An interesting metaphor

Did you know that in Sanskrit literature fake ascetics are often compared to herons?

This is because herons are white in color so *look* deceptively innocent and pure but in fact eat fish. The whole fish thing manages to mar their purity. (Going back to the fact that ascetics are vegetarians)

Fascinating. Which I suppose leads to an entire discussion on the use of metaphor in dance, but I'll save that for another day.