The story of Mrgari, the hunter
from the Vedas, retold by T.A. Drescher
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Hunter Days
Once in a woodland long ago
in a place quite far away.
Was a man who was a hunter who
lived for the hunt each day.
The hunter he of a peculiar sort
delighting in inflicting pain.
Imagining it were a magnificent sport
proclaimed Mrgari is my name.
I am a hunter fierce and strong
I hunt these woods with care.
I place all creatures into discomfort
then skin them for their hair.
Now once upon a time did come
through the forest of their plight.
A sage of great purity
did witness the terrible sight.
All the poor animals lying there
struggling with all their might.
Left to twist and writhe were they
all day and into the night.
Here a deer lying near the path
pierced his body by an arrow.
With broken legs and in much pain
tormented to the marrow.
Alas a boar was pierced there too
an arrow in his back.
A rabbit whose suffering was severe
lying beside the track.
Who hunts like this? the sage did ask
engaging in such a cruel task.
The hunter replied, ‘tis I, Mrgari
the enemy of animals am I.
I have found a pleasure great
to hear their pitiful cries.
And to see their pitiful tears streaming
down from woeful eyes.
I do it always just like this
deriving unlimited bliss.
In tune with what my father taught me
in natural harmony.
Yea to see animals suffer in this way
brings me great pleasure every day.
Then the sage named Narada Muni said
I have one request my friend.
In your killing of the animals here
please do so in a way.
Please end their lives more mercifully
bringing them the least amount of pain.
Lest you be doomed by all the sins
of the hunt that bears your name.
Leaving the poor animals to suffer
here in agonizing pain.
I ask that you please desist
from such actions you’ve been taught.
The urge to bring pain please resist
entertaining fresh new thoughts.
Now the hunter did think deeply
the sage’s words opening his eyes.
What would you have me do kind sir
for my livelihood on which I rely.
Tell you I will, said the holy sage
listen and you shall be saved.
But first you must make your heart firm
turning in your life a whole new page.
Resolve in your heart never again
to kill another living thing.
Now break your bow this very day
and cut with your knife its string.
How shall I live, what will I eat?
the hunter he did ask.
Fear not for food the sage did say
for our sustenance is no great task.
Your needs shall all be provided for
from our Lord we need not ask.
The hunter did as he was told
breaking in half his bow.
And gave away all that he had
his heart becoming glad.
There near the sacred river bank
he built a cottage place.
He began to live a brand new life
his spiritual master he did thank.
and started there his life anew
the hunter and his wife.
The sage he promised to send each day
food to keep them well and strong.
And gave to them a sacred mantra old
they did sing as their daily song.
And there in the front yard of his place
a tree he did sow.
A special tree named Tulasi devi
and with love did help her grow.
Then around the blessed tree each day
he would circle ‘round this way.
While ever chanting the holy names
happiness with him did stay.
Well by and by the sage returned
curious was he to see.
The hunter living in his hut
so simply and peacefully.
On the bank of the sacred river
with his wife and the Tulasi Tree.
As the hunter saw the sage come near
and rushed to greet him there.
Fearing he’d tread upon poor ants and more
who lived on the earthen floor.
He gently brushed them to the side
his brothers from the path.
Not wishing to hurt a single soul
no longer filled with pride.
And so famous became he
filled with kindness and virtuosity.
The power of communion
the holy name in union
with the mercy of the Narada Muni.
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