The Monkey and the Hyena – A Spiritual Story by Anthony de Mello

A monkey and a hyena were walking through the forest when he hyena said, “Each time I pass by those bushes there, a lion jumps out of them and mauls me. I don’t know why.”

“I’ll walk with you this time,” said the monkey, “and side with you against the lion.”

So they started to walk past the bushes when the lion pounced on the hyena and nearly mauled it to death. Meanwhile, the monkey watched the proceedings from the safety of a tree that he had run up the moment the lion appeared.

“Why didn’t you do something to help me?” moaned the hyena.

Said the monkey, “You were laughing so much I thought you were winning.”

This is from The Heart of the Enlightened, a book of spiritual stories by Anthony de Mello.

What is the Spiritual Moral / Message of “The Monkey and the Hyena” Story?

The spiritual moral of this story invites us to reflect on the importance of discernment and perception. Just as the monkey misinterpreted the hyena’s laughter as a sign of victory, we often misinterpret external signals in our own lives. This reminds us to cultivate a deeper awareness and discernment, so we can perceive situations accurately and respond with wisdom and compassion.

Furthermore, the story underscores the principle of personal responsibility. While the monkey may have intended to help the hyena, ultimately, it was the hyena’s responsibility to protect itself. This highlights the importance of taking ownership of our actions and decisions, recognizing that we are responsible for our own well-being and empowerment in life.

Additionally, the tale prompts us to consider the nature of true friendship and trust. The hyena trusted the monkey to support and protect it, yet the monkey’s actions revealed a betrayal of that trust. This serves as a reminder to choose our companions wisely, surrounding ourselves with those who genuinely have our best interests at heart and who uphold the values of integrity and loyalty.

Moreover, the story invites us to examine the role of fear in our lives. The hyena’s fear of the lion led it to seek companionship and protection from the monkey. However, fear can cloud our judgment and lead us to make choices that are not aligned with our highest good. It encourages us to confront our fears with courage and to cultivate inner strength and resilience.

On a deeper level, this story speaks to the illusion of safety and security. The hyena believed that walking with the monkey would offer protection from the lion, yet it was ultimately left vulnerable and wounded. Similarly, we may seek external sources of security and comfort, only to discover that true safety lies within ourselves, in our connection to our inner wisdom and divine guidance.

Furthermore, the story highlights the deceptive nature of appearances. The monkey’s laughter and apparent nonchalance masked its indifference and lack of genuine concern for the hyena’s well-being. This reminds us to look beyond surface-level interactions and to discern the true intentions and motives of others, as well as our own.

In addition, the tale emphasizes the importance of humility and honesty. When confronted by the hyena, the monkey chose to deflect blame rather than take responsibility for its inaction. This reflects the tendency of the ego to protect itself and preserve its image, even at the expense of truth and integrity.

Ultimately, this story serves as a powerful metaphor for life’s challenges and lessons. Just as the hyena faced adversity in the form of the lion, we too encounter obstacles and setbacks on our spiritual journey. It reminds us to approach life with humility, discernment, and courage, trusting in our inner wisdom to guide us through the trials and tribulations of life.

Personal Reflection Questions

Spiritual stories are an opportunity to reflect on your own life. Here are 10 questions you can use to go deeper with the teachings in this story:

1. How do you discern true friendship and loyalty amidst challenging circumstances, as depicted in the story of the monkey and the hyena?
2. Reflecting on instances in your life, when have you relied on others for support and protection, and what did you learn from those experiences?
3. Explore the theme of trust in relationships. How do you determine whom to trust and how to navigate betrayal or disappointment when trust is broken?
4. Consider moments when fear has influenced your decisions or actions. How can you cultivate inner strength and resilience to confront fear with courage?
5. Reflect on the concept of personal responsibility. In what ways do you take ownership of your choices and actions, and how do you navigate the consequences?
6. Explore the role of perception and discernment in understanding situations accurately. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness to perceive the truth beneath surface appearances?
7. Reflect on the illusion of safety and security. How do external sources of comfort sometimes distract us from recognizing the true sources of inner peace and stability?
8. Contemplate the theme of humility and honesty. How do you practice humility in your interactions with others, and how do you navigate moments of vulnerability and honesty?
9. Explore the dynamics of power and indifference portrayed in the story. How do you navigate situations where others may prioritize their own interests over your well-being?
10. Reflect on the overarching spiritual lesson of the story. How does it resonate with your own journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth, and what insights does it offer for navigating life’s challenges with grace and wisdom?