Chapter 147

“Bhishma said, ‘The fowler, seeing the pigeon fall into the fire, becamefilled with compassion and once more said, ‘Alas, cruel and senselessthat I am, what have I done! I ant certainly a mean wretch! Great will bemy sin for everlasting years! Indulging in such self-reproaches he beganto say, repeatedly, ‘I am unworthy of credit. My understanding is wicked.I am ever sinful in my resolves. Alas, abandoning all kinds of honourableoccupation, I have become a fowler A cruel wretch that I am, withoutdoubt, this high-souled pigeon, by laying down his own life, has read mea grave lesson. Abandoning wives and sons, I shall certainly cast off myvery life-breaths that are so dear. The high-souled pigeon has taught methat duty. From this day, denying every comfort to my body, I shall wearit out even as a shallow tank in the season of summer. Capable of bearinghunger, thirst, and penances, reduced to emaciation, and covered withvisible veins all over, I shall, by diverse kinds of practise such vowsas have a reference to the other world. Alas, by giving up his body, thepigeon has shown the worship that should be paid to a guest. Taught byhis example. I shall henceforth practise righteousness. Righteousness isthe highest refuge (of all creatures). Indeed, I shall practise suchrighteousness as has been seen in the righteous pigeon, that foremost ofall winged creatures.’ Having formed such a resolution and said thesewords, that fowler, once of fierce deeds, proceeded to make anunreturning tour of the world,[436] observing for the while the mostrigid vows. He threw away his stout staff, his sharp-pointed iron-stick,his nets and springes, and his iron cage, and set at liberty theshe-pigeon that he had seized and immured.'”