Two kings, Brahmadatta of Bārāṇasī (the Bodhisatta) and Mallika of Kosala, while journeying in disguise, in order to discover if anyone in their respective kingdoms could tell them of any faults which they (the kings) possessed, meet in a narrow path, and a dispute arises among the charioteers as to who should give place. It is discovered that both are of the same age and power. Each driver sings the praises of his own master, but then they discover that Mallika is good to the good and bad to the bad, while Brahmadatta is good to both the good and the bad. Mallika’s charioteer acknowledges Brahmadatta as the superior and gives place.

The story is related to Pasenadi, who comes to the Buddha after having had to decide a difficult case involving moral turpitude. He is satisfied that he has done well, and the Buddha agrees with him that to administer justice with impartiality is the way to heaven.

Mallika is identified with Ānanda and his driver with Mahā-Moggallāna, while Brahmadatta’s driver is Sāriputta. J.ii.1 ff.