In a kingdom surrounded by lush forests and flowing rivers, there ruled a king named Shibi. His heart was as vast as the skies above, filled with compassion for all living beings. Known for his wisdom, fairness, and justice, King Shibi was beloved by his people. His reign was marked by peace, prosperity, and the unwavering belief that every creature, big or small, deserved love and protection.

King Shibi’s love for his kingdom was not only for the people who lived there but also for the creatures that roamed the forests, the rivers, and the skies. He believed that a ruler’s true strength lay in his ability to protect the weak, to shield the innocent, and to stand by what is right, even if the path to righteousness was fraught with difficulty.

One serene afternoon, as the sun cast its warm golden glow over the land, King Shibi took a walk through his royal gardens. It was a place of solace for him, a sanctuary where he could find peace amidst the duties of ruling. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the soft rustle of leaves whispered the songs of nature.

Suddenly, a cry for help reached his ears. It was faint at first, but it grew louder and more desperate. King Shibi followed the sound, his heart heavy with concern. As he moved closer, he found a pigeon caught in the talons of a massive eagle. The eagle, fierce and unrelenting, had pinned the poor bird to the ground and was ready to claim it as its prey.

The pigeon, weak and trembling, looked up at King Shibi with pleading eyes. “Great King, please, I beg of you,” it cried out. “I am but a small, helpless creature, and I seek your protection. If you save me, I will serve you forever, as your loyal companion.”

The king’s heart ached with sorrow as he saw the suffering of the pigeon. In that moment, he knew he could not let this creature perish. “Do not worry, little one,” he said softly, his voice filled with compassion. “I will save you.”

He ordered his soldiers to drive away the eagle, and with great care, he gently lifted the pigeon from the ground. The eagle, hovering above, did not take kindly to this intervention. It spoke with a voice full of authority and anger. “King Shibi,” it said, “you have violated the laws of nature. The pigeon is my rightful prey, and I demand that you give it back to me. If you do not, I shall not leave your kingdom in peace.”

King Shibi’s heart sank as the eagle’s words pierced through him. He knew that the laws of nature dictated that the strong prey upon the weak, but he also knew that his dharma, his duty as a ruler, was to protect the innocent. His kingdom was built on justice, and he could not let an innocent creature suffer for the sake of a law that was cruel and heartless.

The king, torn between the natural order and his duty to uphold justice, looked the eagle in the eyes and spoke with deep conviction. “You are right,” he said, his voice steady. “The laws of nature are powerful, but the laws of compassion and justice are stronger. I cannot allow an innocent life to be taken when I have the power to protect it.”

The eagle, unfazed, made a shocking demand. “If you value your kingdom’s justice so highly, King Shibi,” it said, “then you must offer me your own flesh in exchange for the pigeon. Only then will I leave your kingdom in peace.”

The king was taken aback. This was an unimaginable choice his own flesh, his own life, for the life of a small pigeon. But deep in his heart, King Shibi knew what he had to do. His love for justice, for righteousness, was greater than any personal sacrifice.

“I will give my flesh,” King Shibi declared, his voice firm but filled with sorrow. “I would rather offer my own life than allow the suffering of the innocent. I will protect this pigeon, no matter the cost.”

He instructed his soldiers to prepare a great sacrifice, and with a heart full of love and devotion, King Shibi laid himself upon the altar, ready to offer his flesh to the eagle.

But just as he was about to give his own life, something miraculous happened. The eagle transformed into a divine being, and the pigeon too revealed its true form as a celestial being sent to test the king’s devotion to dharma. The gods, having seen King Shibi’s selfless love and unshakeable commitment to righteousness, were deeply moved.

The divine being, now in the form of a celestial sage, spoke in a voice that was both warm and mighty: “King Shibi, your sacrifice has touched the very heart of the universe. Your unwavering devotion to righteousness and your willingness to sacrifice yourself for the innocent have proven that your heart is pure. You are a true king, not just of your kingdom, but of all beings