A Leopard and a Cow: A Message for Our Times

Photo captures through cctc

Every night, under the gentle light of the moon, a leopard walks out of the forest to visit a cow. As a cub, the leopard had lost its mother. The cow gave it milk and cared for it. Since then, the leopard has seen the cow as its mother and comes to her with love and respect every night.

This simple and beautiful bond reminds us that nature is not only about competition and survival. It shows us a different truth—one of care, trust, and harmony.

In today’s Kaliyug, children are taught from a young age about competition, and without realizing it, they learn to judge, label, and compare. But when we read the Geeta, the Vedas, and even modern psychology, we understand that true success lies in peace, contentment, and happiness. This comes when we let go of judging, labeling, and competing unnecessarily—because these lower our energy and disturb our inner peace.

Look at Shiva Darbar—Shiva’s bull, Parvati’s lion, Kartikeya’s peacock, Ganesha’s mouse, and the snake around Shiva’s neck. In the world as we usually see it, these animals would harm each other. But in Shiva’s presence, they all live together in peace.

The leopard and cow show us that even in Kaliyug, we can create a Satya Yuga in our hearts if we change our thoughts.

So let’s choose positive thinking. Let’s stop judging and labeling. Let’s trust nature and use our life to serve and uplift others. Together, we can make the world a more peaceful and loving place.

• Manjushree Rathi