Raja Ane Yogi

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Raja ane Yogi" (King and Yogi) by Ratilal Deepchand Desai, based on the provided pages:

The book "Raja ane Yogi" by Ratilal Deepchand Desai explores the contrasting paths of a king and a yogi, highlighting their profound differences in outlook and the complexities of their interactions. The narrative centers around a historical episode involving Mughal Emperor Jahangir and the Jain monk Muni Siddhichandra.

The Yogi and the King's Astonishment:

The text begins by vividly describing Muni Siddhichandra, a young Jain monk. His physical appearance is remarkably beautiful, possessing the charm of a "Kama-deva" (god of love) with youthful vitality and the radiance of a celestial being. This striking beauty is juxtaposed with his renunciation, austerity, and ascetic practices. Emperor Jahangir, a deeply materialistic and pleasure-seeking individual, is utterly bewildered by this young yogi. He cannot comprehend how someone so blessed with youthful beauty and physical allure could embrace such a life of renunciation and self-control. For Jahangir, youth and beauty are synonymous with indulgence and desire. He sees the yogi's detachment from his physical form as incomprehensible and unnatural. The author emphasizes that while the yogi may try to cover his beauty with ash and saffron robes, his inherent radiance shines through, making him even more captivating. To Jahangir, only a stone-hearted person or another yogi could remain unaffected by such beauty.

A Curious Friendship Across Worlds:

Despite their diametrically opposed lifestyles, the king and the yogi share a childhood friendship. The king finds himself saddened if he doesn't see the yogi, and the yogi feels a sense of purpose when he has an opportunity to do something good for the king. Their paths, however, are vastly different: one sits on the throne, while the other walks the earth, striving to shed his ego and cultivate inner peace.

Historical Context and the Characters:

The narrative then places this interaction in a specific historical context: about 300-350 years prior to the writing. The characters are identified as Emperor Jahangir (successor to Akbar), his wife Nur Jahan, and the young yogi Muni Siddhichandra, a follower of the Jain faith.

Akbar's Reverence for Jainism and the Guru-Disciple Duo:

Emperor Akbar is depicted as a wise ruler who understood the importance of respecting spiritual authority for the stability of his kingdom. He initiated the practice of inviting religious leaders for discussions. Akbar held Jain gurus in high esteem, being particularly impressed by the scholarship and asceticism of Acharya Hiravijaysuri. Akbar even implemented a period of prohibition on animal slaughter at Hiravijaysuri's request and conferred upon him the title of "Jagadguru" (World Teacher).

The text highlights the significant influence of a guru-disciple pair from the Jain tradition: Upadhyay Bhanuchandraji and his disciple Siddhichandraji. Siddhichandra is described as possessing not only captivating beauty but also a sharp intellect. He was a learned scholar, a talented poet, and had achieved proficiency in the practice of "Avadhana" (a mental feat of attending to multiple things simultaneously). Despite his remarkable abilities and potential for worldly acclaim, Siddhichandra was drawn to the core principles of Jainism: penance, renunciation, self-control, and detachment. His personality, both externally and internally, was considered influential.

Siddhichandra's First Encounter with Royalty:

Upadhyay Bhanuchandraji frequently visited the royal palace and recited the "Surya Sahasranama Stotram" for Emperor Akbar, whom he had composed at the Emperor's request. Siddhichandra, while curious about his guru's frequent visits to the king and the palace, was kept away from such influences by his guru. Bhanuchandraji feared that the temptations of royalty might derail his disciple's spiritual progress. However, due to Siddhichandra's persistent curiosity, Bhanuchandraji eventually agreed to take him to the royal palace.

Emperor Akbar was struck by Siddhichandra's extraordinary beauty, finding it difficult to reconcile such a form with the path of renunciation. He was captivated by the young monk's demeanor and sharp intellect, which were as enchanting as his physical appearance.

Akbar's Offer and Siddhichandra's Steadfastness:

As the guru and disciple left the palace, Emperor Akbar instructed Bhanuchandraji to educate Siddhichandra thoroughly, predicting he would become a great scholar and bring honor to his guru and himself. Akbar even suggested that Siddhichandra study alongside his own princes. Siddhichandra, a seeker of knowledge, embraced this opportunity, excelling in his studies, even mastering the Persian language to the extent that he could explain Persian texts to the young princes.

During this period, Siddhichandra also gained familiarity with Prince Salim and others. While Akbar was pleased, Bhanuchandraji remained concerned that his brilliant disciple might be swayed by royal connections and stray from his spiritual path. However, Siddhichandra proved to be as resilient as he was radiant. The exposure to the royal family did not compromise his asceticism; rather, it served as a test that reinforced his guru's faith in him.

Jahangir's Reign and the Renewed Conflict:

After Emperor Akbar's passing, Salim ascended the throne as Jahangir. Siddhichandra shared an even deeper bond with Jahangir than he had with Akbar. As Siddhichandra matured, so did his beauty and scholarship. Jahangir became addicted to conversing with him, and Nur Jahan also held the young monk in high regard.

Despite knowing Siddhichandra for years, Jahangir, the pleasure-loving king, could not fathom the yogi's inner world. He was perpetually astonished by Siddhichandra's renunciation amidst his youth and the suppression of his captivating beauty. After Siddhichandra would depart after a religious discourse, Jahangir would remain tormented by these thoughts, finding the yogi's detachment an unsolvable enigma.

Jahangir confided in Nur Jahan, who also found Siddhichandra's asceticism perplexing and suggested he be persuaded to abandon it. However, Jahangir, known for his impulsiveness, harbored these thoughts for a considerable time. One day, during a particularly pleasant conversation, Jahangir decided to express his mind. He asked Siddhichandra to stay longer, citing the rare confluence of a good mood and engaging conversation.

Siddhichandra, however, calmly stated that his duties called him, emphasizing the importance of constant vigilance in the path of asceticism. He suggested they meet again. This refusal surprised and somewhat hurt Jahangir, but he persisted. He questioned Siddhichandra's age and the necessity of such renunciation at such a young age, advocating for enjoying life's pleasures.

Siddhichandra explained that choices in life are personal, and his path was to shape his mind. He believed that embracing such a path at a younger age was more beneficial, preventing the waste of time and energy on worldly pursuits. Jahangir, however, dismissed his reasoning as futile, likening it to trying to ripen a mango prematurely. He urged Siddhichandra to abandon his path and enjoy life's pleasures, offering him a beautiful woman and unlimited wealth if he would renounce his vows and stay with them.

The Climax: The Elephant and the Exile:

Siddhichandra remained firm, stating that if they truly offered solace, why would he abandon his current path? Jahangir, unable to comprehend the yogi's perspective, insisted that Siddhichandra must accept his words. When Siddhichandra refused, stating that his own soul's command was paramount, Jahangir, unable to tolerate the defiance, ordered the yogi to be trampled by a maddened elephant.

The elephant, appearing as an embodiment of death, was brought forth. The yogi, fearless and unattached to life, stood calmly, absorbed in devotion. However, at the last moment, Jahangir's humanity reawakened. He realized the gravity of his actions against his friend and ordered the elephant to be withdrawn. He then banished Siddhichandra and all other Jain monks (except Bhanuchandraji) from his kingdom. Siddhichandra accepted the exile with satisfaction, having passed the test of his resolve.

Reconciliation and Renewed Friendship:

Jahangir, witnessing the suffering caused by his actions, eventually felt remorse. He inquired about Bhanuchandraji's sadness and understood it stemmed from the separation from his beloved disciple. Moved by this, Jahangir sent for Muni Siddhichandra to return to his kingdom with honor and respect. The king and the yogi were reunited, their spiritual friendship restored, marking the end of their conflict.

In essence, "Raja ane Yogi" is a narrative that contrasts the worldliness of royalty with the spiritual fortitude of asceticism. It highlights the power of conviction, the challenges faced by those who choose a path of renunciation, and the eventual triumph of truth and virtue.