Hello, today's story is about Vitashoka, brother of Ahoka the great. 
After witnessing mass death of destructive Kalinga war, which reportedly resulted in 100000 death and 150000 banishments, he had waged out of desire for conquest and converted to Buddhism. He then started giving funds for bodh monks and arranging for them. Vitashoka on the other hand was not really fond of Buddhism, he indeed criticized his brother for funding them and wasting revenge for no purpose, also accused the monks for leading luxurious life in viharas. One night he was doing the same infront of some of his trustworthy courtiers. They made his sit of king's throne and false praised him. When Ashoka informed about the incident, he ordered execution of his own brother for insurgency. Vitashoka defended himself and pleaded not guilty, however Ashoka extended the punishment for 7 days and let his enjoy all royal opulences. A doorman was appointed to keep eye on him and remind him the days he had left..
Everyday, early in the morning the watchman used to announce the day number thus 7 days flew in instant. On the execution day, Ashoka came to visit Vitashoka and asked how those days went by, and any of his last wishes if remained unfulfilled. Vitashoka was agitated, folded his hand and teary eyes, bowed low to his brother and said, what can be enjoyed with hanging sword, he could not even sleep or eat anything. On hearing this, Ashoka, decoded the moral behind his death sentence, if he was so restless upon reminding his death day and couldn't savour the royalty how the monks were supposed to relish it. Vitashoka experienced the epiphany for the first time and remorsed with guilt. He apologized to Ashoka and was a completely different person. He too followed Buddhism afterward and indulged his life in service of monks and dissemination of Buddhism.
That's it for now. Thank you. 🙏
This is dummy text. It is not meant to be read. Accordingly, it is difficult to figure out when to end it. But then, this is dummy text. It is not meant to be read. Period.
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon