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
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