The Ox Who Refused to Pull

A brahmin who owned a magnificent, powerful ox named Nandivisala had raised him from a calf with genuine love, and one day, proud beyond measure of his strength, wagered a wealthy merchant a large sum that the ox could pull a hundred loaded carts tied together in a single pull.

On the day of the wager, before a large crowd, the brahmin — trying to sound commanding — shouted harshly at the ox, "Pull, you worthless brute!" Nandivisala, deeply hurt by being insulted after a lifetime of gentle care, planted his feet and refused to move at all, humiliating the brahmin and costing him the wager entirely.

That evening, the ox gently explained through his manner that he had never been spoken to so cruelly before, and it had wounded his pride more than any physical strain ever could. The brahmin apologized sincerely, and the next day arranged a second wager, this time speaking to Nandivisala with the same warmth he always had. The ox, moved by the kindness, pulled all hundred carts with ease, and the brahmin won back double what he had lost.