Nantavisal

Okay, I am not a cow.  So don't get smart. 

A long time ago when animals could communicate with humans, there was a poor farmer living in a village.  He owned one cow, Nantavisal.  He took good care of the cow, which he treated like his own child. 

One day, Nantavisal wanted to reciprocate the kind treatment and told the farmer, "Boss, do you know my secret?  I can pull 100 carts laden with goods.  I don't think many people realize how strong I am.  Why don't you go and bet with the rich man in the village.  He loves gambling."

The farmer was surprised, but he took Nantavisal's advice and approached the rich man, who agreed to make a bet.  On the day of the wager, there were lots of people in the village to witness the event.  Nantavisal started to pull the 100 carts.  It took a while, but the cart moved slowly. 

The farmer was a bit nervous and thought that Nantavisal might not be able to do what he had promised.  He angrily shouted at Nantavisal, "You are a lazy cow, pull harder.  I have wasted a lot of food feeding you."  Nantavisal was so upset that he shed the ropes that tied him to the carts and ran away. 

In the evening, Nantavisal trudged back to the farm.  He saw the farmer crying over the lost bet.  Nantavisal felt guilty and wanted to make amends.  He told the farmer to make another bet.  "This time double the amount," said Nantavisal.  "But one thing I beg of you: please do not say any rude words to me; let me handle the work."

Filled with hope, the farmer replied in a quivering voice. "I will, I will, my son."

The rich man was more than willing to make a new bet.  The next day, there was a bigger crowd than for the first event.  A minute before the cow was to start pulling the carts, the farmer whispered to him, "Nantavisal, my dear son, please put all your effort into pulling these carts.  I pin my hopes on you." 

Nantavisal had been prepared not to expect any insults, but had not been expecting these kind words.  They gave him additional strength. 

With all his effort, he pulled the carts, starting slowly, for the required distance. 

The farmer got his money back and more. 

This story from Thai folklore has had a real message for me this week as I face issues at the workplace and have had to deal with Thai staff.  The message it shares is so true.  It is not that I am angry but I have to be aware that I can't even sound angry to the Thais when dealing with them on work issues.  Otherwise, if I do , I may lose them.