03.205
Markandeya said.
Having reported about both his mother and father to the brāhmaṇa as per his teacher's instruction, the virtuous hunter again spoke to the brāhmaṇa. (03-205-1)
My sight having been restored, I am born anew; behold the strength of my austerity. For the purpose you have been instructed by her, go now to Mithila. (03-205-2)
The hunter who dwells in Mithilā, with a wife devoted to serving her husband, self-controlled, and truthful in character, will explain the principles of dharma to you. (03-205-3)
The Brāhmaṇa said.
Having remembered the words of the devoted, truthful, and virtuous wife, an observer of vows, I consider you, knower of dharma and endowed with virtues, as such. (03-205-4)
The hunter said.
O best of twice-born, what you were told then by her about me, O master, this was truly seen by her, the devoted wife—there is no doubt. (03-205-5)
But, Brāhmaṇa, with the intention of your welfare, I have shown you this. And now listen, O dear one, to the words I will say to you for your benefit, O twice-born. (3-205-6)
O best of twice-born, you have neglected your mother and father. Without their permission, you have left the house, blameless one. What you have done for the purpose of Veda recitation is improper. (03-205-7)
Because of your grief, those two elders have become blind and ascetic; go to propitiate them, do not let great righteousness pass you by. (3-205-8)
You are an ascetic, a great soul, and always devoted to dharma; all this is useless for you — quickly reconcile those two. (03-205-9)
Trust in me, O brāhmaṇa; do not act otherwise. Go today, O best of brāhmaṇas; I will tell you what is best. (03-205-10)
The Brāhmaṇa said;
All that you have said is true, without doubt. I am pleased with you, knower of dharma, endowed with good conduct and virtues. (03-205-11)
The hunter said.
Indeed, you are like a deity, for you are devoted to dharma; the ancient, eternal, divine (goal), difficult to attain by those whose selves are undisciplined. (03-205-12)
Without negligence, quickly perform reverence to your mother and father; I see no duty greater than this. (03-205-13)
The Brāhmaṇa said.
It is by good fortune that I have come here and by good fortune that I have met you. Men who show the path of dharma like you are rare in this world. (03-205-14)
Among a thousand men, scarcely one is a true knower of dharma. I am pleased with your truthfulness; may good come to you, O best of men. (03-205-15)
While I was falling into hell, I have indeed been lifted up by you. It must indeed have been destined thus, that I have seen you, O sinless one. (03-205-16)
Just as King Yayāti, having fallen, was lifted up by his grandsons, so I, O best of men, have been lifted up here by you. (03-205-17)
At your command, I will serve my mother and father. A person whose self is undisciplined does not discern the distinction between right and wrong. (03-205-18)
The eternal law is difficult to comprehend and governs the condition of birth as a Śūdra. I do not consider you a Śūdra; rather, destiny is the cause. By the result of your actions, this state of being a Śūdra has come to you. (03-205-19)
O great-minded one, I indeed wish to know this truly; out of desire, you who are self-controlled, tell me everything that is true. (03-205-20)
The hunter said.
A brāhmaṇa must never be transgressed, O best of the twice-born. Listen, O sinless one, to all that happened in my previous life. (03-205-21)
I was formerly a Brāhmaṇa, O son of the best of twice-born; a diligent student of the Veda, highly skilled, and expert in the Vedāṅgas. But, O Brāhmaṇa, through faults of my own making, I have come to this state. (03-205-22)
O Brahmin, a certain king, my friend, was devoted to the science of archery; by associating with him, I became superior in archery.
At that very time, the king went out for hunting, accompanied by chief warriors and ministers, well-protected. Then he slew many animals there near the hermitage. (03-205-24)
Then, O best of twice-born, I too shot a terrible arrow, and the sage was struck by that smooth-shafted arrow. (03-205-25)
Having fallen to the ground, he resounded and said, "O Brahman, I have committed no fault at all; by whom has this sin been done?" (03-205-26)
Thinking that it was the deer, I suddenly approached and saw the sage—saw that sage, pierced by a softened-jointed arrow: that Brahmin of fierce austerity groaning upon the ground. (3-205-27)
Because of having done what should not be done, my mind is greatly agitated. This was done by me unknowingly, so I said to him, "You ought to forgive me, O Brāhmaṇa." Thus also spoke I to the sage. (03-205-28)
Then the sage, filled with anger, spoke to me: 'You will become a cruel hunter, born in the womb of a śūdra,' said the Brahmin. (03-205-29)
