Long ago, in the city of Pratishthana, there lived an affluent merchant. The world called him Mushika — the Mouse.

One day, a curious acquaintance asked, “Why do people call you Mushika?”

The merchant smiled. “Because I built my fortune from nothing — like the little nibbles of a mouse. Let me tell you my story.”

The Tale of Mushika

My father was a prosperous trader, but he passed away while my mother was still pregnant with me. Left alone and vulnerable, she became a target for her greedy relatives. When their torment grew unbearable, she fled — leaving behind all her wealth to protect her unborn child.

A kind friend of my father’s took her in and gave her shelter until I was born. My mother worked tirelessly to raise me, even finding a teacher who could teach me to read and write.

When I came of age, she said, “My son, I wish to see you become a merchant like your father. Go to Vishakila, the wealthiest trader in this kingdom. He lends capital to aspiring businessmen. Begin your trade with his help.”

So I went to Vishakila’s mansion. As I approached, I heard him scolding another young trader.

“Do you see that dead mouse in the field?” he thundered.

“Yes, sir,” the young man replied timidly.

‘A clever, hard-working trader could turn even that dead mouse into capital! But you have squandered everything I lent you.”

Hearing that conversation, I placed the dead mouse in a box and went to Vishakila.

“As you advised,” I said, bowing, “I’m taking this dead mouse as my capital — kindly sign a lending note for me.”

Vishakila burst out laughing, but humored me with his signature.

From there, I went to the marketplace. Soon, I found a man looking for food for his cat. I bartered the mouse for two packets of peanuts. Carrying those peanuts and a pitcher of water, I went to the edge of a nearby forest.

Later that day, a group of weary woodcutters emerged from the woods. I offered them the peanuts and water. In gratitude, they gave me a few bundles of firewood. By evening, I had sold them in the market for a small profit.

The next day, I bought more wood and sold it again. Day after day, the trade grew. When the rainy season neared, I foresaw that firewood would soon be scarce, so I began to store it in bulk.

Lady Luck, they say, favors those who work sincerely. That year, the rains were heavier than anyone remembered. The town ran out of firewood. I sold my stock at high prices and made a fortune.

With that capital, I opened a small shop. One shop grew into many, and in time, I became one of the wealthiest merchants in Pratishthana.

When the time came, I crafted a mouse out of solid gold and presented it to Vishakila as repayment for his ‘loan.’

Delighted, Vishakila offered his daughter’s hand in marriage to me. The golden mouse became the talk of the town — and before long, the world began calling me Mushika.

“There is no substitute for hard work,” concluded Mushika. “Add a touch of wisdom to that, and success is inevitable. The secret is to work sincerely, but smartly.”

A scriptural tale, retold by Sri Devi Om.