The Parable of the Owls....

A wise owl, troubled at what he saw on his morning flight through neighboring nooks, decided to help... Being wise, he knew sharing counsel wasn't the answer, so he decided to share by example.  He sent out a decree welcoming his neighboring Owl Leaders to his tree on the first morning after the next new moon.  His neighboring Owl Leaders explained this day would be impossible for them to attend, as this was the day set aside in the forest to settle disputes, and creatures would gather at their own trees for their counsel.  As he had planned, he welcomed the Owl Leaders to invite all needing counsel on that day to come to his tree instead.
On the appointed day, great hordes of creatures made their way to the Wise Owl's tree.  The neighboring Owl Leaders were astonished to see that no creatures from the Wise Owl's nook were gathered around his tree.  "How can this be possible?" One Owl Leader asked.  "Why isn't he up to his beak in disputes to settle?" Another Owl Leader asked.  "Why are none of his creatures here today?" The last Owl Leader asked.
The Wise Owl called the first seeking counsel to appear before him.  "What is the nature of your dispute?" he asks.  The weasel begins to tell a tale as long as his own (tail, that is) about the rabbit... and the Wise Owl waits patiently for him to finish.  The Wise Owl, already knowing what this creature's response would be, asks, "And who have you shared this tale with before me?"  The cunning creature states boldly, "No one, of course, I won't be found gossiping among my peers."
The Wise Owl turns to the other Owl Leaders and shares his counsel.  "My friends, you see, this is the reason my tree stands silent on this day, as it does every morning after the new moon.  Listen and heed my example."  To the weasel he says, "Your words will be your judge.  You say you have shared your dispute only with me, I know your nature and know that not to be true. I also know you have not spoken with the rabbit about this tale, as he is not here to defend himself.  You have broken the sacred vow for peace in the forest.... 'Do unto others as you would have done unto you.'  You may seek counsel in the future ONLY,  if first, you have discussed your concerns with the rabbit,.... and then, AND ONLY THEN, may you spin your tale for your Owl Leader.  Counsel will only be given to those willing to make our forest a peaceful forest, but we will turn a deaf ear to those who choose to spin tales.
Seeing the example, the hordes began to disperse into the forest, no one worthy to seek counsel from the Wise Owl.  As the last of the creatures turned away, no words were shared among the Wise Owl and his neighboring Owl Leaders..... there was no need..... his example said it all.  ---Harriette Glover