There was once a king who, deeply devoted to knowledge, performed many sacrifices with great faith and understanding. During one such sacrifice, as the sacred rites were underway, an unexpected calamity occurred: the king learned that the cow meant for the sacrifice had been killed by a tiger. Those present were bewildered and said, “We do not know how this happened; someone must find out who is responsible.” Turning to the wisest among them, they said, “O King, ask Śunaka; he is learned in the Veda. Neither Kaśeru, nor I, nor anyone else on earth at present knows the answer.” The king resolved, “I will go now, O sage, to question my enemy.” He thought, “If my enemy is asked, he will declare the proper expiation.” Having made this decision, the king donned a black antelope skin and mounted his chariot, setting out to meet his adversary. When Khāṇḍikya, the king’s enemy and rival in spirit, saw him approaching, he spoke with suspicion: “Wearing the black antelope skin as armor, you intend to kill us. Fool, tell me: among animals with backs, is the black antelope skin not theirs? I will kill you; I will not let you go alive.” But the king replied calmly, “Khāṇḍikya, I have come to you to ask a question.” With this, Khāṇḍikya withdrew with his ministers and chief priest to a secluded place to consider the situation. The ministers urged him, “This enemy, now under your power, should be executed.” Khāṇḍikya responded, “There is no doubt about this for me. If he wins the next world, the whole earth will be mine. Victory in the next world is endless; victory on earth is brief.” With these thoughts, Khāṇḍikya approached his enemy Janaka and spoke to him. He explained in detail how the sacrificial cow had been killed and clarified everything properly to Keśidhvaja, the king. Having understood the matter, Keśidhvaja was permitted by that noble soul to proceed. The king then performed the sacrifice step by step, as prescribed. When the rites were completed, he bathed, honored all the officiating priests, and respected the members of the assembly. Just as I have recounted everything concerning the world of mortals, so too did the king reflect on these events as he prepared to depart. He mounted his chariot once more and set out. When Khāṇḍikya saw him approaching again, weapon in hand, Keśidhvaja reassured him, “I have not come, Khāṇḍikya, to do you harm—do not be angry. The sacrifice has been properly completed by me, indeed through your instruction.” Hearing this, Khāṇḍikya again took counsel with his ministers. They advised, “Ask him for the elephant, all of it, without remainder.” At this, the great king Khāṇḍikya laughed and said to them, “This, O ministers, is indeed the means for your own benefit here.” Having said this, he approached King Keśidhvaja. When Keśidhvaja agreed, saying, “So be it,” Khāṇḍikya then said, “If you will give me the teacher’s fee, why did you not ask for my kingdom, free from obstacles?” Keśidhvaja replied, “Understand why I did not ask for it from you.