Zhuangzi
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China

The Fighting Roosters

A Prince had a champion rooster, but it became fearful in fights until a trainer taught it to be calm and focused, making it the best fighter.
Courage
Wisdom
Fear
The Book of Chuang Tzu - The Fighting Roosters
Audio available for B1 version

Once upon a time, there was a Prince who loved to watch rooster fights. He had a champion rooster, the strongest and bravest of all. The Prince loved this rooster so much and was very proud of it.

One day, the Prince hired a trainer to make his rooster even stronger. The trainer took the rooster and started training him.

Every day, the trainer and the rooster worked together. The rooster learned to puff out his chest, spread his wings wide, and crow loudly. He looked very fierce, but every time he saw another rooster, he would run away in fear.

The Prince saw this and was very upset. He asked the trainer, "What have you done? My rooster used to be so brave, and now he runs away from every fight!"

The trainer replied, "Don't worry, Prince, I have a plan."

The trainer kept working with the rooster, teaching him to stay calm and focused. He taught the rooster to stop puffing out his chest and crowing. Instead, the rooster learned to stand tall and quiet, watching everything around him with sharp eyes.

After some time, the rooster became very calm and steady. He didn't look fierce or scary anymore. He looked peaceful and alert.

The Prince was puzzled. "This is not a fighting rooster anymore," he said.

But when another rooster came to challenge him, the Prince's rooster did not run away. Instead, he stood his ground, calm and ready. When the other rooster attacked, the Prince's rooster dodged and pecked back quickly. He was no longer a show-off, but he was a true fighter. He was not scared anymore, and he won every fight he entered.

The Prince learned that looking tough is not the same as being tough. Being calm and focused is more important than showing off. And that's how his rooster became the best fighting rooster in the land.

Once upon a time, there was a Prince who was super into rooster fights. I mean, forget about toy castles and knights; this guy was all about his rooster battles! He had this rooster that was the champion of champions. Think of the superhero of the barnyard!

The Prince goes, "Hmmm, my rooster could be even more awesome with a little coaching." So, zap! In comes a trainer as quickly as you can say "Wake up, it's morning!"

Now, this trainer comes in and says, "Oh buddy, you're going to be a superstar! We're talking exercise, special treats, and lots of practice!"

They trained every day. The rooster learns how to act big and loud. Imagine a rooster trying to be a lion! But put him in a ring with another rooster, and zoom! He's outta there like a scaredy-cat!

The Prince is not happy. "Trainer, what's up? My rooster was brave, and now he runs like he saw a ghost!"

The trainer says, "Chill, your Highness. I've got a plan so clever, it's like something out of a cartoon."

This time, the trainer gives the rooster some new advice. "Hey buddy, you don't have to shout to be strong. Be like a secret ninja rooster. Be quiet and sneaky!"

So, the rooster starts being super calm. No more acting like he's in a rock band. Instead, he's super focused. He watches everything like he's solving a big puzzle.

The Prince scratches his head. "My rooster doesn't look tough anymore."

But then, another rooster comes into the ring, acting like the king of the castle. Our hero rooster? He's as cool as ice cream. When the other rooster runs at him, he dodges like he's playing the best game of dodgeball ever, and boop! He pecks back!

He's not showing off or making a big fuss. He's just quick and ready, like a ninja that's also a magician!

The Prince's jaw drops. "Wow! My rooster's like a wise old wizard, but with feathers!"

And so, the Prince's rooster wins every match. He doesn't have to act loud or scary because he's truly brave and smart. He's the real-deal champion, and everyone knows it.

In a kingdom not so far away,
Lived a Prince, and his rooster, so proud and gay.
The rooster was brave, never once did he sway,
But the Prince wanted him stronger, come what may.

So, a trainer was hired, with hope in the fray,
Together they trained, day after day.
The rooster would crow, with his wings on display,
Yet when facing a foe, he'd just scuttle away.

"Oh dear," cried the Prince, "What a disarray!
My rooster was brave, now he's just child's play!"
The trainer said, "Fear not, for I have a way,
To bring back his courage, and keep fear at bay."

He trained the bird not to flaunt or to bray,
But to stand tall and quiet, come what may.
No more puffing the chest, or the loud display,
Only watchful eyes, always alert to the fray.

The Prince said, "This bird's not ready for any melee!"
But when challengers came, his rooster didn’t delay.
With peace in his stance, and a calm interplay,
He dodged, and he pecked, leading foes astray.

No longer the show-off, but a true fighter, they say,
The Prince learned a lesson about true power that day.
It's not about looking tough or the showy ballet,
But calmness and focus, that's the right way!

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Reflection Questions

  1. Why do you think the Prince's rooster was running away from fights after he learned to puff out his chest and crow loudly?
  2. What changes did the trainer make to help the rooster become braver and a true fighter?
  3. Can you think of a time when you acted or felt like the rooster before and after his training?
  4. What does this story teach us about the difference between looking tough and being tough?
  5. How can we apply the lesson from this rooster's journey in our everyday lives?

Fable Quotes

Courage is not measured by appearances, but by the calm strength to face any challenge.
Appearances can deceive; wisdom lies in observing quietly, ready to act when needed.
Conquer your fear, and the battle is already half-won.
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