Hitopade A, Or, Salutary Counsels of Vishnu Arman, in a Series of Connected Fables, Interspersed with Moral, Prudential, and Political Maxims, Tr. Lit (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1848 edition. Excerpt: ... b e put in thee, a ferocious creature? The Tiger replied: Hearken, O Traveller; formerly indeed, in the state of youth, I was very mischievous. Because of the slaughter of many cows, Brahmans and men, my children in great numbers died, and my wife. I am now without a family. Afterwards I was exhorted by a certain religious person to this effect, " Practise the duty of liberality.5' Through his advice I Ofnnow a practiser of ablutions, generous and merciful; besides, old and with claws and teeth decayed: how then am I not an object of confidence. It is said: --7--Sacrifice; sacred study; almsgiving; pious austerity; truth; fortitude; patience; disinterestedness;--this is recorded as the eight-fold course of duty. 8--The former four-fold class is sometimes practised in this world even for ostentation's sake; but the latter class of four dwells only in the magnanimous breast. And to such an extent is my freedom from selfishness, that I am willing to give to any one soever a bracelet of gold, although within my hand. Nevertheless, the popular saying The tiger devours man" is hard to be suppressed. For: --9--The world conforming to the past, holds up as a model to us in religion, a preaching procuress, as well as a cow-killing Brahman. By me also have religious books been studied. Listen: 10--As rain on parched ground, so is food to the famishing. A gift which is bestowed on the poor, is beneficial, O son of Pandu. 11--As life is dear to one's self, so also are those of all beings. On account of the resemblance to themselves, the good exercise com-passion towards all living beings. Again: --12--Both in refusing and in giving; in pleasure and in pain; in what is agreeable and disagreeable; a man obtains a sure standard by" a comparison with himself....