Once, a group of animals in the forest devised a cunning plan to share a meal. The jackal, ever clever, suggested that after the mouse had eaten the deer's feet, the tiger should seize the deer, and then they all would feast together, their hearts rejoicing. The others agreed, and so the tiger, following the jackal’s advice, killed the deer whose feet had already been gnawed away by the mouse. When the lifeless body of the deer lay stretched upon the ground, the jackal spoke: “Go, bathe and return safely. I will guard the deer here.” Trusting his words, all the animals went to the river, leaving the jackal behind, who remained deep in thought. The mighty tiger bathed first and returned, finding the jackal troubled and pensive. The tiger asked, “Why do you grieve, O wise one? Are you not the best among the intelligent? After eating the flesh today, we shall roam freely.” But the jackal replied, “Listen to what the mouse said, O mighty-armed one. Shame on the lion’s strength, for today this deer was killed by me.” The jackal continued, “Relying on my own strength, I will be satisfied today. Hearing such boasting, I no longer desire to eat the meat.” He added, “If he truly speaks so, and I am now awakened, relying on my own strength, I will kill the forest-dwellers.” Declaring, “I will eat the flesh there,” the tiger left for the forest. At that moment, the mouse also returned. Seeing the mouse, the jackal said, “Listen, O mouse, may good befall you. Hear what the mongoose said here: ‘I will not eat the deer's flesh; I do not desire such pride. I will eat the mouse; let this be approved by you.’” Hearing these words, the frightened mouse fled into his hole. Soon, the wolf, having bathed, also arrived. The jackal warned the wolf, “The lion is enraged; it will not be good for you. He comes here, leaving everyone terrified; do what you must next.” Urged by the jackal, the wolf seized a portion of the flesh and departed. At that very moment, the mongoose arrived. In the forest, the jackal addressed the mongoose: “Relying on their own strength, they have been defeated and gone elsewhere. If you wish, give me single combat, and you may eat the flesh as you wish.” The mongoose replied, “Since you have defeated the heroes, you are braver than they. I too am not able to fight you,” and departed. When all had left, the jackal, delighted in mind, ate the flesh alone, having decided by counsel. Thus, by acting wisely and with strategy, one prospers happily, O king. The jackal’s actions offered lessons: instill fear in the fearful, break the brave with gestures of respect, win over the greedy by giving wealth, and match equals or inferiors with strength. Thus has this story been told to you, O King; now listen to further teachings. Whether he is a son, friend, brother, father, or even a teacher—if he stands among enemies, one who seeks prosperity must slay him. An enemy may be killed even by oath, by giving wealth, by poison, or by deceit; never neglect him in any way. If both sides are in doubt, the one who has faith prevails. Even a teacher who is arrogant, ignorant of right and wrong, and who has strayed from the path—disciplining him is just. Even when angry, one should appear calm, speaking first with a smile; let no one perceive him as inflamed with rage, nor should he destroy another in anger. When about to strike, speak kindly; even while striking, O Bharata, speak kindly, as if grieving or weeping. One should also reassure the other with words of comfort, righteousness, and practical sense; then, at the right time, strike him when he has strayed from the path. Even if one has committed a terrible offense, if he stands by righteousness, his fault is covered, like a mountain hidden by dark clouds. If someone is destined for death, burn his house; employ the poor, atheists, and thieves in acts involving poison. By rising, offering a seat, or giving something, one may become a most trusted killer—sharp-fanged and deeply concealed. Be wary of those who seem unsuspecting, and be entirely cautious of the suspicious; even fear arising from the unsuspected can cut at the very root. Do not trust the untrustworthy, nor trust the trustworthy too much; for fear born of trust can cut even the roots. A well-appointed spy should be employed, whether for oneself or another; in foreign lands, employ heretics, ascetics, and the like. Let spies be sent to gardens, pleasure grounds, temples, taverns, streets, and at all sacred fords; at crossroads, wells, mountains, forests, gatherings, and rivers—let them observe. Let him be exceedingly humble in speech, but sharp in heart; let him speak first with a smile, even when assigned a harsh task. Salutation with joined hands, oath, gentle words, bowing the head, touching the feet, and listening to requests—these are to be done by one who seeks prosperity. A tree may be full of blossoms yet bear no fruit; or it may bear fruit but be hard to climb. It may be unripe yet appear ripe, and it never truly withers. In the pursuit of the three aims of life, there are three kinds of afflictions and consequences. The consequences that are auspicious should be understood, but afflictions ought to be avoided.