Page 18 - Ramayana - Eng
P. 18
Rāmāyaṇa
see a pair of cranes, fully absorbed in sexual intercourse
and singing in melodious jubilation. At that time a
malicious hunter of the Niṣāda race appeared from
his hiding place and released an arrow that pierced the
body of the male bird, causing it to fall shrieking to
the ground. Then, upon seeing her mate writhing upon the
ground and smeared with blood, the she-bird cried out in
terror, having suddenly been cast down from the heights of
sensual pleasure to the depths of despair.
When Vālmīki witnessed this tragic scene, feelings of great
compassion welled up within his breast. Considering the
Niṣāda’s violent act to be extremely sinful, Vālmīki became