34
The Fortunate Fish
[Desire]
A long time ago, King Brahmadatta had a very wise adviser who
could understand the speech of animals. He understood what they said, and he
could speak to them in their languages. One day, the adviser was wandering
along the riverbank with his followers when they chanced upon some fishermen
who had cast a huge net into the river. While gazing into the water, they
noticed a large handsome fish that was following his pretty wife. Her shining
scales reflected the morning sunlight in all the colours of the rainbow. Her feather-like
fins fluttered like the delicate wings of a fairy, as she glided through the
water. It was clear that her husband was so spellbound by the way she looked
and the way she moved, that he was not paying attention to anything else! As
they came near the net, the female fish caught the scent, saw it and alertly
avoided it at the very last moment. But her husband was so blinded by his
desire for her, that he could not swerved fast enough to avoid it. Instead, he
swam right into the net and was trapped! The fishermen pulled in their net and
threw the big fish onto the shore. They built a fire, and planned to barbecue
him.
Lying on the ground, the fish was flopping around and
groaning in agony. Since the wise adviser could understand what the fish was
saying, he translated it for the others. “This poor fish is madly repeating:
“My wife! My wife! I must be with my wife! I care for her
much more than for my own life!” “My wife! My wife! I must be with my wife! I care for her much
more than for my own life!”
The adviser thought: “This fish has truly gone crazy. He has
landed himself in this terrible state because he allows himself to be a slave
to his own craving and desire. It is clear that he has learnt nothing from the
results of his actions. If he dies in such an agony caused by strong desire and
attachment in his mind, he will surely continue to suffer by being reborn in
some hell world. Therefore, I must save him!”
This kind man went over to the fishermen and said: “Oh my
friends, loyal subjects of our king, you have never given me and my followers a
fish for our curry. Won’t you give us one today?” They replied: “Oh royal
minister, please accept from us any fish you wish!” “This big one on the
riverbank looks delicious,” said the adviser. “Please take him, sir,” they
said. Then he sat down on the bank. He took the fish, who was still groaning,
into his hands. He spoke to him in a language only fishes could understand:
“You foolish fish! If I didn’t see you today, you would have gotten yourself
killed. Your strong desire is leading you to further suffering. From now on, do
not let yourself be trapped by your own desires!”
Realising how fortunate he was to have found such a friend,
the fish thanked him for his wise advice. The minister released the lucky fish
back into the river, and went on his way.
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