________________
Parable of the illusory deluge
45
Finally the sixth says, “ He who is without enemies does not have to kill any one' (vinā çatrūn ghātaḥ kāryo na kasya cit). The six men are designated respectively as Black, Blue, Grey, Brilliance (tejas), Lotus (padma), and White. But the best of all is he by whom all persons are protected from enemies (107-112)."
Story of King Naladharma and the deer The Sage continues his illustration of ahińsā, to wit: King Naladharma of Vijaya and his minister Tilaka, while hunting, came upon a deer with long and strong horns. As the king was about to cast his arrow, the deer told him not to slay, since it was a Kşatriya's business to protect (trā) from injury (kşatāt). A king must not kill grass-eaters: even enemies that eat grass must be spared ? (123). When the king was surprised at the deer's speech, the minister explained that the animal must be an Avatar of a god or demon. They followed the animal which led them to a young Sage, and bade them make obeisance to him. They did so, and were rewarded with a sermon. The king then, surprised at the youth of the Sage, asked him why he had retired from the world. The Muni told the following parable (113136):
Parable of the illusory deluge King Bhuvanasāra of Siddhapura rules under the guidance of his minister Mahāmati. One day players from the Dekkban are permitted to present a spectacle
For the spirit of this parable cf. Mahabhårata 12. 95.
This pun is as old as Mahābhārata 12. 59. 127. It recurs in Pārsva 3. 600. Jacobi, Das Mahābhārata, p. 131, and Hertel, Das Pañcatantra, p. 6, translate kgatát by, from loss.' This seems to me to slip by the point.
See additional note 11, on p. 191.
