Kautilya: The Machiavelli of the East

http://www.returnofkings.com/67718/an-introduction-to-the-machiavelli-of-the-east

A man is born alone and dies alone; he experiences the good and bad consequences of his karma alone, and he goes alone to hell or the Supreme abode. – Kautilya

Those who seek to achieve things should show no mercy. – Kautilya

Inch Time Foot Gem

A lord asked Takuan, a Zen Teacher, to suggest how he might pass the time. He felt his days very long attending his office and sitting stiffly to receive the homage of others.
Takuan wrote eight Chinese characters and gave them to the man:

Not twice this day
Inch time foot gem. This day will not come again.
Each minute is worth a priceless gem.

Source: http://www.ashidakim.com/zenkoans/32inchtimefootgem.html

 

 

Mysterious Buddhist Ruins: Ajanta Caves carved by Devas?

The Buddha where you are.

In your own mind, in your own heart.

A Heartless Villain

Earlier you doubted that the six lower worlds exist within the human world, but when I illustrated the point through an analogy, you understood. Perhaps it will be the same with the four noble worlds. I will try to employ reasoning to explain a bit about the matter. The fact that all things in this world are transient is perfectly clear to us. Is this not because the worlds of the two vehicles are present in the human world? Even a heartless villain loves his wife and children. He too has a portion of the bodhisattva world within him. Buddhahood is the most difficult to demonstrate. But since you possess the other nine worlds, you should believe that you have Buddhahood as well. Do not permit yourself to have doubts.

--WND pg 358, THE OBJECT OF DEVOTION FOR OBSERVING THE MIND, Authenticated

If you cannot see the good in others, how will you find it in yourself? If you do not love and have compassion for them, how will you treat yourself?

Musashi's Maxims

1. Do not turn your back on the various ways of the world.
2. Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.
3. Do not intend to rely on anything.
4. Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.
5. Do not ever think in acquisitive terms.
6. Do not regret what you have done.
7. Never be jealous.
8. Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.
9. Do not complain or feel bitterly about yourself or others.
10. Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.
11. In all things have no preferences.
12. Be indifferent to where you live.
13. Do not pursue the taste of good food.
14. Do no hold on to possessions you no longer need.
15. Do not follow customary practices to the extent they are detrimental.
16. Do not be fond of material things beyond that needed for defense and survival.
17. Do not fear death.
18. Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age.
19. Respect the gods and Buddhas, but do not depend on them.
20. Though you give up your life, do not give up your honor.
21. Never stray from the Way.

Our most cherished and long felt desire...

All Buddhas of the past, present and future
Buddha of compassion
Please hear my anguished words of truth
Karma, in an ocean of joy
They are drunk with demonic delusions
What is right and what is wrong?
What is right and what is wrong?
Bodhisattvas, an ocean of measureless qualities
Let the might of your compassion rise to bring a quick end,
to the flowing stream of the blood and tears.
Buddha of compassion
What is right and what is wrong?
In an ocean of joy
What is right and what is wrong?
Our most cherished and long felt desire
Karma
Karma
Buddha of compassion
Please hear my anguished words of truth