His Majesty the King takes Tongdaeng for a walk around the Suwannachat therapeutic swimming pool at Kasetsart University for the opening of the pool.

Tongdaeng was presented to His Majesty when she was five weeks old.

The literary works of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej provide a fascinating look into his values and philosophies in much the same way that his Living Museums reflect his vision for technological innovation and rural development.

The Story of Mahajanaka (1996) and The Story of Tongdaeng (2002) extol the virtues of gratitude and perseverance and in doing so have provided inspiration to millions.

The Story of Mahajanaka was released at a time when the Thai economy was hard hit by crisis. It is hailed for the spiritual consolation it offered to Kingdom and its people during exceedingly difficult times.

Originally translated into English by His Majesty from the Holy Tripitaka, the story celebrates the value of perseverance as demonstrated by the protagonist, King Mahajanaka. Thai scholars and social thinkers point out that the book is the perfect allegory for the King’s oft-repeated emphasis on the values of self-reliance, wisdom, and virtue as guidelines for living. Indeed, in the preface of the book, His Majesty expresses his desire that it serve as “an object of constructive contemplation for all well-meaning people."

Released five years later in 2002, The Story of Tongdaeng, a humble stray dog-cum-royal pet, received overwhelming public response. His Majesty’s affectionate descriptions of the canine, his characteristics and those of its mother and puppies provided inspiration to a Thai society fraught with conflicts arising from ever widening disparities in economic and social status.

THE STORY OF MAHAJANAKA
A shipwrecked man swims in the ocean with no shore in sight. Suddenly a giant sea crab rises underneath him and keeps him afloat. A mango tree is stripped bare and uprooted by greedy people in a vice-ridden city … Mahajanaka is a parable reflecting His Majesty's visions for a nation and its people.

The Tale of Prince Mahajanaka Swimming in the Ocean: When the ship that Prince Mahajanaka was on foundered in a storm, the prince filled his stomach with a mixture of butter and sugar, wrapped himself in an oil-soaked cloth then leapt into the sea. Although he couldn't see the shore, he swam for seven days until the goddess Mani Mekhala rescued him.

Goddess Mani Mekhala asks Mahajanaka what is the use of persevering if it would result in death in this painting by Pichai Nirand.

The image of the determined young prince braving the ocean, which dominates the first half of the story, reflects the Buddhist virtues of selfreliance and perseverance.

“When the ship broke apart, the 700 merchants on board ‘cried and wailed, and invoked and exhorted the gods for help.’ But all of them died. Mahajanaka didn't ask for the gods' assistance, he helped himself,'' social commentator Dr Prawase Wasi points out.

“It is clear the first virtue represented here is self-reliance, a quality so lacking in our society. We lean on civil servants, businessmen, high authority, and so on. Lately we have been leaning on foreign loans,'' he says. “If we lean on others, we cannot know if or when they will withdraw their help, or whether the helpers will take advantage of our weaknesses.”

Earlier in the story, Prince Mahajanaka demonstrates self-reliant behaviour by rejecting his mother's offer to fund an army to reclaim his father's throne, says businessman Sophon Suphapong. “He accepted only half of her jewels as capital to set sail to Suvarnabhumi to generate his own funds. Besides allowing for independence, self-reliance also fosters self-esteem,” adds Mr Suphapong.

“When people are able to help themselves, they will develop pride and strength. They will not take advantage of others. Self reliance instills this,'' he says.

The second virtue represented by the tale is perseverance. "Most people, when they don't see the shore, or goal, will stop trying,'' says Dr Prawase. "The problems faced now by humanity are so immense, like an ocean, that it's hard to see how to solve them. So people stop trying. They sink into hopelessness. This happens to people all over the world.''

Prawase believes that His Majesty places great emphasis on perseverance because Thai people tend to be lacking in this quality. "Thai society in the older days was so fertile and resource rich; people lacked the culture of producing — of creating. They just plucked and consumed,'' he observed. "Things have changed, and we now need a culture of diligence and creativity.”

“For perseverance to lead to success, the motive must be pure. This means persevering altruistically. For example, if one persists in studying, one must do so for the sake of educating oneself, not to gain status or image. If the latter is the case, perseverance will only lead to suffering,'' Professor Sumon Amornvivat adds. "True perseverance must be a reduction of, or complete freedom from, kilesa [impurities].'' Such diligence must also be governed by sati, or mindfulness and clear vision, she adds. "Before leaping from his sinking ship, Prince Mahajanaka ate his fill of a mixture of sugar and butter. He wrapped his body tightly in oil-soaked cloth, then climbed up the mast and headed in the direction of Mithila. This is acting with mindfulness and a clear goal,’’ says Professor Sumon.

The Tale of the Uprooted Mango Tree of Mithila: One day King Mahajanaka visited the Royal Park where he tasted the sweet fruit of a mango tree. When he passed by the tree later, he found it had been plundered and uprooted by greedy people scrambling for its delicious fruit. Another mango tree nearby was barren, so it was ignored and thus safe from danger.

The tale of the uprooted mango tree, with its vivid depiction of a chaotic society in which pleasures of the flesh reign supreme, proves highly thought provoking.

“Looking at this city, you'll see confusion and chaos.

People are taking obscene photos of a woman. Others are taking drugs. The environment is abused. People are dumping garbage into the river, and utilize modern technology to pull down a mango tree to get at its fruit,'' says Dr Prawase. "This is truly a society driven by greed, anger and ignorance, a society in crisis. This reflects both the present Thai society and the global one. Both are suffering from confusion and problems at all levels — social, economic and spiritual.'' The mango tree and its fruit serve as an ideal allegory for the mishandling of material gains and natural resources. "The root problems besetting the city of Mithila, greed, anger and ignorance, are the same ones that bring the mango tree down,'' observes former prime minister Anand Panyarachun.

"Many Thais have been greedy — wanting everything they see. Seeing the forest, they want the wood. Seeing water resources, they want to exploit them — all without moderation and reason. Such greed and short-sightedness are factors that bring our society down.”

The fate of the mango tree suggests that good things are always coveted by many. "Everyone struggles to gain position or wealth, without realizing that they should instead be striving to do good deeds, to be responsible, transparent, and so on,” says Mr Anand.

In the same vein, politicians themselves can be compared to the fruit-laden mango tree. "Politicians must be aware they themselves are sources of gain and power for other people,'' says Professor Sumon. "They, too, will face flattery or harassment from others. When they can't, or won't, provide favours, they will become targets for attack. Those in the position to allocate resources must realize if they are among foolish people, they will be in danger.''

Approaching the tale from the social point of view, Dr Prawase observes the mango tree can be a symbol of society in general. "If we want our economy to thrive, we must make our society good; then it will bear the fruit of prosperity. But we are short-sighted – we focus on the economy without paying attention to the society and the environment,'' he says. "When people struggle only for economic gain, the society and the environment are destroyed.''

Ultimately, the mango tree is a symbol used by His Majesty for development, concludes Dr Prawase. "The uprooted mango tree represents development driven by greed,'' he says. "Mahajanaka, meanwhile, advocates His Majesty's vision of development based on the Buddhist philosophy of self-reliance and moderation. That His Majesty chooses to present his views through a Jataka [story of the Lord Buddha's past lives] shows his deep respect for local wisdom and understanding of Buddhist values,'' says Dr Prawase.

Riddle of the Giant Sea Crab: Upon his return from the Royal Park, King Mahajanaka reflected on his sevenday ordeal in the ocean, and recalled the feeling of being partially supported by a hard surface underneath his feet. "Sometimes I felt like I was treading on the sea floor, like I was near the shore.... In fact, it was the Giant Sea Crab,'' the king tells the Brahmin. Thinking about the uprooted mango tree and the goddess Mani Mekhala's advice to him to set up an institute of high learning named "Pudalay Mahavijjalaya'', King Mahajanaka decided the time had come to do so.

The linking of the mysterious marine creature to education emphasizes the importance of knowledge or wisdom in solving problems. "For me, the sea crab represents knowledge or wisdom, a virtue which can save one from being overwhelmed by obstacles,'' says Mr Sophon. "Prince Mahajanaka resting on the creature is like being supported by the strength of one's knowledge.'' The term “pu talay'' (sea crab) is also a play on words, Professor Sumon points out.

“According to the story, when Mahajanaka told the Brahmin he recalled being told by Mani Mekhala to set up an educational institute called Pudalay, the Brahmin suggested the Goddess must have said Bodhiyalaya — a term which means abode of light,'' says Prof Sumon.

Why such an institution is necessary, she adds, is clear in the story. "Saddened by the fate of the mango tree, Mahajanaka realized the utter ignorance of his people. He said: `From the Viceroy down to the elephant mahouts and the horse handlers, and up from the horse handlers to the

LEFT TO RIGHT: King Mahajanaka is saddened by the utter ignorance of his people in this painting by Preecha Thaothong. The giant sea crab that supported Prince Mahajanaka represents knowledge and wisdom.

CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT: Most adopted stray dogs, His Majesty insists, are usually humble and exceptionally faithful to their owners. Tongdaeng enjoying a swim. Tongdaeng has shown total devotion to its royal owner. Tongdaeng and Tonglarng.

The story of Tongdaeng Tongdaeng, although once a stray, has many admirable traits, His Majesty the King writes in his book, The Story of Tongdaeng. His Majesty praises Tongdaeng's demonstrations of gratitude and respect, pointing out that they are “different from many others who, after having become an important personality, might treat with contempt someone of lower status who, in fact, should be the object of gratitude.'' Adopted as a puppy, Tongdaeng was born on the street near the Medical Development Center Clinic in Bangkok's Wang Thonglang district. The famous canine serves as a living example that with a little help, stray dogs can be taught all the commendable qualities one could expect from any pet. “Most adopted stray dogs are usually humble and exceptionally faithful to their owners, as if they are grateful for this kindness. Moreover, they are not inferior to imported dogs in intelligence. Some are attractive or have a distinctive smart look, like Tongdaeng,” His Majesty writes. With the help of the proper authorities more people would be willing to adopt the numerous strays roaming the country, the King adds. “It would help solve part of the problem of dangerous stray dogs as well as reduce the importation of expensive ‘luxury pets' which takes a toll on the economy of the country.” Tongdaeng was presented to His Majesty when she was five weeks old. As the story goes, Tongdaeng cried during the journey to the palace. Strangely enough, once she was presented to His Majesty, she stopped crying and crawled on to nestle in his lap, as if entrusting her life to his care. ADMIRABLE CANINE CHARACTERISTICS His Majesty remarks that Tongdaeng shares some traits with the Basenji, noted for its proud bearing, lack of body odour and the fact that it does not bark. She is also an intelligent dog. "Whatever the King tells her, even very softly, she understands and acts accordingly. Once, Tongdaeng found a chicken bone left by crows in a bush in Chitralada Villa and was chewing on it. The King saw this and said, ‘Tongdaeng, that's not good.' She immediately spat out the bone and ran to join the King.” Tondaeng is even capable of keeping time for her master. “Sometimes, she would be sent to remind the King of the time. Usually, after completing his exercise walk, the King would stop to chat with those who had come to meet him and sometimes he would stay longer than he should; Tongdaeng, who stands a distance away from the King, would approach him and begin to lick his hand repeatedly. The King, understanding the message, would tell the people, ‘Tongdaeng has come to remind me to go'.” Tondaeng is quick at learning and always obeys orders. She has learned to lie on her back when the King says: "Tongdaeng, belly up.” Once, she stopped scratching when His Majesty reminded her that he had already given powder for her itchy stomach A LOYAL COMPANION Tongdaeng's loyalty to the King is unwavering. She always exhibits good manners in the King's presence, always sits lower and never leaves his side. "If His Majesty makes a slight movement, or even clears his throat, she would lift her eyes to check on him.'' The loyal canine is always eager to accompany His Majesty in his car. She jumps onto the seat beside the driver when the King opens the door and tells her to go in. It is not surprising that Tongdaeng's attachment to the King is almost absolute. Once, the King was kept away at functions that went on for longer than expected. Tongdaeng was not brought along on the trip. In the King's absence, the dog fell sick. “She lost so much weight that she had to be hospitalised. After a thorough examination, the veterinarian did not find anything wrong, and concluded that Tongdaeng was suffering from stress because she missed the King.” . DISCIPLINE AND MANNERS Like any good mother, Tongdaeng is a good disciplinarian. When her pups play too roughly with the King, for example, His Majesty would say, "Tongdaeng, come and settle things'', and she would immediately grab the puppy's leg, pulling it away, growling, and giving it a gentle nip to teach it a lesson. She uses this technique to keep her offspring in line. The King wrote about how some people thought Tongdaeng was going to bite her pups and tried to stop her. But the King stopped them from interfering, knowing it was just Tongdaeng's way of instructing her young. The King also admires Tongdaeng for her respectful behaviour. Other dogs like jumping on his lap and licking his face. But Tondaeng always stays lower than the King even when he pulls her up to embrace her. “Tongdaeng would quickly crouch on the floor, her ears down in a respectful manner, as if saying, I dare not; it is not proper.” To properly show her love and respect Tongdaeng often licks the King's hand vigorously. TONGDAENG AND TONGLARNG Tonglarng is another of the King's favourite pets. Naturally, there is some rivalry between the two animals. They are both former strays and Tongdaeng was presented to the King only two months before Tonglarng. Although the King writes that he loves them equally, neither Tonglarng nor Tongdaeng is happy if they feel the King is paying too much attention to the other. While Tonglarng tends to bark to show displeasure, Tongdaeng will silently “pout”. One time, the King gave a piece of persimmon — Tongdaeng's favourite fruit — to Tonglarng who does not especially like it. Tongdaeng was upset. "She turned her head away and remained silent and aloof even though the King called her name many times,'' he writes. Only when the King approached her and continued to call her name several times did she return to her normal self.

Viceroy, and especially the courtiers: All are ignorant. They lack not only the technical knowledge but also common knowledge, i.e. common sense: They do not even know what is good for them,'' Sumon explains.

The type of learning recommended in Mahajanaka is not the traditional, classroom-oriented schooling, but one that promotes wisdom and spiritual values like diligence and moderation.

"There is plenty of 'education' and research going on all over the world. Still, our society is facing many crises. That is because our education is not appropriate,'' reasons Dr Prawase. This point is made in the difference between the word vijja and vija. “In his book, His Majesty has used the word vijja, and not vija,'' Dr Prawase points out. "Vija means traditional subjects like math, geography, history, et cetera. Vijja however, is a Buddhist term, meaning the liberation from greed, anger and ignorance — the lessening of selfishness and increasing concern for others. Education these days concentrates much on disseminating vija, ignoring the human factor, whether or not learning something has helped us towards the elimination of kilesa [impurities],” says Dr Prawase.

Echoing Dr Prawase’s observation, Prof Sumon points to the three terms used in connection with the name Bodhiyalaya Mahavijjalaya: “One is the Institute of Universal Learning, the second one is the Institute of Higher Learning, and the third is the Great Wisdom Centre. These terms show how His Majesty defines true education as a system that emphasizes both the width and depth of knowledge: both integration and wisdom. The last term especially seems to urge those of us working in educational institutions to examine ourselves and see whether we are giving our students 'great wisdom', or just information.”

In the book's preface, His Majesty blesses readers with "pure perseverance, sharp wisdom and complete physical health'', adds Prof Sumon. Such a blessing, she reasons, confirms that true education according to Mahajanaka encompasses the training of the spirit, intellect and the physique. The integration of these three elements is lacking in the country's current educational system, says Mr. Sophon. While concentrating on giving its students ‘knowledge’, the system ignores the importance of wisdom, common sense and conscience. "We must ponder whether we need a new type of educational institution that teaches people to think holistically,'' says Mr. Sophon. "Otherwise our graduates won't grasp the big picture. They will judge things only as doctors, politicians, economists and so on. This fragmented thinking may lead us to do what we think is good but unknowingly destroys society.''

For Thai society to recover from its present slump and move forward, educational reform is needed, Dr Prawase concludes. "Thai people, especially educators at all levels, must ask themselves what is the best learning process, set out to find the answers, and then earnestly put them to use.”

The Tale of King Mahajanaka: Upon his return from the visit to the Royal Park, King Mahajanaka had an instant of thought in which he remembered being told by the goddess Mani Mekhala he would not "find the path to absolute happiness without sharing the wisdom he had found in the ocean.''

While Mahajanaka's various riddles may represent His Majesty's visions for the country, many Thai scholars point out that the story's main character may be likened to the King himself.

"Every time I read this book, I don't just see King Mahajanaka,'' says Mr Anand. "I see the story as an allegory of His Majesty's life and missions during his reign on the throne. Our King has built his barami [charisma] through his deeds. At the root of what has led His Majesty to the right and noble path are his patience and perseverance,'' Mr Anand says. Mahajanaka's deeds, says the former prime minister, parallel His Majesty's. Both show us that fighting obstacles, whatever they are, must begin with pure perseverance, not with praying for luck or help from deities.

“His Majesty has repeatedly demonstrated this for the benefit of his people,” Dr Prawase adds. "Mahajanaka in this book is His Majesty — he who is the great father of the Thai people who perseveres in the face of immense obstacles. Throughout his reign, His Majesty never stopped trying even though, like Mahajanaka, he often is not able to see the shore. His Majesty once remarked that since he a ceded the throne, despite all his efforts, the country has gone downhill.''

Mahajanaka chose to first help his people before leaving in search of "absolute happiness”, says Dr Prawase.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Sakka Devaraja, King of the Gods, foresees the Being in the Queen’s womb – Mahajanaka – as destined for enlightenment in this painting by Netikorn Chinya. ‘Mahajanaka’ was made into musical as part of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty’s accession to the throne. A Brahmin guru meets Mahajanaka’s mother the Queen at the rest-house and offers her shelter in this painting by Netikorn Chinya.

“His Majesty too, has actively involved himself in helping to solve problems for his people. In a way, His Majesty shows us that practicing dhamma can be done while doing one's worldly duty. Buddhism differs from asceticism in that it doesn't require isolating oneself from the world. On the contrary, the Lord Buddha made it imperative that monks must stay in touch with the community.”

In 2002, Tongdaeng became an instant star. Books, t-shirts and polo shirts were the hottest items.

“Given the extent of the problems now faced both by Thailand and the world, we should listen to the one man who has spent over half a century in close contact with the reality of the people, politics, dhamma, culture, environment, and technology.

“His Majesty wrote this book in order to guide his people. We should pay attention to it and study it in order to more fully understand it. At the moment Thai people are very confused, quarrelling, don't know where to turn. That we lack financial resources does not mean we are without means for progress or action. We still have social capital. Buddhism and our King, I think, are enormous assets for the Thai people,'' says Dr Prawase.

Anand concludes: "Like the final words in Mahajanaka — ‘Mithila is not yet at a loss for good people!’ — His Majesty's message to us is simple. Since all problems originate with people, they can be solved by people, too. Despite all the difficulties we are now facing, one should never lose hope in one's life.”

FAR LEFT: The public queued up to buy Tongdaeng polo shirts in a rainbow of colors; the proceeds went to HM the King’s charities. LEFT: Albeit from humble beginnings, Tongdaeng’s characteristics are noble and dignified.

SYNOPSIS OF THE STORY OF MAHAJANAKA
Prince Mahajanaka was the son of King Aritthajanaka who was killed in a battle fought against his own brother, Polajanaka. Helped by the god Sakka Devaraja, King Aritthajanaka's pregnant wife escaped and took refuge in a city called Kalachampaka where Prince Mahajanaka was born.

Mahajanaka grew strong and able. Learning of his father's demise, he vowed to claim the kingdom back from his uncle. To raise money to set up an army, the 16-year-old prince set sail to Suvarnabhumi to trade. Mahajanaka’s ship foundered in a terrible storm. While other merchants begged the gods for help, Prince Mahajanaka kept his nerve. He filled his stomach with a mixture of butter and sugar, wrapped himself in an oil-soaked cloth, and leapt into the sea.

With no shoreline in sight, the prince swam diligently. After seven days, the goddess Mani Mekhala appeared hovering above him. Scornfully, she asked him why he continued to swim despite having no reason for hope.

Extolling the merit of perseverance, Mahajanaka said: "Anyone who perseveres even when faced with death, will not be in any debt to relatives or gods or father or mother. Furthermore, people who do their duty will enjoy ultimate peace in the future.'' Impressed with his answer, the goddess rescued him and delivered him to the city of Mithila.

Meanwhile, King Polajanaka was on his deathbed and had requested that his successor be able to solve four riddles. None succeeded until Prince Mahajanaka.

Having solved the riddles, he was crowned king and married King Polajanaka's daughter, Princess Sivali Devi. One day King Mahajanaka visited the Royal Park where he tasted the sweet fruit of a mango tree.

When he passed by the tree later, he found it had been plundered and uprooted by greedy people.

Another mango tree nearby was barren, so it was ignored and thus safe from danger.

Saddened, he mused: “This throne is like the tree with fruit; peaceful retirement is like the tree without fruit. We will not be like the tree with fruit; we will be like the one without fruit.”

The king set out to revive the uprooted mango tree using various methods such as culturing the seeds, grafting and splicing. Seeing his people's greed and ignorance, the king established an institute of higher learning, naming it “Pudalay Mahavijjalaya”. The Brahmin supported his idea, telling him not to worry, and that "Mithila is not yet at a loss for good people.”