The King Who Had One Hour

The sages told the Pandavas of King Khatvanga, who learned that he had but a single hour left to live, and in that hour won the liberation that others seek through whole lifetimes - a tale of urgency, detachment, and the wisdom of one who wastes not a moment of the little time he is given.

Khatvanga was a great and righteous king of the solar line, a mighty warrior and a ruler of justice, renowned through the worlds. So great was his valor that the gods themselves, hard pressed in their wars against the demons, sought his aid; and the king went up to the heavens and fought on the side of the gods, and by his prowess helped them to win their battles. For his great service the gods were exceedingly pleased with him, and wished to reward him; and so they offered the king a boon, that he might ask of them whatever his heart desired.