Two centuries after the departure of the Buddha, Alexander the Great conquered almost all of Asia and approached the borders of India. But he did not dare to enter its territory, knowing about the valiant army of the Hindus, armed with mighty elephants trained to crush everything in their path. People sat on the backs of elephants and threw arrows and spears at the enemy.
The noble Emperor Paras ruled in India at that time. Alexander had heard about his nobility and sent his beloved to meet Paras.
In India there is a holiday - Sister's Day. On this day, according to custom, a girl can tie a red thread around a boy's wrist and call him her brother. He must touch her feet and take an oath to protect her like his sister. The sister promises to pray for him all his life.
It was on this day that the emperor was informed that the world-famous beauty, the beloved of Alexander the Great, wanted to meet him. He came out and greeted her.
In India, there is still a custom: a guest in the house is God in the house.
He led her into the palace, seated her on the throne and politely asked:
- You've come a long way. How can I serve you?
She said:
“I came because I want to ask you to become my brother.” I don't have a brother, and I would really like you to become one.
Paras understood that this could be just an intrigue, but he bowed, touched her feet and said:
- If you don't have a brother, I am your brother!
She tied a thread around his wrist and promised to pray for his health all his life.
The next day, Alexander went on the offensive. In the battle, Paras killed a horse under Alexander. He himself was on a war elephant. Alexander fell. The elephant was trained to trample the enemy, he had already raised his leg, but Paras, remembering the red thread and his obligations to Alexander’s beloved, turned the elephant around. He retreated. Thus, he missed the opportunity and was defeated. He was taken prisoner and brought in chains to Alexander. But his regal appearance, grace and nobility amazed the great conqueror. Alexander asked Paras:
- How would you like to be treated?
Paras replied:
- What kind of question? The emperor must be treated like an emperor.
Alexander made the following entry: “I have never met a person like Paras. He was a prisoner, but how he walked! And how he spoke! Alexander was amazed, he said:
- Remove his chains, even in chains he remained an emperor. Give him back his kingdom.
Before parting, Alexander asked him:
“Why did you lower your spear when I was lying down or your elephant could have crushed me?” Another minute and I would have been finished.
Paras replied:
- Don't ask about it. You know. Here is the red thread. Do you recognize her? I can't get over this. Your beloved is my sister, but there is no need for you to feel obligated towards me.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru