________________
Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
152
A fisherman has set an excellent example. Dobrive set out to a foreign country with his ship laden with merchandise. On the way, he happened to see a ship filled with slaves and when he saw them, his heart overflowed with compassion. After talking over the matter of with the master of that ship, he exchanged his ship for the ship of slaves. Then, finding out the addresses of the slaves, he sent them back to their homes. At last, a young lady and her slave-maid remained. The young lady was the daughter of the Emperor of Russia and she did not like to return home. Deeply moved by Dobrive's magnanimity, she married him. When Dobrive returned with his wife and the waiting-woman, his father was greatly angry.
Dobrive was sent again to sail to foreign countries to carry on business. On the way, he saw some people who had been arrested for not having paid the prescribed taxes. Selling away his merchandise, with the money he got from it, Dobrive paid the taxes for them. They were all released. All people heartily praised his magnanimity.
His father was again furious. But Dobrive was happy because he liad rendered help to the needy. His father sent him again for the third time to foreign countries to carry on business. But this time, his father gave him enough advice.
The Emperor of Russia who was searching for his daughter happened to meet Dobrive: at a harbour and was greatly delighted to see his daughter's ring on his finger. After having heard the entire story, the Emperor said to Dobrive, “I shall return to Russia. My minister will be with you. Kindly come to Russia with your family."
Accordingly, Dobrive set out with his wise to Russia in the company of the minister. While they were sailing on the sea, the minister who had wicked motives pushed Dobrive into the sea. He thought, that the princess out of slieer helplessness would accept his love and that he would become the son-in-law of the Russian Emperor. He thought that if he succeeded in his objective, he
For Private And Personal Use Only
