Page 26 - Śrī Pañcatantra - Eng

xxiv The Pañcatantra

But then a minister named Sumati spoke up. He pointed out,
“Life is too short to waste time in this way. I know a brāhmaṇa
with many disciples named Viṣṇuśarmā. He is expert in all
sciences and he has earned an excellent reputation. My
suggestion is that the three princes should be given over to his
care for only he will succeed in educating them.”

Taking Sumati’s message to heart, King Amaraśakti at once
called Paṇḍita Viṣṇuśarmā to his palace. When he arrived, the
king showed great respect to the brāhmaṇa and requested,
“Kindly educate my sons in nīti-śāstra, and if you can do that I
shall present you with one hundred tax-free villages.”

Paṇḍita Viṣṇuśarmā replied, “Your Majesty, please listen as I
explain the situation. It is impossible for me to consider trading
what I have learned for any payment whatsoever. Now if after
six months of instructions your sons are not fully learned in
nīti-śāstra, then I shall forfeit my reputation. Hear this lion’s
roar: I am almost eighty years old now and my senses have
long since come under my control. Kindly note down today’s
date. If your sons are not conversant in nīti-śāstra within six
months, then I do not deserve to achieve the heavenly planets
in my next birth.”

The reassuring words of Paṇḍita Viṣṇuśarmā put Mahārāja
Amaraśakti’s mind at ease. At once he handed over the three dull
princes to the care of the great paṇḍita. The boys accompanied
Viṣṇuśarmā to his āśrama where he began instructing them
through stories that he had divided into five tantras or sections.
These pañca-tantras are:
1. Mitra-bheda: Conflict Among Friends
2. Mitra-lābha or Mitra-samprāpti: Winning of Friends
3. Kākolūkīya: Crows and Owls (The Art of War and Peace)