There was a wide jackal called Mahachaturaka, who lived in a jungle.
One day, as he was wandering about in the jungle in search of food, he saw a dead elephant. He knew that the dead elephant will provide him food for many days. But his happiness soon turned into frustration, as he was not able to tear the elephant's thick skin. He went round and round, trying his luck from all side, but in vain.
As he was still trying to figure out, the jackal saw a lion approaching. He quickly bowed, and said, "O King of jungle, I found this dead elephant and was keeping a watch over it so that you can have it. Please be kind to eat to your heart's content."
But the lion refused, "I eat a prey only when I hunt it myself. That is my nature. Thank you for your offer, but you can have the elephant for yourself"
The lion departed after being thanked by the jackal. But his problem remained. He wondered how he can tear apart the elephant's thick skin.
At the very moment he saw a leopard approaching. He thought, "I got rid of the lion by being humble, but I have to be cunning in order to get rid of him!"
