Once in a small village, a Brahmin bought a fine goat for a feast. He slung it over his shoulder and started walking home, humming a mantra.
On the way, three mischievous brothers spotted him. They decided to play a trick.
The first brother approached and said, “Oh holy sir, why are you carrying a pig on your shoulders?”
The Brahmin frowned. “Pig? This is a goat. Are you blind?”
He walked on.
A little farther, the second brother bowed respectfully and said, “Respected one, I am surprised to see a learned man carrying a pig like this.”
The Brahmin’s step slowed. “Pig again? Hmm… perhaps this man is also blind.”
When he had nearly reached the village, the third brother stopped him and whispered, “Oh noble Brahmin, why in the world are you carrying a pig on your shoulders? It is unclean!”
Now the Brahmin’s confidence began to crumble. Could it be…? Have my eyes deceived me?
Terrified that he might be carrying an unholy pig instead of a goat, he dropped the animal to the ground and ran off chanting purification verses.
The three brothers laughed, picked up their brand-new goat, and disappeared into the forest.
