11. Jivaka & The Dog

We and the beasts are kin. Man has nothing that the animals have not at least a vestige of; the animals have nothing that man does not in some degree share. Since, then, the animals are creatures with wants and feelings differing in degree only from our own, they surely have their rights.                            -- Ernest Seton-Thompson In days gone by, there lived a Jain prince called Jivaka. He was the son of King Saschanda who ruled over Hemangada. In his boyhood, Jivaka one day went for a stroll in the beautiful royal gardens.     As he was playing there, he saw a dog unable to move and writhing with pain. Any other boy would perhaps not have cared to pity the dog; he might even have thrown stones at him to drive him away from the lovely gardens of the king.     Jivaka was a prince. He had been brought up by his royal father to love and be kind even to humble animals. So be went to the dog, examined him carefully and found that the poor creature bad many wounds on his body.     He patted the dog and said, 'Dear brother, who was the cruel person who was so hard-hearted as to treat you like this? Do not be afraid. I am your friend. I will help you.' But the poor dog was not able to reply. He only understood that Jivaka was taking pity on him. All that the dog could do was to look up at him with gratitude.     The prince found that the dog could not live long. His wounds were many and serious. Yet the prince did not leave the dog to his fate. He bent over the poor creature and uttered words of prayer to the Almighty to have mercy on the dog and enable him to have a peaceful end.     Years passed.     One day Jivaka, who was the king now, went to his flower garden. He wanted to rest for a while after a heavy day's work. Suddenly he saw a vision in front of him. There stood before him an angel in bright shining garments. Jivaka did not know who that shining person might be. So he asked 'Shining one, who may you be ? I am glad and grateful for your gracious presence. In what manner can I, an ordinary human being serve you?'     The angel smiled. He was pleased to find that Jivaka,althoug a king now, was as humble at heart as ever. He said, 'Jivaka, do you remember a poor wounded dog that you saw in this very garden years ago? Do you remember that you took pity on that poor dog? Did you Did you not pray for his peace and relief ? I am that dog. You prayed from the depth of your heart and the Almighty heard your prayers. It pleased Him to take me to Heaven. Today you find me as am. I can help you in any way you wish. You have only to tell me what you want.     Jivaka was overjoyed. He was very happy that his prayers for the peaceful end of the dog had not been in vain. So he anwered, 'Bright One, God be praised that my humble prayers were heard. For myself I have nothing to ask now. If ever I am in need of help, I shall think of You. All praise to the Almighty.'     The angel disappeared. The king went back to his palace. Sometime later, it happened that the enemies of Jivaka attacked his country and took him prisoner. In those days prisoners of war were treated with great cruelty. No mercy was shown to them. A defeated king was treated with much cruelty and was subjected to all manner of insults.     In the midst of unbearable troubles, Jivaka called upon the angel to help him. Immediately the angel put to flight the enemies of Jivaka. He was set free, and he lived for many years a happy king, kind to man and beast. ****  **** Additional Information of Interest Click here to find out more about Jainism Click here to know more the great Jain edicts on kindness, non-violence (ahimsa), vegetarianism and kindness to animals.