The story of Mrgari, the hunter from Caitanya-lila, retold by T.A. Drescher for more stories, visit 100monkeyz Hunter Days Once in a woodland long ago in a place quite far away. Was a man who was a hunter who lived for the hunt each day. The hunter he of a peculiar sort delighting in inflicting pain. Imagining it were a magnificent sport proclaimed Mrgari is my name. I am a hunter fierce and strong I hunt these woods with care. I place all creatures into discomfort then skin them for their hair. Now once upon a time did come through the forest of their plight. A sage of great purity did witness the terrible sight. All the poor animals lying there struggling with all their might. Left to twist and writhe were they all day and into the night. Here a deer lying near the path pierced his body by an arrow. With broken legs and in much pain tormented to the marrow. Alas a boar was pierced there too an arrow in his back. A rabbit whose suffering was severe lying beside the track. Who hunts like this? the sage did ask engaging in such a cruel task. The hunter replied, ‘tis I, Mrgari the enemy of animals am I. I have found a pleasure great to hear their pitiful cries. And to see their pitiful tears streaming down from woeful eyes. I do it always just like this deriving unlimited bliss. In tune with what my father taught me in natural harmony. Yea to see animals suffer in this way brings me great pleasure every day. Then the sage named Narada Muni said I have one request my friend. In your killing of the animals here please do so in a way. Please end their lives more mercifully bringing them the least amount of pain. Lest you be doomed by all the sins of the hunt that bears your name. Leaving the poor animals to suffer here in agonizing pain. I ask that you please desist from such actions you’ve been taught. The urge to bring pain please resist entertaining fresh new thoughts. Now the hunter did think deeply the sage’s words opening his eyes. What would you have me do kind sir for my livelihood on which I rely. Tell you I will, said the holy sage listen and you shall be saved. But first you must make your heart firm turning in your life a whole new page. Resolve in your heart never again to kill another living thing. Now break your bow this very day and cut with your knife its string. How shall I live, what will I eat? the hunter he did ask. Fear not for food the sage did say for our sustenance is no great task. Your needs shall all be provided for from our Lord we need not ask. The hunter did as he was told breaking in half his bow. And gave away all that he had his heart becoming glad. There near the sacred river bank he built a cottage place. He began to live a brand new life his spiritual master he did thank. and started there his life anew the hunter and his wife. The sage he promised to send each day food to keep them well and strong. And gave to them a sacred mantra old they did sing as their daily song. And there in the front yard of his place a tree he did sow. A special tree named Tulasi devi and with love did help her grow. Then around the blessed tree each day he would circle ‘round this way. While ever chanting the holy names happiness with him did stay. Well by and by the sage returned curious was he to see. The hunter living in his hut so simply and peacefully. On the bank of the sacred river with his wife and the Tulasi Tree. As the hunter saw the sage come near and rushed to greet him there. Fearing he’d tread upon poor ants and more who lived on the earthen floor. He gently brushed them to the side his brothers from the path. Not wishing to hurt a single soul no longer filled with pride. And so famous became he filled with kindness and virtuosity. The power of communion the holy name in union with the mercy of the Narada Muni.
Posted on: Sat, 03 Aug 2013 16:48:51 +0000
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