Chapter 250 - The science of archery (continued)

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Fire-god said:

1-7. Then a brahmin should get ready the weapons such as the mace, bow etc., wash them well free from flesh and place them on the sacrificial ground. Then after having collected the arrow, furnishing himself with an armour and remaining composed he should get the quiver and bind it firmly on the right shoulder. Even though there may not be any definite aim, that arrow that has been placed in it in th at position should be lifted from the quiver with the right hand. Then the arrow together with the hand that be lifted should be placed (on the bow) and held. The middle-part of the bow should be held with the left hand. After having made his mind diverted of all anxieties, the feathered end of the arrow should be placed on the string. After holding firmly in the (position known as) siṃhakarṇa evenly with the feathered end, the fruit of the left that rested on the left ear should be borne (?) The covers should be borne with the left middle finger. One who knows the procedure should fix his mind on the target and (hold the arrow) with (the right) fist on the right side of the body and discharge covers.

8-12. (One that practises to shoot an arrow) should place a pole as the target in line with the fold on the forehead. The circular mark (of the extent) of sixteen aṅgulas should be struck after pulling (the arrow). After having discharged such an arrow, one should then practise (discharging) fire-brands with that. One should place the arrow again and again with the middle finger. One should strike from the quiver at the target perceived by the eye (imagining) as a square on the right. One that is in the first stage should practise to pierce (the target) in a square. Then he should practise to aim quickly, turning round and to pierce that below or above. When (the targets are) at the position of being pierced the bow (should be lifted) from its position and the hands should threaten with varied sounds of invincible (nature) (?)

13-19. O Brahmin! Among those (objects) to be struck (by a bow-man), two (kinds) are known to be dṛḍha (requiring firm hand), two are known as Duṣkara (difficult to hit) and two as citraduṣkara (extremely difficult to hit). That which is not below and hard is stated to be requiring firm hand. That which is below as well as that which is above is said to be duṣkara. That which is between the head and the zenith is known as citraduṣkara. Thus after having known the position of the objects to be hit with the right and left, a hero (archer) should first make progress. Then one would be the conqueror of the target. This is said to be the rule that has been laid by those well-versed in that. It is said that one would have more mobility from that practice. The target that comes within the purview of the arrow should be aimed at firmly. One should strike at once, break, pierce and cause distress to that which is whirling round, that which is moving and that which is extremely steady. One who is well-versed in the performance of actions should practise this way after knowing that. One that has learnt the application would conquer (the lord of) death by means of his mind, eyes and look.