Bird's Eye Comic Strip Story 17: The Proud Peacock

Description: This is the story of "pride goes before the fall." It reminds us not to allow our pride to see ourselves as better than others.

Here are different religious teachings about the moral of this story:

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Buddhism

The Tipitaka advises against comparing oneself to others and feeling superior. Pride in one's own achievements at the expense of others' worth is discouraged. The Buddha taught that all beings are subject to suffering and that humility is a virtue.

Four Great Authorities (Maha-gosananda Sutta): In this sutta, the Buddha explains that one should not consider themselves superior based on physical beauty, social status, wealth, or spiritual attainments. Pride in these worldly attributes is seen as unwise and unhelpful for spiritual development.

The Buddha taught that true wisdom arises when one abandons the conceit of "I am" or "I am superior." Overcoming self-centered pride and ego is essential for spiritual growth.

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Christianity

Proverbs 16:18 (NIV): "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse is often quoted and highlights the potential consequences of pride, including downfall and destruction.

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Hinduism

The Gita teaches the importance of seeing all beings as equal. Overcoming pride and prejudice requires developing an equal and compassionate vision, treating all individuals without partiality or discrimination.

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Ifa

While self-confidence and pride are valued, Ifa also emphasizes humility and respect for others. Being excessively arrogant or disrespectful to others is discouraged. One should not allow pride to turn into arrogance.

Balance: Ifa encourages a balanced perspective on pride. It is important to have self-respect and pride in one's identity and achievements, but this should not lead to a disregard for others or a sense of superiority.

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Islam

The Quran narrates the story of Satan's fall from grace due to his arrogance. Satan's refusal to bow down to Adam is seen as an act of pride and disobedience (Quran 7:11-12, Quran 38:74-85).

The Quran emphasizes the equality of all human beings. Regardless of one's social or economic status, all individuals are equal before God. Pride based on social status or wealth is discouraged (Quran 49:11).
 

Avoiding Boasting: Boasting about one's wealth, achievements, or abilities is discouraged in the Quran. Believers are reminded that everything they have is ultimately provided by God (Quran 57:23).

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Judaism

The Torah encourages humility before God. Recognizing one's dependence on God and acknowledging His greatness is a central aspect of Jewish faith. Arrogance or excessive pride can be seen as a rejection of this humility.
Proverbs 16:18 (NIV) states, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." While this verse is from the Book of Proverbs in the Hebrew Bible, it aligns with the principles found in the Torah about the consequences of pride.

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Philosophy

In ancient Greek philosophy, pride, or hubris, was typically viewed negatively. It was considered a form of excessive pride and arrogance that led to overstepping one's boundaries and challenging the gods. Philosophers like Aristotle and Plato criticized hubris as a moral failing.

Christian Philosophy: In Christian philosophy, pride is often seen as one of the seven deadly sins and is considered a serious moral failing. It is viewed as a form of excessive self-love or self-centeredness that puts one's desires and interests above God and others.

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Rastafari

Rastafarianism places a strong emphasis on humility and the rejection of excessive pride or arrogance. Rastafarians often see humility as a virtue and an important aspect of their faith.
 

Rastafarians often use the term "Babylon" to refer to oppressive and corrupt systems in the world, including materialism, greed, and the pursuit of worldly possessions. In this context, pride associated with material wealth and status is typically discouraged.

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Scientology

Scientology teaches that human beings operate across various "dynamics," which are different aspects of life and existence. One of these dynamics is the "self" dynamic, which pertains to an individual's well-being and self-interest. While self-improvement and personal growth are encouraged, excessive pride or self-centered behavior can be seen as counterproductive to the broader dynamics of life and one's relationships with others.

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Taoism

The "Tao Te Ching" suggests that true leadership involves serving others rather than seeking personal glory. A humble leader is seen as more effective and enduring.
 

Verse 66 (trans. by Stephen Mitchell) states: "All streams flow to the sea because it is lower than they are. Humility gives it its power. If you want to govern the people, you must place yourself below them. If you want to lead the people, you must learn how to follow them."

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Other religions are invited to join in and send their input.