The Bodhisatta was minister to the king of Bārāṇasī. The king had a wild horse called Mahāsoṇa. The king was miserly, and one day, when some horse dealers brought horses for sale, he gave orders, unknown to his minister, that Mahāsoṇa should be let loose among these horses, and that when he had bitten and weakened them, they should be bought at reduced price. The dealers complained to the minister. After inquiring into the matter, he advised them to bring Suhanu, a very strong horse they had, the next time they visited Bārāṇasī. This they did, and when Mahāsoṇa and Suhanu were confronted with each other they showed great affection, and started licking each other. The king saw this, and was told by his minister that the horses recognised each other’s virtues. He then warned the king against excessive covetousness.

The story was told in reference to two hot-headed monks, both passionate and cruel. One lived in Jetavana and the other in the country. One day the country monk came to Jetavana, and the monks eagerly awaited their quarrel. However, when the two monks met they showed great affection. The Buddha explained that this was because of their similar nature. J.ii.30-32.