There was a king who ruled over a vast kingdom. He lacked nothing, and whatever he ordered was carried out immediately.
However, the king had a terrible habit—whenever someone made even a small mistake, he would have them thrown to a pack of ten ferocious dogs who would tear the person apart. The king was known for his short temper.
Everyone in the kingdom was afraid of this habit. Even the king’s minister used to criticize this cruel practice.
One day, that very minister made a mistake. When the king found out, he immediately ordered, “Take the minister to the dogs!”
The minister accepted his mistake and begged the king for forgiveness, but the king refused to listen and declared, “What I’ve said is final.” He instructed the guards to throw him into the dog kennel.
The minister then said, “Very well, Your Majesty, but please grant me one last wish.”
The king replied, “Alright, tell me your last wish.”
The minister said, “Just give me ten days’ time.”
The king agreed, saying, “Fine. You have ten days, but on the eleventh day, the punishment will be carried out.”
The minister did not appear before the king for ten days. But on the eleventh day, he presented himself. The king ordered the guards to carry out the punishment.
The guards took the minister to the kennel and released the dogs. But to everyone’s surprise, instead of attacking the minister, the dogs began to behave affectionately toward him.
The king was shocked. These were trained attack dogs, and yet they were being gentle and loving.
The king asked, “How did this miracle happen? What happened to these dogs?”
The minister replied, “In these ten days, I took care of these dogs. I fed them, bathed them, and served them with love. Now they know that I mean no harm to them—they recognize my kindness and will not attack me.
I have served you loyally for so many years, yet you couldn’t forgive me for a single mistake. These dogs are better than you—they know the difference between good and bad.”
Hearing this, the king was deeply ashamed.
Moral:
We should always think carefully before making decisions. One mistake should not define a person’s entire life. We must have the courage to forgive.
Always stay content—what you have is enough.
He who is joyful in heart, possesses everything.