Deep within the emerald embrace of a tropical rainforest, resided a cunning

crocodile named Makara. Makara, with his menacing eyes and powerful jaws, struck
fear into the hearts of all the creatures who shared his territory. Although he had
access to an abundance of fish and small animals in the river, Makara was never
satisfied. He yearned for more, always desiring the possessions of others.

One sweltering afternoon, as Makara basked on a sun-drenched rock, his gaze fell
upon a mango tree laden with luscious fruits. Saliva dripped from his jaws as he
envisioned the juicy mangoes within reach. But alas, the tree stood firmly on the
opposite bank of the river, far from his snapping jaws.

Just then, he spotted a wise old monkey named Hanuman swinging through the
branches. Hanuman, with his nimble hands and quick wit, was known for his
resourcefulness and contentment.

"Greetings, Hanuman," Makara called out, his voice dripping with false
friendliness. "Those mangoes look delectable. Perhaps you could fetch some for me?"

Hanuman, sensing Makara's greed, chuckled softly. "Why trouble yourself, Makara?
The river is teeming with fish. Surely, you have enough to satisfy your hunger?"

Makara scoffed. "Fish are for the weak! Those mangoes are a rare delicacy. I must
have them."

Hanuman, observing Makara's insatiable desire, decided to teach him a valuable

lesson. "Very well," he said, feigning agreement. "But tell me, Makara, how many
mangoes would satisfy you?"

Makara, blinded by his greed, declared, "All of them! I want every single mango on
that tree!"

Hanuman shook his head sadly. "Makara, even the most delicious dish can become
tiresome if consumed in excess. True happiness lies in contentment, not in endless
desire."

Ignoring Hanuman's wisdom, Makara urged him to fetch the mangoes. Hanuman, with a
mischievous glint in his eyes, climbed down the tree and began plucking the ripest
mangoes.

He brought one mango to Makara and watched as the crocodile devoured it in a single
gulp. "More! More!" Makara bellowed, his desire growing with every bite.

Hanuman, with a playful grin, continued to feed Makara, bringing him one mango
after another. As the pile of discarded pits grew beside Makara, his belly began to
bulge uncomfortably.

But his desire remained unquenched. He demanded more, his voice strained with
exertion. Hanuman, noticing Makara's discomfort, stopped feeding him.

"Makara," Hanuman said gently, "Look at yourself. You can barely move, and your
stomach is fit to burst. Is this truly the satisfaction you craved?"

Makara, feeling heavy and miserable, finally realized the truth in Hanuman's words.
He had let his greed blind him to the abundance he already possessed.

Ashamed, Makara apologized to Hanuman for his arrogance and greed. Hanuman, with a
forgiving smile, told him, "True happiness, Makara, comes from appreciating what
you have, not from chasing what you lack."
From that day on, Makara learned to be content with what the river provided. He
realized that a life lived with moderation and appreciation brought more
satisfaction than a life driven by insatiable desires.

This story serves as a timeless reminder that true happiness lies not in material
possessions, but in finding contentment with what one already has. The Panchatantra
teaches us to appreciate the simple things in life and avoid the pitfalls of greed
and excess.