The Value Of Forbearance

The sentries of King Kalabu reported to the King that his queen was in the company of an ascetic. Hearing this, the King flew into a terrible rage and rushed to the scene. As he drew his sword to kill the Bodhisattva, the queen pleaded for mercy and asked him to spare the ascetic’s life. Still seething, the King asked, “Holy man! What do you teach?”

“The value of forbearance. I teach how one should never lose composure even in the face of abuse,” answered the Bodhisattva calmly. “Aha! Is that so?” the King sniggered. “Then let me test your forbearance.” Saying this, he ordered his men to lash the ascetic a hundred times with a whip of thorns. The thorns bruised the Bodhisattva’s back sorely but he still remained calm. This infuriated the King all the more and he chopped off the Bodhisattva’s hands and legs. “Now holy man, tell me again… what do you teach,” the King demanded. But this time too, the Bodhisattva smiled and replied, “The value of forbearance.” The King became frustrated and left the scene. On the way, he was struck by lightning, and he died.

The author of this story is unknown and greatly appreciated!