Jain Stories 02

Author(s): Mahendramuni, K C Lalwani
Publisher: A B Jain Shwetambar Terapanth Samaj

Page 43

HARIBALA
Even a small vow sometimes becomes pretty difficult but the difficulty is resolved by steadfastness Seeing that Hariibala would not deviate, the fish said in a human voice,
"Oh pious man, I heartily congratulate you for your steadfastness You did not care for your daily bread in fulfilling your vow This has impressed me much. Ask for a boon"
Haribala was surprised. “You are only a fishi," said he. “What boon can you give me? Between man and fish, you should know, one does not help the other"
"Oh lucky man, why do you see only a fish in me? I am the Master of the Salt Ocean. I came here to test your steadfastness and I am happy to declare that you have successfully got through. Most people do not take any vow Few take but do not fulfil. There are very few like you who are truly steadfast So I urge on you again to ask for a boon I will deem it a great privilege to be able to help you."
Harıbala was very happy to notice the instantaneous effect of a vow Thinking for a while, he said
"Oh great one! I am grateful to thee for thy kindness. I pray that whenever I am in difficulty, thou extend thy help to me"
It was already evening but the fisherman bad no money in his hand and he was hesitant to return home So he went to a temple and lay there in a corner engrossing himself in his own thought.
'I bave fulfilled only a fraction of a vow and what a good return it has given me Fortunate must be those who practise ahimsa to tbe full'
It was a striking coincidence that on the same night fisherman Harıbala took shelter in the temple, a young mercbant with the same name was scheduled to meet Princess Vasantashri at the same place. This was desired by the princess herself who, while seated one day at her window, thad seen the youog merchant Harıbala passing by that way