Virtues Of A Prince
Many centuries ago, Varanasi was ruled by a pious king named Brahmadutta. He had a son named Kumara. After his father's death, Kumara ascended the throne. The young king led a highly disciplined life dividing his time between taking care of the state on one hand and study and meditation on the other hand. The young king's pure life and deep regard for truth had a great impact on the administration. The subjects were inspired to lead a just life. Judges and magistrates passed their time idly, for, there were no cases before them. The police too spent their time helping the aged and the sick. There was no breach of the law for them to worry about. Reports reached King Kumara that people were all praise for him. "Those who send such reports may be the officers who are seeking my favor. It will be possible to know what the people are really speaking about me only if I move among them," thought the young king. He donned a disguise and set out in a chariot. His charioteer was a clever man who took care never to reveal his master's identity. The young king visited a number of villages and towns. He mingled with crowds and heard their remarks on different issues with attention.
Nowhere he met a man who criticized him. Satisfied with his journey across his kingdom, he was on his way back to his capital when on a narrow road, his chariot came face to face with the chariot of King Mallik of the neighbouring kingdom. King Mallik too was a just and able king and he too was returning to his capital after a survey of his kingdom. He too was in disguise. But now that King Kumara's mission had been over, his charioteer did not think it is necessary to hide his identity. "Give way to us, for the one who rides the chariot is none other than Kumara the King of Varanasi," announced the charioteer. "That's no reason for me to give way to you, for the one who rides this chariot is none other than King Mallik of Koshala," answered the other charioteer. "Both indeed are great kings. In such a situation one who is older ought to have the privilege of passing first. What is the age of your king?" asked Kumara's charioteer. The other charioteer's reply showed that both the kings were of the same age. By and by it was found that both the kingdoms were equal in size, the strength of the army of one was equal to that of the other.
Both came of equally noble lineage. One was not inferior to the other even in wealth and education. The charioteer of Kumara thought for a while and then said, "Let us then see who between the kings is superior to the other in virtues. Can you tell me how virtuous is your king?" "Noble and just is my king, for he is always kind and honest towards those who are kind and honest. He is rude towards those who are rude. He believes in tit for tat," replied King Mallik's charioteer. "Is that all?" wondered King Kumara's charioteer. "I'm afraid, you are mistaking some defects for virtues. My king conquers the angry and agitated with his calm, he is kind and honest towards even the most unkind and dishonest. With generosity, he opens the eyes of the mean and the miser. With truth he conquers falsehood." The King of Koshala who was intently listening to the dialogue between the two charioteers jumped down and bowed to Kumara for teaching the true virtues of a prince. Kumara blessed them and resumed his journey.
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