The famous tale of the Indian rhinoceros & Mongols turning away from India as narrated by Saghang Sechen from Igor de Rachewiltz et al’s convenient romanized edition.
Thereupon, when he (i.e. Činggis Qan), following the same course, rode against India, on crossing the mountain defile called Candanarang (“Brilliant Peak’) Pass, a wild animal called the serü (“rhinoceros’), which had a single horn on top of its head, came swiftly towards him; it made obeisance, kneeling three times before the Lord. While everyone marvelled at it, the Lord spoke thus and said,
“That vajra-seat of India, so-called,
Is said to be the country where the sublime
Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of yore, and
The powerful Holy Rulers were born.
Now, why is it that this speechless wild animal
Makes obeisance thus, like a man?
If we go there (i.e. to India), we will perhaps
Be punished (by Heaven)?
Could Heaven Above, my father, have warned me?'He wheeled around and returned home.