Once, the Raja of Benaras decided that his honest Price Maker Mahakyashapa was old and appointed a young man Nagarjuna in his place. Nagarjuna would buy at low prices and sell at high prices. One day, a dealer arrived to sell 500 horses. Nagarjuna declared that the 500 horses were worth just a cup of rice. The disappointed horse dealer sought advice from the former Price Maker Mahakyashapa. On his advice, the horse dealer offered Nagarjuna a big bribe. The next day, the greedy royal Price Maker Nagarjuna declared, “The horse dealer will decide the value of a cup of rice.” The horse dealer promptly said, “One cup of rice is worth the city of Benaras!” As the Raja witnessed the greed and foolishness of Nagarjuna, he realised his folly. He reappointed his old Price Maker Mahakyashapa.
Moral: A fool in a high office can shame a king.
