Once, an owl sat on the branch of a tree. Suddenly, a powerful gust of wind shook the entire branch. The owl, irritated, addressed the wind, “Why do you shake the branch? Do you dare try to dislodge me?”
The wind responded, “If I truly wanted to shake you, I would have done so. I can blow away everything—strong, tall, and mighty. I can reshape the earth with my fury. You are but a small owl. Wouldn’t a mere breeze suffice to blow you away?”
The obstinate owl scoffed at the wind and said, “You are more arrogant than capable. If I nestled in a small hole in the ground, you wouldn’t even be able to touch me.”
Upon hearing this, the wind roared with immense fury. The sky darkened ominously, and thick clouds swirled as the wind gathered its full strength. The owl, unperturbed, descended from the branch and nestled into a small hole in the ground. The wind howled fiercely, uprooting plants and trees, its force growing more terrifying by the second. It transformed into a raging typhoon, demolishing houses and tearing hills apart. The devastation it caused was vast, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Yet, despite all its might and fury, the wind could not budge the resolute owl from its safe haven.
Embarrassed by its defeat, the wind withdrew and concealed itself from the world.
Now the world lay still, bereft of the wind’s gentle breath, a great suffering fell upon all living things. Humans, animals, birds, and plants began to wither and perish. The once lush forests and fertile fields turned desolate, and it seemed as though life itself would soon fade away. Witnessing this dire calamity, Paruhang, the King of the skies, descended from his heavenly abode. Upon the earth, he whistled a tune, summoning the wind from its hidden slumber.
When the wind arrived, Paruhang addressed it, saying, “In the time when nature shaped the Owl, it granted this creature the gift of sight in the darkness, making it blind by the day. To preserve balance, the Owl was also blessed with the ability to withstand your mighty gusts and remain untouched by the rain. And thus, this is why you have never been able to sweep the Owl away.”
Paruhang continued, “O Wind, it is your sacred duty to provide sustenance to the earth. Without your breath, all living things would perish. Remember, your power is immense, but it is meant to nurture, not to be wielded with arrogance. Stay humble, for without you, life itself would wither away.”
From that day forth, it is said, the wind has blown eternally around the globe, offering comfort to all in need. Even today, in the Himalayan region, weary travelers and laborers rest beneath trees, whistle as Paruhang once did, and summon the wind to grant them relief.
