King Brahmadatta of Banaras always liked to have the best of things for his kingdom. He had an excellent horse that had been brought from Sindh. His stable was kept clean and fresh and he had an exquisite saddle too. He was loved and trusted by the King. He was called Viveka, the knowing-one, and had the courage and the wisdom of the Enlightened Being.
One day, the King learnt that his kingdom was surrounded by seven neighbouring kings, each with four armies, complete with infantry, cavalry, chariots and elephants. His ministers advised him to fight the war in order to defend Banaras. However, he should send his best champion in his place, so that he himself might be safe to command and guide. He called his best champion, who asked for the finest horse in the stable. The King gave him Viveka to ride.
Viveka was special. He understood everything about the war. But he had his own views on how to handle it. He told the champion, “Sir, I can show you a new way to win this war. Let me find my own way through the armies of each king. You must not kill them; just take them alive as prisoners. I’ll teach you that courage is not about killing.” The champion was deeply impressed and agreed to try ‘the new way’ suggested by Viveka.
The next day, they went in for the battle. Viveka reared up and looked so huge and magnificent that the soldiers and the armies stepped back in wonder and amazement. The great horse swept through the armies of the first king and the champion captured him. Soon they captured the second, third, fourth and fifth kings too. But when they captured the sixth king, one of his devoted soldiers drove a sword into Viveka᾿s side. It was a deep wound and Viveka bled a lot. But the next day, he was back in the battle and the seventh king was also captured.
The King of Banaras was heartbroken knowing his beloved horse was dying. With tears in his eyes, he asked Viveka his last wish.
“My Lord,” said the Enlightened One, “Do not kill the captive kings. Return them to their kingdoms. They will serve you loyally. If you kill them, there will be more war and revenge. And, my Lord, give a rich reward to the champion. Be kind and just and do not kill. Rule with compassion.” And then the noble heart stopped beating.
The King wept, but he carried out Viveka᾿s last wishes and found Viveka had been right.
