of the water was drained, the fishermen started to catch fish by casting hooks. The fish that had a good judgment of the time decided to act. He slipped in between other fish and acted as if biting the hook. The fishermen grabbed the bunch and immersed them in the deeper pond to wash. The second fish escaped then. Meanwhile, the fishermen caught the procrastinating fish.

Thus, the procrastinating perishes. One who foresees and acts in time alone succeeds.

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