The Two Wise Ministers

“Can’t we conquer the neighboring kingdom of Jaigarh, since the king seems to be quite unintelligent?” asked King Kamdev of Sudhapur.

“That depends, my lord, on how intelligent the minister of Jaigarh is,” replied Kamdev’s minister.

The minister then sent an emissary to Jaigarh. The emissary addressed the king of Jaigarh, stating, “My king requests you to send a man who lives on death and another who lives on life!”

In response, the minister of Jaigarh promptly sent a priest and a physician with the emissary.

Upon their arrival, Kamdev’s minister observed, “This priest’s role is to perform funeral rites for the dead. He lives on others’ death. The physician lives by ensuring a healthy life for others. The minister of Jaigarh is indeed intelligent. We are not likely to win a battle easily!”

Realizing the wisdom of his minister, King Kamdev ultimately abandoned the idea of invading Jaigarh.