81. THE MERCHANT DANTILA
Somewhere in the world, is a city called Vardhamana. A very efficient and prosperous merchant, lived there. Knowing his ability, the king appointed him as an administrator of the capital. During his administration, he kept the common people as well the king very happy. One rarely comes across such a person who keeps everyone happy.
In the course of time, the marriage of merchant’s daughter took place. The merchant invited the king and the queen along with the entire court to his house. He entertained them lavishly, gave them presents of clothing etc. and in this way, he showed them great respect.
80. THE MERCHANT AND THE BARBER
Once upon a time, there lived a merchant called by the name of Manibhadra, in a town known as Patliputra. He was of a charitable nature. But, somehow, due to misfortune, he lost all his wealth and became a pauper. His status in the society gradually came down. He became sad and dejected.
One night, as he lay in his bed, he started cursing his fate and thought of committing suicide by starving himself to death.
79. THE LION’S BAD BREATH
Long ago, there lived a lion in a dense forest. One morning his wife told him that his breath was bad and unpleasant. The lion became very angry and got embarassed to hear this comment. He wanted to check this fact with his councillors, as well. So he summoned them one by one to his court.
First came the sheep.
78. THE LION, THE JACKAL AND THE CAVE
In a certain part of the jungle, there lived a lion, by the name of Kharanakhara. One day, he felt very hungry and wandered everywhere looking for food, but he could not catch a single animal.
At sunset, he went into a big cave, thinking to himself,’Some animal is bound to be living here and will certainly return during the evening. I shall hide in the cave and wait for him.’
Sure enough, after a short time, a jackal, arrived on the scene. He noticed that a lion’s footprints were leading into the cave but not coming out. He thought to himself, ‘Now I am dead! It is almost certain that there is a lion inside. But how can I know for sure? What can I do to find out?’ Suddenly an idea struck him.
He stood at the entrance of the cave and began to shout,’Hello, Cave! Cave.’ He waited in silence for some time. Then he cried, ‘Ho, Cave! Don’t you remember the agreement we came to, that when I arrive here, I shall first call you and you will reply and only then will I come in. Now, as you are not replying, I shall go to some other cave.’
When the lion heard this, he thought to himself,’The cave really replies to the jackal, when he returns, but today, for fear of me, it is keeping quiet. So, I shall invite him in myself and when he enters, I’ll make a meal of him.’
With this idea in mind, the lion replied to the jackal, ‘Hello, jackal! It’s all right, you can come in.’
The cave echoed with his roar so loud that even animals far away were frightened. The jackal bolted.
❖ Use you tactics to protect yourself from destruction.
❖ Presence of mind is the best weapon to guard oneself in every sphere of life.
