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HARIBALA
Vasantasena was the king of Kanchanpura His first consort was Vasantasena. After a long gap following their marriage, a daughter was born to them She was named Vasantashri She was a notable mixture of beauty and intelligence When she attained her youth, the royal couple became anxious to settle her in marriage.
In the same city, there lived a fisherman named Haribala. He was very simple, polite and industrious and was happy in his poverty. His wife Prachanda (meaning 'violent) fully justified her name, and she was very ugly, harsh in voice and impolite in her behaviour. Harıbala was always afraid of her turbulence and never enjoyed her company.
One day, Harıbala bad gone to the bank of the river to catch fish A muni (monk) was just then passing by that way. As if induced from within, Harıbala bowed before him. The muni blessed him, but, findiøg him enggaed in an impious profession, he said,
“Friend, do you also practise pious deeds 79
"I view on my family profession as a pious deed, and, believe me, sir, honestly do I fulfil it. Everyday I come to this river bank and spread my net I view as my owo whatever catch I have I know not of any other pious deed."
The muni, who had a natural serenity on his face, charm in his voice and equanimity 10 his eyes, said
"Oh fisherman, family profession is not the only pious .deed one should perform These professions vary with individuals Dharna is based on ahimsa Anything that strengthens ahinsa is dharma, and everything else is a sin Every living being wants to live. Life is dear to all. So, torture not abyose, give not pain to anyone What you
