Buddha and King Ajatashatru
Part Four: The King’s Important Question
The king said, “In my kingdom, many people have useful jobs. Some care for elephants. Some make pots. Some weave cloth. Some cook food. Some grow crops. Some keep accounts. Their work helps them care for their families.
“But
what good comes from the peaceful life of a monk? What can a person gain by
leaving behind a busy life and learning to live simply?”
The
Buddha nodded.
“That
is a thoughtful question,” he said.
Then
the Buddha asked, “Suppose a worker in your palace decides that he wishes to
become a monk. He gives up his old job, wears simple robes, speaks kindly,
harms no one, and learns to be peaceful. When you hear about him, would you
order him to return and work as your servant again?”
The
king shook his head.
“No,”
he said. “I would welcome him respectfully. I would offer him food, clothing, a
safe place to rest, and medicine when he was ill.
The
Buddha smiled.
“Then
you can already see one good result,” he said. “A person who chooses a kind and
peaceful life earns respect. People see the goodness in that person.”
The
king nodded. “Yes, I understand.”
“But
is there an even greater reward?” he asked.
“There
is,” said the Buddha.
Part Five: The Greatest Treasure
The
Buddha spoke in a gentle voice.
“A
person who wishes to live wisely learns not to hurt living beings. They put
down the stick and the weapon. They try to be kind to people, animals, and all
creatures.”
“They
learn to speak truthfully. They do not take things that belong to others. They
do not trick people or speak cruelly.”
“They
learn to notice their feelings. When anger comes, they do not let it become a
roaring tiger. When greed comes, they do not let it grab the steering wheel.
They pause, breathe, and choose what is good.”
The
king listened carefully.
The
Buddha continued, “A wise person is also content. They do not need many things
to be happy. Like a bird carrying its wings wherever it flies, they carry what
they truly need: a kind heart, a clear mind, and compassion for others.”
King
Ajatashatru looked around the quiet hall once more.
Now
he understood why the monks seemed so peaceful.
Their
treasure was not gold, jewels, palaces, or elephants.
Their
treasure was a heart filled with kindness.
Part Six: A Lesson Beneath the Moon
When
the king left the mango grove, the moon was still bright above him.
But
the night no longer felt empty.
He
had come looking for someone to make his heart happy. Instead, he had found a
path: be kind, speak truthfully, hurt no one, be thankful for enough, and calm
the mind.
The
king thought of his son, Prince Udayi Bhadda.
“I
will try to live with a peaceful heart,” he said. “And I will teach my son that
true strength is not in shouting, fighting, or owning many things. True
strength is in being kind.”
The
elephants carried the king home through the moonlit night.
And
somewhere behind him, in the quiet mango grove, the Buddha and the monks sat
peacefully—still as a clear lake, calm beneath the moon.
The Moonlit King Finds Peace
Beneath the moon so round and bright,
A king looked up into the night.
“Where can my restless heart find peace?”
He asked for worries to decrease.
Through mango trees and torchlight’s glow,
The royal elephants walked slow.
No cough, no sneeze, no whispered sound—
Such gentle quiet all around!
The Buddha sat so calm and wise,
With kindness shining in his eyes.
“True treasure,” said the Buddha’s voice,
“Is found each time we choose a choice
To speak with truth, to help, to share,
To treat all living things with care.
When angry feelings start to roar,
Pause, breathe, and let them roar no more.”
The king went home beneath the moon,
His heart became a peaceful tune.
He knew the greatest strength of all
Is kindness—standing proud and tall.
Written by Sham Misri
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