A Wise Merchant

 When Brahmadatta was ruling Kasi, Bodhisattva was born in a trading community. Right from his early days, Bodhisattva was keen to learn the nuances of business. He mastered all business tactics from his father and when he grew up as an adult, he engaged himself actively in business. With his business acumen, he could formulate clever strategies to boost and expand his trade. Soon, he became a highly successful and prosperous businessman. By the time his business was at its peak, he had engaged nearly five hundred bullock-carts to transport merchandise from far east to far west and carried out trade in many towns and villages en route.

There was another merchant in Kasi called Mandmathi, who was closely observing the progress of Bodhisattva. Mandmathi thought he could also improve his business and make huge profit by accompanying Bodhisattva during his business trip. When he expressed his desire to Bodhisattva, he agreed. However, Bodhisattva advised him: "Look! I've no objection to take you along with me. But, both of us cannot travel together with our caravan, since the highway is narrow. Let one of us proceed first and the other follow leaving a gap of time in between. You may choose whether you would go in front or follow me!"

Mandmathi thought over it for sometime. 'I stand to gain by leading him. If I proceed first, I shall have an uninterrupted journey. My bullocks will get plenty of grass. I shall get the choicest food on the way on first come first served basis. Further, I can manage to sell most of my merchandise since I shall be approaching the buyers first.'

Bodhisattva was, however, thinking on an entirely different line. 'It's better to follow this guy. The man who leads will have to take the trouble of locating the places for drinking water, food and also prospective buyers. The man who leads might have to bargain with the customers to strike a good deal. I shall not face any of these hardships.' 

When Mandmathi said he would lead, Bodhisattva immediately agreed. Mandmathi was delighted that he could score over his rival on this issue. As they had to pass through a vast desert, they stocked plenty of food and water.