Guest guest Posted November 7, 2009 Report Share Posted November 7, 2009 LET THEM LIVE! The Buddha walks in Rajgir. The beauty and tranquillity of nature greets him wherever the eye turns. Just then, a herd of goats and sheep passed by. Theherdsman seems to find it difficult to drive the flock along. "What is the matter?" asks the Buddha. "It is this little lamb, sir," the herdsman replies. "It is lame and keeps limping so painfully that it cannot keep pace with the others in the herd." The Buddha picks up the limping lamb, caresses it gently, and places it on his shoulders. "What makes you drive your flock in the heat of the noonday sun?"he asks the herdsman. "I have to deliver a hundred sheep and goats to the royal palace by this evening," the shepherd replies. "His Majesty, the King, is performing a greatyagna at which these hundred animals are to be sacrificed. I must rush now, or I shall face the king's wrath for arriving late. The yagna will not be completewithout the sacrifice of these animals." "I shall go with you," says the Buddha, carrying the lame animal. Thus they enter the city that evening- the herdsman driving the flock ahead, and the Buddha walking meekly with the little lamb on his shoulders. Theycross a crowded bazaar, and people gaze in deep devotion and wonder at the gentle, humble, radiant figure, from whom peace and love seems to radiate allaround. They reach the palace. The king and all his courtiers have gathered together for the yagna which is in progress. The animals are led to the spotdesignated for the sacrifice. A pujari, wielding a butcher's axe, advances. He raises his weapon and is about to strike when the Buddha intervenes. "OGreat King!" he addresses the monarch. "I beg you to take my life; but pray, do not kill this animal!" What gives such power to those simple words fromthe gentle ascetic, who does not even raise his voice. The king's heart is moved, and the sacrifice is stopped forthwith. The king and all his courtiersgather around the Enlightened One to listen to his words of wisdom. "It is compassion that makes life beautiful," says the Buddha. "Do not take away alife which you cannot give!" The king is transformed! The very next day, he issues a proclamation which prohibits all forms of animal sacrifice in hiskingdom. Regards,K.s.Vishwanathan.Tel No: 022-28738192.e-mail:kalpathyvs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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