This is a very old story, once told by people who listened to wisdom. It tells the story of four friends who lived in the neighborhood, studied with such masters and achieved such amazing heights in their training that everyone could safely say that they were at the apogee of knowledge.
It so happened that these four decided to undertake a journey and apply their knowledge, for is it not said: “He who has knowledge and does not use it is not a fool?”
They set out on the journey together, but it was known earlier, as it is known now, that unlike the three friends, skilled in theory and practice, the fourth had less knowledge, but was endowed with understanding. After some time, as they learned more about each other, the three felt that their companion did not have the necessary qualities and wanted to send him home. When he refused, they told him:
“It is typical for people like you, insensitive to the merits of more developed people, to insist on being their equal.”
But still they allowed him to follow them, although they excluded him from their circle. And it so happened that one day they found the bones and remains of some animal on the side of the road.
- Yeah! - said the first, - through my perception I see in this pile of bones the skeleton of a lion!
“And I,” said the second one, “have knowledge, so I can reconstruct the body of this lion from the skeleton!”
“Well,” said the third, “I know the art of restoring life, so I can revive this body!”
This is what they decided to do, applying their knowledge to a pile of bones. The fourth grabbed them by the sleeves and said:
“Although I don’t have enough talents and abilities, I still understand something.” These are indeed the remains of a lion. Bring him back to life and he will kill us on the spot.
But those three were too keen on the opportunity to practice. A few minutes later a huge, alive and hungry lion stood in front of them. While three were doing their procedures, the fourth climbed a tall tree. From there he saw how the lion tore his companions to pieces and rushed off into the desert. The only survivor climbed down from the tree and thought it best to return home.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru