________________
Harikesh Bal
One who pacifies his passions and takes a dip at the peaceful banks of celibacy in the pond of religion filled with
the water of pious sentiments always remains pure. Austerities,
self-control, equanimity, piety, meditation, and purity of thought are essential for
purity of soul.
conten
uto
Thus after giving the message of truth, good conduct and ahimsa, ascetic Harikesh Bal returned into the jungle. He left his earthly abode after years of spiritual practices by taking the ultimate vow.
THE END
THE MESSAGE:
This story, popularly known as Harikeshiya, is from the 12th chapter of Uttaradhyayan Sutra. The message of this story is that one who does pious deeds excels in life. The pride of clan or family is worthless. There is a similar story, Matang Jatak, in the fourth part of the Buddhist Jatak. Both the stories refute casteism and establish the supremacy of austerities, pious deeds, and good conduct.
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