Meghratha Raja

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Meghratha Raja" in English:

The story begins with the celestial deity Indra praising King Meghrath of the Earth in the assembly of gods. Indra declared that King Meghrath would not hesitate to sacrifice his own life to protect those who sought refuge with him. Two opposing deities challenged Indra's statement. In response, Indra instructed them to descend to Earth and witness this for themselves. The two deities disguised themselves, one as a pigeon and the other as a predatory hawk.

On Earth, King Meghrath was seated in his court with his royal family. Suddenly, a pigeon flew through an open window, circled, and then landed in the King's lap. The pigeon was trembling intensely out of fear. The King perceived that the pigeon was terrified and had sought sanctuary within the palace.

Just then, a hawk flew into the royal court. The hawk addressed the King, stating, "This pigeon is my food; give it to me." The King, having heard the hawk's demand, replied, "It is true that this is your food, but it is currently under my protection. I will not give you this pigeon. Instead, I will offer you whatever food you desire in its place."

The King ordered his attendants to bring baskets full of vegetables and fruits for the hawk. The hawk, however, responded, "I am not human, nor am I a vegetarian. I require meat as my food." King Meghrath then declared, "In exchange for the pigeon, I will give you my own flesh."

Upon hearing this, courtiers suggested to the King that meat be brought from the market instead of the King offering his own. The King refused, explaining, "A butcher would kill another animal for meat. This pigeon has come to me for refuge, and its protection is my responsibility. Furthermore, no other creature should be harmed. Therefore, I will give my own flesh." Saying this, the King took a knife and cut flesh from his thigh, offering it to the hawk. The entire court was stunned.

The hawk then stated, "I require an amount of flesh equal to the weight of the pigeon." The King summoned scales to the court. He placed the pigeon on one pan and his own flesh on the other. The King continued to cut and place his flesh onto the pan, but the pan with the pigeon remained heavier. Finally, the King prepared to place his entire body on the scales. Witnessing the King's willingness to sacrifice his life for an unknown bird, the entire assembly was amazed. The King was fulfilling his duty to protect a creature that had sought his refuge. He then sat in a meditative posture with his eyes closed, on the scale pan opposite the pigeon.

As soon as the King began meditating, the pigeon and the hawk transformed back into their divine forms. Both bowed to the King and said, "O great king, the praise Indra bestowed upon you was indeed fitting. We admit with our heads bowed that you are a greatly compassionate king." After praising the King repeatedly, they bowed and departed. The entire court rejoiced and proclaimed, "Long live King Meghrath!"

The text concludes by stating that King Meghrath, in his third life, became the sixteenth Tirthankar, Shantinath. The story teaches us that protecting the unfortunate and suffering is our primary duty. Seeing someone's pain and feeling sympathy is not enough; we must strive to alleviate their suffering to be considered truly compassionate. A truly compassionate person provides financial aid to the needy and food to the hungry and those in need. A compassionate person does not harm others to save their own life, but rather sacrifices their life for the lives of others.