King Hansa

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "King Hansa":

The story begins in the city of Räjpur, ruled by King Hansa, a just and truthful king devoted to non-violence. He embarks on a spiritual journey to a temple of Rishabhadev on Mount Ratnasringa during the full moon of Chaitra. He entrusts his kingdom to his ministers for his absence.

While King Hansa is en route, his kingdom is attacked by King Arjun. Despite a strong defense, King Hansa's army is defeated, and King Arjun seizes control of the kingdom, including the palace and treasury.

King Hansa learns of this devastating news from his courtiers, who urge him to return. However, King Hansa, firm in his commitment to his spiritual mission, insists on continuing to the temple, stating he has relinquished control of the kingdom. This decision disheartens his courtiers, who eventually abandon him, leaving only his umbrella bearer.

As they journey through a forest, King Hansa sheds his royal attire and gives it to his servant, who then gets separated from him. While walking alone, King Hansa encounters a hunter seeking a deer. Knowing that revealing the truth would lead to the deer's death, King Hansa cleverly evades the question by discussing irrelevant matters and then identifying himself as King Hansa, causing the hunter to leave in anger.

Later, resting under a tree, King Hansa overhears robbers planning to attack monks passing through the area. Shortly after, policemen appear, seeking to arrest these dangerous robbers. King Hansa faces a moral dilemma: telling the truth would lead to the robbers being harmed or killed, while remaining silent would endanger the monks. He resolves that truth should protect, not harm. He advises the policemen to guard the monks, subtly diverting them towards their safety. The robbers, overhearing this, are moved by the king's compassion. They reveal themselves, thank him, and promise to abandon their harmful ways and become good citizens.

Finally, a group of soldiers approaches King Hansa, tasked by King Arjun to arrest and kill him for a reward. King Hansa, accepting his fate, identifies himself as King Hansa and instructs them to fulfill their duty. He closes his eyes and begins reciting the Namaskär Mantra.

At this moment, a celestial being (dev) appears, impressed by King Hansa's truthfulness and compassion. The dev reveals that King Arjun has been captured and his kingdom returned to King Hansa's ministers. To ensure King Hansa reaches the temple on time, the dev offers his chariot. King Hansa, amazed by the miraculous intervention, reaches the summit and worships. The dev then escorts him back.

Upon his return, King Hansa pardons King Arjun and releases his soldiers. The dev appoints lieutenants to protect the king and his kingdom before departing. King Hansa resumes his rule in Räjpur, bringing happiness to his people.

The central moral of the story highlights the importance of Jain principles, particularly truthfulness and non-violence, and their intricate relationship. It illustrates how King Hansa, faced with complex situations, demonstrated wisdom and creativity in upholding these principles without causing harm. His ultimate act of truthfulness, even in the face of his own potential demise, underscores his unwavering devotion to Jainism.