Once upon a time when Brahmadatta was reigning in Benares, the Bodhisatta came to life again as a Brahmin. When he grew up, he first learned the Three Vedas and all learning at Takkasila, and for some time lived a mundane life. But when his parents died he became a recluse, living in the Himalayas, and attained the mystic Attainments and Knowledges. There he lived a long time till need of salt and other necessaries of life brought him back to Benares where he took up his quarters in the royal pleasaunce. Next day he dressed himself with care and pains, and in the best garb of an ascetic went in quest of alms to the city and came to the king’s gate. The king was sitting down and saw the Bodhisatta from the window was impressed.

So summoning a courtier, he asked him to bring the hermit into the presence. And the courtier went up to the Bodhisatta and with due obeisance, and told him that the king wants to see him. The Bodhisatta refused the invitation.

So the courtier went back and reported this to the king. The King, at that time, had no confidential adviser. Second time, King sent the cortier to the Bodhisatta with the same request and this time the Bodhisatta consented to come.

The king greeted him on his entrance with great courtesy and requested him to be seated on a golden throne beneath a royal parasol. And the Bodhisatta was fed on dainty food which was prepared for the king.

Then the king asked where the ascetic lived and learned that his home was in the Himalayas.

“And where are you going now?”

“Sir! In search of a place to stay for the rainy season.”

“Why not take up your abode in my pleasaunce?” suggested the king. Then, having gained the Bodhisatta’s consent, the king took him there. This dwelling was provided with the eight requisites of an ascetic. The king put him under the charge of the gardener and went back to the palace. So the king came twice or thrice every day to visit him.

Now the king had a fierce and passionate son who was known as Prince Wicked, who was beyond the control of his father and kinsfolk. Councillors, brahmins and citizens all pointed out his mistakes, but the prince paid no attention to their counsels. And the king felt that the ascetic could only change the attitude of his son. So as a last chance he took the prince and handed him over to the Bodhisatta to deal with. Then the Bodhisatta walked with the prince in the pleasaunce till they came to a place where a seedling Nimb tree was growing.

“Taste a leaf of this little tree, prince,” said the Bodhisatta, “and see what it is like.”

The young man did so; as soon as he put the leaf in his mouth, he spat it out.

“What is the matter, prince?” asked the Bodhisatta.

“Sir! This is poisous and bitter tree; if left to grow, it will prove the death to many persons,” said the prince, and immediately plucked up the tiny growth and crushed in his hands.

Then said the Bodhisatta to him, “Prince, dreading what the poisonous seedling might grow to, you have destroyed it. Likewise, if the people of this kingdom, dreading what a prince so fierce and passionate may become when king, will not place you on the throne but uproot you like this Nimb tree and drive you forth to exile. Therefore take warning by the tree and from now onwards show mercy and kindness.”

From that moment onwards, the prince’s mood was changed. He grew humble and meek, merciful and overflowing with kindness. Abiding by the Bodhisatta’s counsel, when at his father’s death he came to be king, he abounded in charity and other good works, and in the end passed away to fare according to his deserts.