Raja Hans

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Raja Hans" in English, based on the provided Gujarati text:

Book Title: Raja Hans Author(s): JAINA Education Committee Publisher: JAINA Education Committee Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/201037/1

Summary of "Raja Hans"

The story of "Raja Hans" revolves around King Hans of the city of Rajpur, renowned for his devotion to truth (Satya) and non-violence (Ahimsa). He decided to visit a beautiful Jain temple dedicated to the first Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhdev, located atop Ratnashring mountain, far from his kingdom. Due to his absence, he entrusted the state's administration to his ministers and departed with his royal family for the spiritual pilgrimage.

While King Hans was away, a neighboring king named Arjun attacked Rajpur. Despite a fierce resistance, King Hans's army was defeated, and many valiant warriors were killed. Arjun seized the throne and established his authority over the entire kingdom.

On his way to the temple, King Hans received news of his army's defeat. His advisors, disheartened, urged him to return. However, King Hans, resolute in his spiritual mission, decided to proceed to the temple, stating that since he had lost his kingdom, he should focus on his spiritual objective. This decision caused distress among his courtiers, who worried about the safety of their families. Consequently, one by one, the courtiers dispersed, leaving King Hans with only his umbrella bearer.

The journey to the temple involved passing through a dense forest. King Hans shed his royal attire and ornaments, giving them to his attendant. During their passage through the forest, the attendant also became separated from the King.

In the forest, King Hans encountered a deer that quickly vanished. Soon after, a hunter appeared, bow and arrows in hand, and questioned him about the deer. King Hans realized that telling the truth would lead to the hunter capturing and killing the deer. He resolved not to answer the hunter's direct questions about the deer, instead engaging in unrelated conversation, claiming to be from Rajpur. When the hunter persisted, King Hans declared himself to be the King. The hunter, angered by the King's evasiveness, left in a rage.

Exhausted, King Hans rested under a tree. He overheard a conversation among bandits who planned to rob any sadhus (ascetics) passing through the route in the next two days. Concerned for the sadhus' safety, King Hans pondered how he could help. At that moment, some soldiers arrived, asking if he had seen any dangerous men who were harassing holy people. They explained they were there to apprehend these troublemakers and would use force if necessary to protect the holy men.

King Hans faced another dilemma: telling the truth would lead to the bandits' punishment, but withholding it would endanger the sadhus. He reasoned that truth should not be used to cause harm. He advised the soldiers to stay with the sadhus and protect them, without worrying about the bandits. The soldiers agreed and joined the sadhus.

The hidden bandits overheard this conversation and were surprised by the stranger's compassion. They emerged from the bushes, thanking the King for saving their lives and offering any assistance they could provide. King Hans urged them to abandon their criminal ways and become good citizens, to which they promised not to harm the sadhus and to reform.

Further complications arose when soldiers loyal to King Arjun arrived, searching for King Hans. They offered a large reward for his capture or death. King Hans, after a moment's reflection, revealed himself, telling them to fulfill their duty as instructed by their king. He then closed his eyes and entered a meditative state, reciting the Navkar mantra.

At this point, a divine messenger appeared, acknowledging King Hans's truthfulness and compassion. The messenger declared that Arjun had been captured, and the kingdom had been returned to his ministers. He offered King Hans his chariot to reach the temple on time. Astonished by this miraculous intervention, King Hans arrived at the temple on Ratnashring mountain. The messenger then transported him back to his kingdom.

King Hans forgave Arjun and released his soldiers. The divine messenger appointed four representatives to ensure the safety of King Hans and his kingdom before departing. King Hans resumed his reign in Rajpur, bringing happiness to his people.

Core Message:

The central theme of this Jain narrative is the importance of truth (Satya) and non-violence (Ahimsa) and their interconnectedness within Jain philosophy. The story highlights the challenge of rigidly adhering to one principle when it might conflict with another, a situation King Hans faced. He consistently made thoughtful decisions, aiming to find a balanced approach that caused no harm and yielded positive outcomes, demonstrating his deep devotion to Jain principles and his ability to uphold them even when his life was at risk. The narrative emphasizes his unwavering commitment to truth, even when facing the possibility of death at the hands of Arjun's soldiers.