12.142
Bhīṣma said:
Then, O king, on the branch of the tree, there was a bird with friendly companions, who had lived there for a long time, and had a remarkable body of feathers.
In the morning, his wife went out to wander and did not return. When he saw that night had arrived, the bird was tormented.
There was a great storm of wind and rain, and my beloved has not come to me. What could be the reason that even today she has not returned?
Indeed, may my beloved have well-being in the forest. Because she is absent, my house feels empty today.
If my beloved, who has red eye-corners, variegated limbs, and a sweet voice, does not come to me today, then my life has no purpose.
A virtuous wife devoted to her husband's duties is more precious than life itself. Such an ascetic woman truly knows me, even when I am weary and hungry.
A man on earth whose wife is deeply attached, beneficial, affectionate, and devoted to her husband is truly blessed.
It is said that the wife is indeed the supreme protector of a man here; for the helpless, in this world, she is the helper in the journey of life.
Similarly, for a man who is always afflicted by disease or distress, there is no remedy equal to a wife.
There is no relative like the wife; there is no support like the wife. In this world, there is no helper for the pursuit of righteousness equal to the wife.
As the afflicted twice-born was lamenting in that place, the wife who had been seized by the bird-killer heard his words.
She should not be called a 'woman' whose husband is not pleased with her. Even if the marriage is witnessed by fire, the husband is indeed the refuge of a woman.
Thus, having thought in this way, the sorrowful dove, seeing her husband distressed, then, being prepared, spoke these words to the hunter.
Indeed, I will tell you what is best; after hearing, do exactly that. O beloved, especially become the protector of those who have sought refuge.
This bird-catcher, having taken refuge in your dwelling, lies here afflicted by cold and hunger; therefore, offer him hospitality.
Whoever kills a twice-born, a cow, the mother of the world, or one who has sought refuge—the sin of all these is considered equal.
The way of life ordained for us as female pigeons, according to the law of our species, is just and should always be followed by one like you, who possesses self-control.
But the householder who follows his duty according to his ability, he, after death, attains imperishable worlds — thus we have heard.
Therefore, O twice-born, you, who today have progeny and sons, abandoning compassion for your own body and upholding dharma and artha, should perform worship for him so that his mind may be pleased as desired.
Thus, the ascetic woman, like a bird standing on the salt-pan, deeply afflicted, spoke these words and looked at her husband.
Hearing his wife's words, full of righteous reasoning, he was filled with great joy, his eyes brimming with tears.
The bird, having seen the fowler, honored him with effort according to the prescribed rules.
He said, "Welcome to you! Tell me, what shall I do? You should not be distressed; you are in your own house."
Please tell me quickly what I should do, what you desire. I say this to you with affection, for you have indeed sought our refuge.
Here, it is especially the duty of a householder engaged in the five daily sacrifices to diligently offer hospitality to those who seek refuge.
But if a householder, out of delusion, does not perform the five daily sacrifices, then according to dharma, neither this world nor the next belongs to him.
Speak out confidently whatever you say; I will do all that. Do not let your mind be overcome by grief.
Hearing those words of the bird, the hunter said: "This cold is truly troubling me; please arrange some protection from the snow."
Thus addressed, the bird then spread dry leaves on the ground with effort and quickly went to fetch fire.
He went to the place where charcoal was made, took the fire-stick, and returned. Then he kindled the fire among the dry leaves.
After making it blaze brightly and greatly, he said to the one who had sought refuge: "Burn your own limbs with full confidence, being fearless from all sides."
Thus addressed, he replied 'so be it', and the greedy man tormented his own body. When his life was restored by the fire, he then spoke to the bird.
"I desire the food given by you, for hunger indeed afflicts me." Having promised that word, the bird spoke these words.
I do not have the means by which I can satisfy your hunger. We forest-dwellers always live only on what we obtain.
There is no accumulation for us, just as for the sages in the forest. Having said this, he then became pale-faced there.
O best of the Bharatas, he was always absorbed in thought, constantly pondering 'How indeed should it be done?', condemning his own conduct.
But after regaining consciousness for a moment, the bird said to the bird-killer: "I will satisfy you. Please wait for a moment."
Having spoken thus, the pigeon, filled with great joy, kindled the sacrificial fire with dry leaves and spoke again.
I have previously heard from the gods, sages, ancestors, and great souls that the highest duty is the honoring of guests.
Please show me favor today; I truly say this to you. My mind is firmly resolved to honor the guest.
Then, O king, that bird, true to his promise and as if smiling, circumambulated the fire three times and entered it.
Seeing the bird enter the midst of the fire, the greedy one thought to himself, 'What have I done?'
Alas, because of my own cruel and condemned action, a very great and terrible unrighteousness will certainly arise—there is no doubt about it.
Thus, the hunter lamented in many ways, blaming his own actions, upon seeing the Brahmin who had arrived in such a manner.
