King Ajatashatru of Magadha (son of Vaidehi) assembled his four-part army and launched an attack on King Pasenadi of Kosala, targeting the country of Kashi. When King Pasenadi heard about this, he also assembled his four-part army to counterattack. The two armies clashed in Kashi. This time, King Pasenadi defeated Ajatashatru and captured him alive.

Then King Pasenadi thought to himself: "Although this King Ajatashatru of Magadha has betrayed me and attacked me, he is still my nephew. I might as well confiscate all his elephant troops, cavalry, chariots, and infantry, and then spare his life."

So, King Pasenadi confiscated all of Ajatashatru's army and then released him.

That morning, many monks entered the city of Shravasti for alms. After finishing their alms round, they returned to see the Buddha. After paying their respects to the Buddha, they sat to one side. Then, these monks said to the Buddha:

"Lord, King Ajatashatru of Magadha assembled his four-part army and launched an attack on King Pasenadi of Kosala, targeting the country of Kashi. When King Pasenadi heard about this, he also assembled his four-part army to counterattack. The two armies clashed in Kashi. This time, King Pasenadi defeated Ajatashatru and captured him alive. Then King Pasenadi thought: 'Although this King Ajatashatru of Magadha has betrayed me and attacked me, he is still my nephew. I might as well confiscate all his elephant troops, cavalry, chariots, and infantry, and then spare his life.' So, King Pasenadi confiscated all of Ajatashatru's army and then released him."

After hearing this, the Buddha recited these verses:

"People will continue to plunder as long as they see profit in it;

But when others come to plunder, the plunderers will also be plundered.

The fool thinks evil deeds will not bear fruit,

Until the evil fruit ripens, and he falls into suffering.

The killer will eventually meet someone who kills him,

The conqueror will eventually meet someone who defeats him,

The insulter will eventually be insulted,

And the one who angers others will eventually be angered.

Thus, with the turning of karma,

The plunderer will eventually be plundered."

[Simple explanation]

1. This story tells of a war between two kings and its outcome.

2. Although King Pasenadi won, he chose to forgive his nephew Ajatashatru.

3. The Buddha taught the principle of cause and effect through verses, emphasizing that evil deeds will eventually bear evil fruits.

4. These teachings remind us that violence and plunder only lead to more violence and plunder, forming a vicious cycle.

5. The Buddha's wisdom points out that true peace and happiness come from breaking this cycle, not from continuing to participate in it.

This story not only describes the political situation in ancient India but also profoundly reveals the universal truth of human nature and karmic retribution, encouraging us to reflect on our own actions and way of life.