31. The huntsman roaming in the forest, happened to enter into the hermitage of a hermit, by whom he was reclaimed from his wickedness, and awakened to the light of truth.
32. The muni said:—O erring man! why did you roam so long, afflicting the innocent deer with your arrows; why do <you> not rather protect them, and observe the law of universal benevolence in this transitory world?
33. Life is but a breath of air, and overhung by the clouds of calamities, and is as frail as a drop of falling water; our enjoyments are a series of clouds interspersed by fickle and flickering lightnings; youth is fleeting and its pleasures are as the gliding waters, and the body is as transient as a moment; therefore O my child! attain thy felicity while in this world, and expect thy nirvána-extinction at the end.
CHAPTER CXXXVII.
Description of the states of waking, sleeping and Dreaming.
Argument:—The Hunter’s Inquiry into the means of salvation and the sage’s instruction about them.
The Huntsman said:—Instruct me now, O sage, the way to my salvation from misery; and teach me the best mode of conduct, which may neither be too difficult nor too facile to practice.
2. The sage replied:—Now be submissive to me, and throw away your bow and arrows; and betaking yourself to taciturnity and conduct of sages, be free from trouble and remain herein.
3. Vasishtha related:—Being thus advised by the sage, the huntsman threw away his bow and arrows; and betaking himself to the conduct of sages, remained still even without asking for food.
4. In course of a few days, his mind turned to the investigations of sástras; as a full blown flower enters into the minds of men, by means of its far smelling fragrance.
5. Once he asked his preceptor, O Ráma, to tell him, how and in what manner, outward objects come to be seen within us in our dream.