Chapter XV - SUKHA VAGGA - Happiness

VICTORY BREEDS HATRED

Jayam veram pasavati dukkham seti parajito
Upasanto sukham seti hitva jaya parajayam. [201]

XV: 03 Victory produces hatred (King Kosala)

In fighting against Ajatasattu, the King of Kosala was defeated three times. Ajatasattu was the son of King Bimbisara and Queen Vedehi, the sister of the King of Kosala. The King of Kosala was ashamed and very much depressed over his defeat and lamented, 'What a disgrace! I cannot even conquer this boy who still smells of mother's milk. It is better that I should die.' Due to his depression, the king refused to take any food, and kept to his bed. When the news about the king's distress reached the Buddha, he commented, 'Bhikkhus! In one who conquers, enmity and hatred increases, one who is defeated suffers pain and distress.' Having heard this, the king realised that there is no victory in war, and was thus firmly established in the Dhamma.