Nandi Visala Jathakaya:

Be kind in your speech

Retold by Risitha Deelaka Wickmal Subasinghe

Once upon a time in ancient India, there lived a Brahmin who owned a bull called Nandi Visala who had the exceptional ability to run faster than anyone in the area. The bull was aware of his ability too, but never was haughty over his talent. But, he always dreamt of utilizing his ability in a fruitful way so that his master Brahmin would be benefitted.

After making up some plans he addressed the Brahmin, "Dear master, I know you're proud of possessing the fastest bull, in this area."

"Yes, I am" said the Brahmin shrugging his shoulders with little pride. "So, master, have you ever been benefitted by your bull's talent," inquired the bull.

"I cannot say I have not been benefitted. Oh, why not, it helps me with my work and not left anything undone which it ought to do hitherto," replied the Brahmin with a note of satisfaction, staring at the bull. "What made you ask a question of this nature that too, all of a sudden?"

"My question was, my dear master, do not you ever want to be famous of possessing the fastest bull who can pull hundred carts at the same time in this area and also be rich." Nandi Visala's eyes were gleaming with pride and happiness.

"Yes, I can boast to everyone that I have a bull who can run faster, but who would believe that and give me money? That's absurd." The Brahmin cast a sarcastic smile at the bull and strode out of the bull's shack.

"But Master, the bull can earn you plenty of money if only you would use my talents in a correct way."

"Fine, you tell me how should I go about it?" The Brahmin came closer to Nandi Visala and laid his hand on Nandi Visala's forehead.

"Master, you can place a bet with the richest aristocrat in this area that you have the fastest running bull in this area and that your bull can pull hundred carts all at the same time. If you prove it ask him to pay you Thousand 'massas'.

"Fine, how confident are you that you would be able to pull hundred carts at the same time and also run comparatively faster than others?" The Brahmin asked Nandi Visala with a tinge of doubt.

'Master, do not have slightest doubt about it. I am confident that I am faster than others. You too must put your trust in me," Nandi Visala assured the master.

The next day the Brahmin met the richest aristocrat in that area and placed a bet of 1000 'massas'. The rich man laughed haughtily at the Brahmin. "Why do you want to lose your money, by taking a gamble bets. Everyone knows that I have the fastest bulls in this area. Well, if you really want to give me 1000 'massas' why should I turn a good offer down."

The very next day both the Brahmin and the richest aristocrat brought their bulls for the competition. The Brahmin tied hundred carts on to Nandi Visala.

The competition then started. The Brahmin smacked Nandi Visala with his cane and said, "Go beast go! Hurry you foolish bull...why the hell can't you move? You fool can't you hear what I say." The Brahmin went on shouting expletives at Nandi Visala but he stood like a rock. As nothing happened the Brahmin had no option but to give the thousand 'massas' to the rich man.

The Brahmin was now fuming with anger. He shouted at the bull, "You foolish bull, is that what you wanted. What did you tell me at the beginning? You misled me. Why did you let your master down badly?

"Dear master, all these times you have spoken to me in a soft way but at the competition you changed your good nature and suddenly became violent. At first you lashed me with a cane, then turned abusive.

I never expected my master to call me by that language. I was disappointed by the way you spoke to me. That's why I didn't pull the carts, well, master I will give you another chance. You go to the rich aristocrat again today, and place a bet for 2000 'massas.'

"Ah, you want me to trust you? I would not repeat the same mistake. I do not want to be ridiculed by others. Nandi Visala, I had believed that you would be able to make me rich and famous, but what happened was the other way a round."

"Master bear in mind to treat me with kindness at the competition and speak to me good. That's all I expect from you. I will make you rich and famous. That's a promise. You go now and do as I told you."

Again the Brahmin was ridiculed by the rich man. "Huh, I think you have too much of 'massas' and you want to give them to someone. How good is it. I am going to get another 1000 'massas', the rich aristocrat mocked at the Brahmin.

The competition started. The Brahmin addressed his bull, Nandi Visala thus. "My dear good animal, I know you have the strength to pull a hundred carts and run faster. Go my son go. You're the winner and no one else." Nandi Visala accelerated his speed.

He ran with hundred carts faster than the other bulls and became the winner.

The Brahmin overjoyed with happiness, received his 2000 'massas' and gained

popularity overnight.

On this day, the Brahmin learnt the lesson of addressing others with kind words.

The Bodhisatva was born as the wise and talented bull - Nandi Visala in one of his five hundred and fifty five lives.

('Massa' - a golden coin which had a highest value during ancient times. It is also called 'Kahavanu.')