The notion of forgetting one's true self due to identification with the body (vehicle) for that self is interesting. Some seem to reach the conclusion that we should deny the physical altogether, as in the ascetic way. I prefer, however, the idea of perfecting the vehicle through healthy living so that it can be a perfect vehicle, able to express the inner self as much as possible. This seems to be the best way to reach out to others, who are also living within the material world, and making contact with them at the level appropriate to that world.
Just some thoughts. Thanks for the post and the story -- it got me thinking.
I agree, you can't help others if you don't first help yourself, good point. Indra was the Vedic king of the Hindu mythology, I have some other posts that aren't necessarily stories like this one but are on vedic concepts if you're into eastern thought you might find them interesting.
Will check them out for sure :)