In a kingdom ruled by a just king, the future Buddha, reborn as Prince Brahma-datta, ascends the throne after his father's death. He governs with fairness, leading to a decline in lawsuits and a quiet court. Concerned that the absence of cases might indicate personal faults, he seeks honest feedback about his character. However, he finds no one willing to criticize him, as all speak only of his virtues. Determined to uncover any shortcomings, he disguises himself and travels beyond the palace, searching for faultfinders among the common people. Despite his efforts, he encounters only praise. Meanwhile, King Mallika of Kosala, also ruling justly, faces the same dilemma and sets out to find his own faults. Their paths cross on a narrow road, where neither king's chariot can pass. The charioteers argue over whose king should yield. To resolve the standoff, they compare their kings' virtues and righteousness. The charioteer of Mallika describes his king's strength and methods, while the charioteer of Brahma-datta extols his king's peaceful and virtuous approach. The two kings, upon hearing their charioteers, dismount and remove their chariots, allowing the king of Benares to pass. This encounter highlights the contrasting philosophies of leadership: one based on strength and dominance, the other on compassion and moral integrity. Ultimately, the story emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the pursuit of virtue in leadership, illustrating that true greatness lies in the ability to conquer negativity with positivity.
By Joseph Jacobs · First published 1896 · Genre: Fable, Fantasy, Philosophical