Significance of Hunter
The term Hunter varies across different traditions and texts, embodying multiple meanings. In Jainism, it signifies a malevolent force associated with death and innocence loss, while in South Asia, Hunters guided travelers through perilous terrain. In both Arthashastra and Purana, they are depicted as antagonists or game catchers, and Ayurveda describes them as skilled in capturing elephants. Dharmashastra portrays them as people interacting with villages. In Mahayana and Theravada, Hunters often reflect moral lessons and the struggle with nature, illustrating diverse philosophical interpretations of the role of a Hunter.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Hunter'
In Buddhism, the term "Hunter" embodies various interpretations, symbolizing conflict with nature, personal growth through moral lessons, and qualities like perseverance and focus, ultimately reflecting ethical considerations in the pursuit of sustenance and understanding.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A character who captures the Great Being and whose actions are pivotal in the unfolding of the story's moral lessons.[1] (2) A person who pursues animals for the purpose of catching or killing them, representing conflict with nature.[2] (3) The character sent by the king to catch the geese, whose heart was softened by the noble actions of the geese.[3]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) Individuals who killed lions and tigers, resulting in ethical discussions when Bhikkhus ate their flesh.[4]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) Individuals who killed various animals such as lions, tigers, and hyenas to provide flesh to monks.[5]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) A person focused on catching game; symbolizes the qualities of perseverance, focused attention, understanding timing for meditation, and rejoicing at opportunities for contemplation.[6]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A character in the story who observes the transformed behaviors of the animals.[7] (2) Individuals who sought to kill game, one of whom the man encountered after leaving the cave.[8] (3) Figures who attack the naga for his skin, represented as Devadatta and the six heretic masters.[9]
Hindu concept of 'Hunter'
In Hinduism, "Hunter" symbolizes material entrapment and ignorance, reflecting a dual nature: both as game capturers in forests and as characters linked with destruction and conflict, emphasizing the struggle between spiritual pursuits and worldly distractions.
From: Padma Purana
(1) Individuals armed with weapons such as swords, arrows, and bows who threatened the female hog.[10] (2) Individuals tasked with capturing game in the forests, such as Prasena and later Govinda.[11]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) A figure who came across the cursed iron piece, furthering the narrative of destruction linked to the pestle.[12]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Known as mrigayu.[13]
From: Matangalila and Hastyayurveda (study)
(1) Individuals involved in capturing elephants, utilizing various techniques to ensnare both wild and tamed elephants.[14]
From: Hitopadesha (English translation)
(1) An antagonist character who captures Slow-toes while seeking game in the forest.[15]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A symbol of material entrapment and ignorance that can ensnare those who neglect their spiritual opportunities.[16]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Those who live by hunting; they often come into contact with villages while pursuing game that has escaped from forests.[17]
Jain concept of 'Hunter'
In Jainism, the Hunter symbolizes malevolence and the inevitability of death, as illustrated by the killing of the twin deer, which represents the loss of innocence and the cycle of life and death.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The malevolent force that kills the twin deer, symbolizing the inevitability of death and the loss of innocence.[18]
The concept of Hunter in local and regional sources
Hunter relates to those providing guidance in wilderness scenarios, including individuals aiding Fa-Hian's group and those warning an orphan boy of journey perils, highlighting the dual meaning of guiding figures and literal animal hunters.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A person who goes out to hunt animals in the hills, specifically those who initially told the orphan boy about the dangers of the journey.[19]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) The individuals who provided direction after Fa-Hian's group entered a creek searching for help.[20]