05Shavaripa

Savaripa, a savage hunter from the Vikrama Peak, was a man trapped in a vicious karmic cycle of killing to live and living to kill. However, one day, he was noticed by Lokesvara, a bodhisattva of compassion. Out of pity for Savaripa, the bodhisattva decided to release Savaripa from his karmic curse. Lokesvara then assumed the form of a hunter, and when the two met they had a conversation which later turned into a hunting challenge. When the bodhisattva let fly a single arrow, a hundred deer fell dead. The bodhisattva then asked Savaripa to help him carry one of the fallen deer home, however despite using all his strength, Savaripa failed to lift the deer. With all his pride gone and deeply embarrassed, Savaripa asked the bodhisattva to teach him to use the bow as well as he did. Lokesvara agreed, but only on condition that Savaripa and his wife abstain from eating meat for a month. Savaripa agreed.

Later, the bodhisattva returned and added another stipulation to their agreement for Savaripa to meditate upon loving-kindness and compassion for all living creatures. The hunter agreed. After a month has passed, Lokesvara returned and was greeted by the hunter. Lokesvara then drew a mandala on the dirt floor and scattered it with flowers, he then ordered Savaripa and his wife to look deep in to the drawing. As they gaze at the drawing, they turned ashen because they saw themselves burning in the eight great hells.

Lokesvara explained, “If you foreshorten the lives of others, you can expect your own life to be cut short before its time. Why not give up hunting altogether and devote your life to the search for enlightenment? As the desire to kill diminishes, you will begin to accumulate immense merit and virtue.” At this, Savaripa and his wife vowed to follow the path of the Buddha.

Savaripa began his practice, instructed by the Bodhisattva, and meditated upon the correct way to escape the suffering inherent in the revolutions of the Wheel of Life, and after 12 years of sublime thoughts, he attained the supreme realization of mahamudra. When he sought out his Guru for further instruction, Lokesvara told him to remain upon the Wheel of Rebirth out of compassion for those bound by it as he will save an infinite number of souls. Savaripa willingly agreed, and so until today, he still teaches those fortunate enough to understand his message through song and dance, sound and symbol; and it will continue untili the day when Maitreya, the Buddha of Love, begins teaching the gospel of the New Age.

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