King Hansa

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

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MORAL STORIES
By now, the king was tired and decided to rest under a tree. He overheard a discussion in the bushes about robbing some monks who would pass that way in the next two days. The king got concerned about the safety of the monks. While he was thinking about what he could do, some policemen approached him and asked if he had seen any suspicious people that looked like robbers. They said, "These people are very dangerous and we have heard that they harm holy people. We are here to arrest them or even shoot them if necessary to protect the holy people."
King Hansa overhearing the robbers secretly talking in the bushes
The king was in a dilemma again whether to tell the truth or not. He was concerned that if he told the police about the robbers, they would be harmed and if he did not, the monks would be harmed. He thought, "If by telling the truth someone gets harmed or killed, then telling that truth is not the best choice. Truth is supposed to protect and not harm anyone. He said, "My friends, you are asked to guard the monks. Why not go and look after the monks and worry about the robbers if they confront the monks.” The policemen agreed and left to join the monks.
The robbers who were hiding in the bushes heard all this. They were amazed at the mercy shown by this stranger. They came out, thanked him for saving their lives, and told him that they were at his service. The king advised them, "My dear friends, give up harassing people, the fugitive life you lead and be good citizens." The robbers promised that they would not harm the monks anymore and would try to be good citizens.
As if this was not enough, a group of soldiers came and asked him if he had seen king Hansa. The king asked, "What do you want from King Hansa?" They explained that they were the trusted men of King Arjun and they had been told to arrest King Hansa and kill him, and if they did they would receive a big reward. King Hansa thought for a moment and said, "I am King Hansa. Carry out your duty as told by your king." After saying that, he closed his eyes, stood in meditation, and started reciting the Namaskär Mantra.
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JAIN STORY BOOK