The Two Victors

The king of Varanasi had bravely conquered a neighboring land and felt immense pride for becoming the ruler of a greater territory. Seated on a richly adorned elephant, he was returning home, under a bejeweled umbrella. Drummers and pipers accompanied him, playing joyful melodies while soldiers cheered for their triumphant king. Flags of victory fluttered in the breeze as they marched on.

The Soldier’s Command

Upon reaching a river that needed to be crossed, the soldiers stood at attention on the bank, eagerly waiting for the king’s command. The music faded, and so did the enthusiastic chants from his followers. In this moment of silence, the proud king silently reminded himself, “I am the victor!” Yet, amidst this self-affirmation, he heard an unexpected voice echoing from a nearby forest, proclaiming, “I am the victor!”

The Mysterious Voice

Intrigued, the king pondered who this mysterious person was and over whom they had claimed victory. Curious, he ordered some of his soldiers to investigate. They quickly returned, leading a young man whom they had apprehended. “My lord! This is the fellow whose shouts we heard!” reported one soldier.

The Unexpected Encounter

The king examined the young man closely. Clad in simple attire and armed with no weapon, the youth appeared poor. What astonished the king was how the young man, despite being dragged before him, displayed no fear or repulsion; instead, his expression radiated calmness and joy.

The Villager’s Story

<p“Young man,” the king began, “we heard you declare yourself the victor. Over whom did you win this victory, and when? I am the true victor for I have just humbled a powerful enemy.” Calmly, the youth recounted his story: he was a poor villager who cultivated vegetables on a small plot of land, barely making ends meet. His only possession, aside from his humble hut, was a spade. Yet, deep within, he yearned to become an ascetic.

A Search for Liberation

One day, he buried his spade and set out for the Himalayas. However, as he journeyed, he found himself overwhelmed by memories of the spade, which he held dear. He returned home to dig it up and attempted to part with it again, but his attachment kept drawing him back. Each time he tried to leave, the bond with his spade proved too strong.

Victory Over Attachment

Determined to conquer this “stupid bondage,” he brought the spade to the riverbank. “I must forget where it lies so I won’t retrieve it if tempted,” he resolved. Closing his eyes, he cast the spade into the water and ran, not looking back until he had gone far. “I am the victor!” he exclaimed, celebrating his triumph over attachment. The king realized that this proclamation was what he had heard.

A Deeper Understanding

After finishing his tale, the young man addressed the king, saying, “O noble king! You may have defeated a powerful enemy, but he is external. I have conquered my inner enemy—my greed and attachment! That is a far more challenging victory.” The young man radiated a profound joy that no earthly conquest could match, inspiring a sense of reverence in the king.

A Transformative Decision

<p“Where are you going, O blessed young man?” asked the king. “To the Himalayas,” the young man replied. “Please allow me to join you,” said the king. To everyone’s surprise, he dismounted his elephant and, without a second thought, followed the young man, leaving behind his former life.

The Legend of the Buddha

In this tale, the young man who won the inner victory was none other than an incarnation of the Buddha, conveying timeless wisdom about the true essence of victory.