The story of the elephant and the tortoise

A long time ago there lived a hot-tempered saint called Rishi Vibhavasu. He had a younger brother Suprateek who was a great ascetic. Suprateek did not want his brother to take care of his share of the ancestral property so he asked for his share to be separated and granted to him. Vibhavasu kept telling him that it was only due to greed that people ask for property divisions. He said that this makes enemies of brothers and causes rift between friends.

This enables their enemies to easily point out faults and make bitter enemies of friends. He warned his younger brother that the moment two brothers separated, half their goodness died because then they ceased to look after the welfare of each other. He said, "This is why, sages have considered property divisions to be detrimental to the wellbeing of good people.

It is difficult to manage those who do not follow the good advice of the ancient text and sages and always suspect others of treachery. You want to separate because you have become greedy and want the money and property. Because of this I curse you that you will become an elephant in your next life." Hearing this Suprateek too lost his temper and cursed his brother, "If I become an elephant you shall be born as a tortoise!" This is how the two brothers, due to their greed became each other's enemies and have been born as elephant and tortoise.