Tales of Jataka: Part 1 – The Prince Who Chose Silence
A thousand years ago, in the prosperous kingdom of Kalinga, ruled by King Raywardhan, a land of devotion, harmony, and prosperity. Yet, even in the midst of all this splendor, the King and Queen lived with a void in their hearts—a longing for an heir.
King Raywardhan knelt before the grand idol of Lord Shiva, his heart heavy with hope and despair. The Queen joined him, her hands clasped in prayer.
“My Lord, we have everything, yet no one to carry forward your legacy. Will the heavens ever bless us?”
Soon, word spread of a Himalayan saint visiting the outskirts of Kalinga. The royal couple journeyed to meet him, their hearts filled with hope. The saint was happy with the king and queen's behaviour. So he blesses them and said
“You will indeed have a son, a remarkable child destined for greatness. But remember, joy and sorrow are intertwined. Even with his birth, your happiness will be fleeting.”
The couple returned to the palace, clinging to the saint’s prophecy. A year later, the Queen gave birth to a son, and the kingdom erupted in celebration for months. Years passed by...
The young prince, named Aryak, was a beautiful boy with an aura of calmness. However, as he grew, the royal family noticed an unusual trait—Aryak never spoke. Everyone felt shy for the mute prince. The king ans queen remembered the last words of saint.
Despite their sorrow, the King and Queen ensured Aryak’s happiness, allowing him to roam freely in the palace gardens. A guard was always assigned to protect him, watching silently as the boy immersed himself in nature, listening to the birds, observing flowers, and admiring the vast skies.
One day, as Aryak sat beneath a tree, a bird began chirping incessantly nearby. The guard noticed Aryak fidgeting and mistook his discomfort as irritation. He picked up a sharp stone and aimed it at the bird.
The bird fell to the ground, trembling in pain. Aryak rushed to it, gently cradling the injured creature. He gathered herbs and whispered softly to the bird.
“Why do you talk so much? See what it has brought upon you—pain and suffering.”
The guard froze, his ears catching the prince’s voice for the first time. Overwhelmed, he rushed to inform the King. With a greater joy the king awarded the guard his diamond ring.
Then the King and his courtiers hurried to the garden, eager to hear Aryak speak. The guard pointed to the prince, recounting the miraculous moment.
“My King, I swear I heard the prince’s voice! He spoke to the bird!” said the guard with proud.
The King approached Aryak, kneeling before him.
“My son, is it true? Speak to me, please!”
The courtiers also added to king and prayed to speak whatever he wants.
But Aryak remained silent, his eyes focused on the bird in his hands. Hours passed, and the prince refused to utter another word.
The King’s joy turned to rage. The king roared at the guard with anger said,
“You dare deceive your King? Soldiers, take this man away and execute him for spreading lies!”
The guard, trembling, fell at Aryak’s feet. He cried and requested the prince
“Your Highness, save me! I spoke the truth, but now it has become my doom!”
Aryak, moved by the guard’s desperation, he was so kind so finally spoke.
“Why do you fear death, O Guard? You called this upon yourself. Had you stayed silent about what you saw, you would not stand at the brink of punishment.”
The court fell into stunned silence, their ears capturing the soft yet profound words of the prince. Aryak turned to the King.
The prince Aryak added,
“Father, release this man. He has only spoken what he saw. But let this serve as a lesson—words, once spoken, cannot be taken back. They can heal or destroy. Silence is often the wisest choice.”
The King, overwhelmed with relief and pride, embraced his son. He ordered the guard’s release and rewarded him handsomely. But Aryak returned to his chambers, retreating into silence once more and no one never saw him speak again.
Years passed, and Aryak grew into a wise young man, admired for his calm demeanor and compassion. Yet, he never spoke again. At the age of 18, he renounced his royal life, leaving behind the throne, his parents, and the luxuries of the palace.
He journeyed to the Himalayas, seeking solitude and enlightenment. There, he meditated for years, eventually becoming Bodhisattva, the enlightened one. His life became a testament to the power of silence and the dangers of reckless speeches.
The people of Kalinga remembered their silent prince as a figure of wisdom and peace. His story spread far and wide, teaching generations the value of restraint and the profound strength in silence.
Moral:
“Speak only when your words are more powerful than silence. For unnecessary talk invites unnecessary trouble.”
