Sitting
dignified on a deer,
As if in deep thought.
With perfect composure,
Contented with being
above worldly pursuits.
Pindola
the Bharadvaja, from a high caste Brahmin family, was
formerly a powerful government official in an Indian kingdom,
highly trusted by the king. One day he suddenly decided
to become a Buddhist monk and, not wanting to hear any
entreaties from the king, he left to join a monastery
deep in the mountains.
One
day, he appeared in front of the palace, riding a deer.
Recognizing him, the royal guards immediately reported
to the king who came out to receive him. The king told
him that he could have the position back if he wanted.
Bharadvaja declined and said that he came back to ask
the king to join him. After a long conversation, using
various metaphors to explain the sins of the flesh and
desires, he finally convinced the king, who abdicated
in favour of his son and followed Bharadvaja to become
a monk.
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