The King Who Carried No Sword

That evening, the royal palace of Champa was strangely silent. It was not a peaceful silence, but the tense, breath-holding silence of one who awaits a great calamity. King Che Man, the ruler of this small land, sat upon his throne, his mind in turmoil. He knew full well that Dai Viet had just won a glorious victory over the Mongols, and that Champa had made a grave mistake by allowing the enemy passage. History had taught him that this was the time for the victor to raise his sword and demand retribution.

He had imagined the marching armies, the thundering hoofbeats, the sky dark with banners during his sleepless nights. He had steeled himself for an unavoidable conflict.

But what happened was completely contrary to every prediction. An envoy from Dai Viet arrived bearing a message that stunned the entire Champa court: His Majesty would pay a visit, and he would not be bringing any generals or soldiers with him.

Just a few days later, a small procession appeared on the road from the North. At its head was a king—but he resembled an ascetic monk more than a monarch. He wore a simple robe, walked with a staff, and was followed by only a few plain disciples. There was no gleaming sword, no arrow in its quiver, no shield raised.

When this gentle group entered the palace, Che Man could hardly believe his eyes. King Tran Nhan Tong, the victorious emperor, had brought no weapons for punishment. He carried only peace and compassion.

Trembling with emotion, Che Man knelt. Tears of regret and admiration flowed. The courage and virtue of the Northern king were too great for words. To atone for his sin of aiding the Mongols, he offered the two provinces of O and Ly to Dai Viet.

Later, Princess Huyen Tran, the daughter of King Tran Nhan Tong, was married to Che Man. This was a gift more precious than any treasure, a symbol of a new friendship built on forgiveness and tolerance. Thus, with the simple act of visiting without weapons, the king of Dai Viet averted a war and transformed hatred into kinship.

**The Meaning of the Story**

This story illustrates the spirit of "a tolerant world" that Master Thich Chan Quang seeks to convey. No matter how great the differences, no matter the conflicts or misunderstandings, people can still choose forgiveness and compassionate treatment over hatred. Through his tolerance, the king of Dai Viet proved that true strength does not lie in weapons or armies, but in a heart that knows how to forgive and remain open.

This is a lesson for all of us in dismantling the barriers and petty reasons for disliking one another, so we may together strive for a more peaceful and loving society.

Compiled from a dharma talk by Venerable Thich Chan Quang.