Vajjalaggam

SR No.: 020873
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: M V Patwardhan
Publisher: Prakrit Text Society
Publication Year: 1969
Total Pages: 706
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 11 MB

Page 366

-2201
24. SECTION ON THE CAMEL
301
214) Oh merchant, how possibly can we have with us the claws of tigers, the manes of lions and the pearls derived) from mighty elephants? We do not have even a stock of deer skins.
23. The Section on the Deer 215) The deer (undoubtedly) have appreciation of the good qualities in others; for example, though dwelling in the forest they know (appreciate) the greatness (charming power of music (song). But as they do not possess any money at all (with which to reward those good qualities and give tangible shape to their appreciation), they surrender their lives to the hunter.
216) "We, who feed only on the sprouts of grass, have no wealth (money) amassed by us at all. If, however, the hunter goes away satisfied with my flesh, then I shall deem myself (extremely) lucky!"
217) "Oh hunter, let only the one arrow (that you have shot already at the male deer) suffice! Why are you pulling out a second (from your quiver, in order to strike at me)? Oh accursed one, (don't you see that) there is only one life (soul) (pulsating) in the bodies of both of us?"
218) The aged deer, pierced with an arrow, said, shaking (shrugging) his shoulder(s).-- "Sing, oh do sing, once again, so long as life still lingers in my throat!"
219) The male deer died because of the (fatal) impact (of the arrow), the female deer died as she heard the shriek of pain (given out by the male deer), the hunter's wife died due to excessive wonder (at the love of the female deer for her mate) and even the hunter breathed his last clutching at his bow firmly (at the sight of the pathetic death of his wife).
24. The Section on the Camel 220) Even though the camel may be moving in the midst of the Nandana Garden (Paradise), which is charming with blooming (expanding) As'oka foliage, still the haunting memories of the luxuries of (or the fine time he spent in) the arid desert (such as