Jain Stories 02

Author(s): Mahendramuni, K C Lalwani
Publisher: A B Jain Shwetambar Terapanth Samaj

Page 61

KING HANSA
39
and reverse our steps towards the city No enemy, howsoever powerful, would stand thy presence. After the enemy is thrown out, we may resume our pilgrimage"
The king did not take much time to give his decision. Said he, "Prosperity and adversity are beyond human control The real factor determining them are karma acquired in the past. Pious deeds are often obstructed by idleness and doubt Since we are out on a holy mission, I do not consider it worthwhile to retrace our steps We shall think of the city on our return It can be reacquired”
So the king and his party went on But his men were not very happy at the decision, for they had their families in the city and they were anxious about their safety. So one by one they began to drop out But the king did not waver from his goal. At last, only one umbrella-bearer was left with him.
The king had no more a guide with him and he was now on a wrong route He was in a forest, whose density increased as he proceeded He became anxious about his onn safety in the hands of the aborigins living in that forest. So he took off his costly robes and jewellery and entrusted them to his companion. The two were now moving separately.
The king had not gone very far when a deer came rup 01ing and disappeared in the forest It was followed by a hunter with a bow raised. When he asked the king about the deer, he was in a dilemma. He thought : 'If I express ignorance, I break my vow. If I speak the truth, the poor animal will be in danger. It will be good if I can avoid both the situations' Meanwhile, the hunter repeated the question and the king said :
"I have lost my way."
"I am asking about the deer. Did it come hither ? If it did, whither is it gone ?"
“I am king Hansa." The bunter was excited at this cvasive reply.