The Ox Who Won the Bet

The Bodhisatta was once born as a magnificent, powerful ox named Nandi Visala. He was raised by a Brahmin merchant who treated him like a son, feeding him the best food. The ox was incredibly strong and wanted to repay his master's kindness.

The ox told the Brahmin, 'Master, go to the richest merchant in town and bet him a thousand gold coins that your ox can pull one hundred fully loaded carts tied together.' The Brahmin agreed and set up the bet.

On the day of the challenge, a huge crowd gathered. One hundred carts filled with heavy sand were tied in a line. The Brahmin hitched Nandi Visala to the first cart. Wanting to look tough and authoritative in front of the crowd, the Brahmin raised his whip, hit the ox, and shouted, 'Pull, you wretched beast! Move, you lazy devil!'

Nandi Visala was deeply hurt. He thought, 'I have never been lazy or disobedient, yet he insults me in public.' The ox planted his feet firmly and refused to move an inch. The Brahmin lost the thousand gold coins and went home weeping.

The ox went to him and said, 'Master, why did you call me a wretched devil? Have I ever broken a pot or misbehaved? Go back and bet two thousand gold coins, but this time, speak to me with love and respect.'

The next day, the carts were set up again. This time, the Brahmin gently stroked the ox's back and said softly, 'My good son, my mighty hero, please pull these carts.' Filled with joy at the respectful words, Nandi Visala surged forward with immense power, easily pulling all one hundred carts and winning two thousand gold coins for his master.