Tale of a tender vine

In the 9th century in South India, there was a famous Chola King by
the name Parivallal. He was an extremely kind hearted person with
a deep concern for all other living beings. He was also famous for
his generosity.
Once while going through a forest he stopped his chariot near a spring to drink
water and relax for a while. On returning to his chariot, he saw a creeper with
white flowers (locally called Neeloptal) growing around the wheel of the chariot.
While he had gone to the spring, a tendril of the vine had wound itself around
the spoke of the chariot wheel.
If the chariot was now moved, the tendril would break. This, the King was
reluctant to do as it would possibly hurt the vine. He left the chariot behind
and walked back to the palace. The vine had a right to the support it sought and
got it.
This tale is still recalled by people to remind themselves of the obligation they
have for other sentient beings. That such generosity is difficult to find today is
a hard fact of life. It is also true that very few people care for the rights of other
living beings in the world. And yet what kind of world it would be if the biological
diversity enriching our lives did not exist? Does not a small wine or creeper, a
bird, a fish or a wild animal have a right to grow? And with our support?