Members of House Avasar (pronounced "UV-sir") are not afraid to seek out new opportunities to help themselves and others grow.  They maintain a bright outlook and don’t give up when faced with a challenging situation.  They are curious by nature and are known to be excellent problem solvers.   

The Tiger and His Stripes

Once there was a mighty tiger called Avasar.  He was happy to call the forest his home. This land was a beautiful and sprawling terrain, where Avasar and his forest friends were free to roam in harmony.     

One day, Avasar was walking through the forest when he saw his reflection in the stream.  As he paused to take a long look, he began to admire his sharp claws, long fangs, big paws, and beautiful golden skin.  He thought to himself that no animal could match his charm and wisdom.

Avasar was not afraid of anybody but the water buffalo, who had a majestic body and sharp horns.  Not only was he afraid of the water buffalo, but he also admired and envied him. One day, he happened to see the water buffalo working in the field and being led by a man. Avasar couldn’t believe that such a beautiful creature would allow themselves to be led by anyone else.  When one day he ran into the water buffalo, he asked him how he could have let himself be led by another.  The water buffalo replied, “The man has much wisdom and the work he is doing helps others. That is why I work with him.”  “Where can I get his wisdom?” asked Avasar.  “Talk to the man,” replied the water buffalo.

The next day, Avasar approached the man as he was tending to his goats in the field and demanded he give him his wisdom.  “I left my wisdom at home, he said, but I will go and get it for you.  However, I’m afraid while I’m gone, you will use your sharp claws and big paws to attack my goats.  Can I just tie your paws to the tree until I return?”  “Sure!” replied the tiger. It pleases me that you are afraid of me enough to fear for your goats.”  Before the man left, he turned and hesitantly said, “Now that I think of it, you could use your tail to get loose and your mighty fangs to attack my goats.  Might I tie your tail and head to the tree as well until I return?”  “Do as you must,” replied Avasar.  So the man tied Avasar to the tree and left. 

Avasar waited for days, and the man never returned.  So Avasar fought and fought to free himself from the ties.  At last, he was free!  As he walked to the water's edge, he saw in his reflection that he now had stripes where the ties had been.  Avasar was so upset and embarrassed. As he looked up, he saw the water buffalo coming toward him.  “You look different, Avasar.”  Avasar explained his attempt to gain the man’s wisdom to the water buffalo.  After listening to Avasar’s story, the water buffalo said, “The stripes will be there to remind you that everyone has the opportunity to gain wisdom, but that it must be earned and used to help others.  Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”  It is important to look for any opportunity to make a positive change.  From that day on, Avasar took every opportunity to learn as much as possible and helped as many friends as he could each and every day.