Shibi

In Hindu mythology, sage-king who is
famous for his virtue and commitment to his word. Shibi’s reputation
reaches the ears of the gods, who
decide to test it. The god Dharma,
who is righteousness personified (or
in some other versions, the god Agni)
takes the form of a dove, and is pursued by the god Indra, in the form of a
hawk. The dove flies into Shibi’s lap
and entreats him for asylum, which
Shibi grants. The hawk observes that it
is inappropriate for Shibi to deprive
him of the food he needs to eat, and
demands in exchange an equal weight
of flesh cut from Shibi’s body. Shibi
agrees, but no matter how much of his
flesh he throws into the balance, the
dove is still heavier. Finally Shibi sits
his whole body into the balance, as a
sign that he will sacrifice his life for
the dove. At this point the gods
resume their divine forms and bless
Shibi for his steadfastness.