The Heroic Warhorse: Courage and Wisdom in Battle

Long ago, in a prosperous kingdom, the Bodhisatta was born as the king’s prized warhorse. His life was one of extraordinary comfort, far surpassing even the luxury enjoyed by most humans. Fed from a golden dish worth one hundred thousand coins, his stall was perfumed with the finest fragrances, adorned with crimson curtains, and garlanded with fresh flowers.

But the Bodhisatta was more than just a symbol of grandeur—he was a warhorse of unmatched strength and courage.

The Kingdom Under Siege

One fateful day, seven neighboring kings, each with their own army, surrounded the kingdom and demanded the king’s surrender. Refusing to give up his land, the king convened his advisors to devise a plan. After much discussion, they resolved to send their most skilled soldier, mounted on the Bodhisatta, to confront the seven armies alone.

Confident in his warhorse and soldier, the king placed the fate of his kingdom in their hands.

The Bodhisatta and the soldier rode valiantly into battle. Their courage and skill were unmatched, and together they captured six of the kings and brought them back to the palace as prisoners. But in the heat of capturing the sixth king, the Bodhisatta suffered a grievous wound.

The Final Battle

Back at the palace gate, the soldier began preparing another horse for battle to face the final king. Seeing this, the Bodhisatta thought, “No other horse can accomplish what I can. If I do not return to the field, the soldier, the king, and the entire kingdom will perish.”

Summoning his remaining strength, the Bodhisatta spoke to the soldier, “Bind my wound to stop the bleeding, and we shall finish what we started.” Moved by the warhorse’s resolve, the soldier obeyed, and together they rode back into battle. With one final display of heroism, they defeated the last king and secured the kingdom’s safety.

A Noble Death

When the battle was over, the king himself came to greet the victorious pair. The Bodhisatta, though weakened by his injury, addressed the king with dignity and wisdom.

“Spare the lives of these seven kings,” he urged. “Make them swear an oath never to wage war against you again. Rule your kingdom with righteousness and charity, for only through just governance can a ruler secure lasting peace.”

The king agreed, honoring the Bodhisatta’s request. Soon after, the Bodhisatta succumbed to his wounds, dying as a hero who had not only saved a kingdom but also inspired its ruler to lead with virtue.

The Buddha’s Teaching

In the Buddha’s lifetime, one of his disciples began to neglect his spiritual practice. To inspire him, the Buddha recounted this tale, explaining that the king and soldier were earlier births of Ananda and Sariputta, two of his top disciples. Hearing the story, the disciple renewed his dedication and ultimately achieved arahantship.

Moral

True heroism lies in selflessness and perseverance. Strength is magnified when paired with wisdom, and lasting peace comes not from vengeance but from compassion and righteous leadership.