The Downward Course
Books: Sacred Books Of The EastHe who says what is not goes to hell; he also who, having done a thing,
says I have not done it. After death both are equal: they are men with
evil deeds in the next world.
Many men whose shoulders are covered with the yellow gown are
ill-conditioned and unrestrained; such evil-doers by their evil deeds go
to hell.
Better it would be to swallow a heated iron ball, like flaring fire,
land.
Four things does a reckless man gain who covets his neighbor's
wife--demerit, an uncomfortable bed, thirdly, punishment, and lastly,
hell.
There is demerit, and the evil way to hell: there is the short pleasure
of the frightened in the arms of the frightened, and the king imposes
heavy punishment; therefore let no man think of his neighbor's wife.
As a grass-blade, if badly grasped, cuts the arm, badly-practised
asceticism leads to hell.
An act carelessly performed, a broken vow, and hesitating obedience to
discipline (Brahma-kariyam), all these bring no great reward.
If anything is to be done, let a man do it, let him attack it
vigorously! A careless pilgrim only scatters the dust of his passions
more widely.
An evil deed is better left undone, for a man repents of it afterwards;
a good deed is better done, for having done it, one does not repent.
Like a well-guarded frontier fort, with defences within and without, so
let a man guard himself. Not a moment should escape, for they who allow
the right moment to pass, suffer pain when they are in hell.
They who are ashamed of what they ought not to be ashamed of, and are
not ashamed of what they ought to be ashamed of, such men, embracing
false doctrines, enter the evil path.
They who fear when they ought not to fear, and fear not when they ought
to fear, such men, embracing false doctrines, enter the evil path.
They who see sin where there is no sin, and see no sin where there is
sin, such men, embracing false doctrines, enter the evil path.
They who see sin where there is sin, and no sin where there is no sin,
such men, embracing the true doctrine, enter the good path.
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That fetter wise people call strong which drags down, yields,
That fetter wise people call strong which drags down, yields, but is difficult to undo; after having cut this at last, people leave the world, free from cares, and leaving desires and pleasures behind ... That is the safe refuge, that is the best refuge;
That is the safe refuge, that is the best refuge; having gone to that refuge, a man is delivered from all pain ... That saying of the ancients that 'the partial becomes complete'
That saying of the ancients that 'the partial becomes complete' was not vainly spoken:--all real completion is comprehended under it ... That whereby the rivers and seas are able to receive
That whereby the rivers and seas are able to receive the homage and tribute of all the valley streams, is their skill in being lower than they;--it is thus that they are the kings of them all So it is that the sage (ruler), wishing to be above men, p... That which is at rest is easily kept hold of;
That which is at rest is easily kept hold of; before a thing has given indications of its presence, it is easy to take measures against it; that which is brittle is easily broken; that which is very small is easily dispersed Action should be taken be... The (state of) vacancy should be brought to the utmost
The (state of) vacancy should be brought to the utmost degree, and that of stillness guarded with unwearying vigour All things alike go through their processes of activity, and (then) we see them return (to their original state) When things (in the ... The ancients who showed their skill in practising the Tao
The ancients who showed their skill in practising the Tao did so, not to enlighten the people, but rather to make them simple and ignorant ... The Awakened call patience the highest penance, long-suffering the highest Nirvana;
The Awakened call patience the highest penance, long-suffering the highest Nirvana; for he is not an anchorite (pravragita) who strikes others, he is not an ascetic (sramana) who insults others ... The best of ways is the eightfold; the best of
The best of ways is the eightfold; the best of truths the four words; the best of virtues passionlessness; the best of men he who has eyes to see ... The Bhikshu
Restraint in the eye is good, good is restraint in the ear, in the nose restraint is good, good is restraint in the tongue. In the body restraint is good, good is restraint in speech, in thought restraint is good, good is restraint in all things... The Bhikshu who acts with kindness, who is calm in
The Bhikshu who acts with kindness, who is calm in the doctrine of Buddha, will reach the quiet place (Nirvana), cessation of natural desires, and happiness ... The Bhikshu who controls his mouth, who speaks wisely and
The Bhikshu who controls his mouth, who speaks wisely and calmly, who teaches the meaning and the law, his word is sweet ... The Bhikshu whose body and tongue and mind are quieted,
The Bhikshu whose body and tongue and mind are quieted, who is collected, and has rejected the baits of the world, he is called quiet ... The Bhikshu, full of delight, who is calm in the
The Bhikshu, full of delight, who is calm in the doctrine of Buddha will reach the quiet place (Nirvana), cessation of natural desires, and happiness ... The Birth
There was a descendant of the Ikshvaku family, an invincible Sakya monarch, pure in mind and of unspotted virtue, called therefore Pure-rice, or Suddhodana. Joyously reverenced by all men, as the new moon is welcomed by the world, the king ind... The Brahmana
Stop the stream valiantly, drive away the desires, O Brahmana! When you have understood the destruction of all that was made, you will understand that which was not made. If the Brahmana has reached the other shore in both laws, in restraint an... The brilliant chariots of kings are destroyed, the body also approaches
The brilliant chariots of kings are destroyed, the body also approaches destruction, but the virtue of good people never approaches destruction,--thus do the good say to the good ... The Buddha The Awakened
He whose conquest cannot be conquered again, into whose conquest no one in this world enters, by what track can you lead him, the Awakened, the Omniscient, the trackless? He whom no desire with its snares and poisons can lead astray, by what tr... The channels run everywhere, the creeper (of passion) stands sprouting; if
The channels run everywhere, the creeper (of passion) stands sprouting; if you see the creeper springing up, cut its root by means of knowledge ... The Couch Of Brahman
Kitra Gangyayani, wishing to perform a sacrifice, chose Aruni Uddalaka, to be his chief priest. But Aruni sent his son, Svetaketu, and said: "Perform the sacrifice for him." When Svetaketu had arrived, Kitra asked him: "Son of Gautama, is there a ... The course and nature of things is such that
The course and nature of things is such that What was in front is now behind; What warmed anon we freezing find Strength is of weakness oft the spoil; The store in ruins mocks our toil Hence the sage puts away excessive effort, extravag... The Creation
Ahura Mazda spake unto Spitama Zarathustra, saying:-- "I have made every land dear to its people, even though it had no charms whatever in it: had I not made every land dear to its people, even though it had no charms whatever in it, then the wh... THE CULTURE OF COURAGE
"The dawn of a New Day!" Never an Aryan felt the flare of this electric Fact, Nor any, or priest at his worship or earth-toiler swarming the land, Till Zarathustra discovered Ahura Mazda, Till Buddha discovered himself, the Thou of THAT, BRAHM... The difficulty in governing the people arises from their having much
The difficulty in governing the people arises from their having much knowledge He who (tries to) govern a state by his wisdom is a scourge to it; while he who does not (try to) do so is a blessing ... The Dignity of SelfReliance
Self-confidence, without self-reliance, is as useless as a cooking recipe,--without food. Self-confidence sees the possibilities of the individual; self-reliance realizes them. Self-confidence sees the angel in the unhewn block of marble; self-r... The disciple will overcome the earth, and the world of
The disciple will overcome the earth, and the world of Yama, and the world of the gods The disciple will find out the plainly shown path of virtue, as a clever man finds out the (right) flower ... The disciples of Gotama (Buddha) are always well awake, and
The disciples of Gotama (Buddha) are always well awake, and their thoughts day and night are always set on Buddha ... The disciples of Gotama are always well awake, and their
The disciples of Gotama are always well awake, and their thoughts day and night are always set on the law ... The disciples of Gotama are always well awake, and their
The disciples of Gotama are always well awake, and their thoughts day and night are always set on the church ... The disciples of Gotama are always well awake, and their
The disciples of Gotama are always well awake, and their thoughts day and night are always set on their body ... The disciples of Gotama are always well awake, and their
The disciples of Gotama are always well awake, and their mind day and night always delights in compassion ... The disciples of Gotama are always well awake, and their
The disciples of Gotama are always well awake, and their mind day and night always delights in meditation ... The Downward Course
He who says what is not goes to hell; he also who, having done a thing, says I have not done it. After death both are equal: they are men with evil deeds in the next world. Many men whose shoulders are covered with the yellow gown are ill-condi... The Earth
O Maker of the material world, thou Holy One! Which is the first place where the Earth feels most happy? Ahura Mazda answered: "It is the place whereon one of the faithful steps forward, O Spitama Zarathustra! with the log in his hand, the Baresma... The Elephant
Silently I endured abuse as the elephant in battle endures the arrow sent from the bow: for the world is ill-natured. They lead a tamed elephant to battle, the king mounts a tamed elephant; the tamed is the best among men, he who silently endure... The elephant called Dhanapalaka, his temples running with sap, and difficult
The elephant called Dhanapalaka, his temples running with sap, and difficult to hold, does not eat a morsel when bound; the elephant longs for the elephant grove ... The evil done by oneself, self-begotten, self-bred, crushes the foolish, as
The evil done by oneself, self-begotten, self-bred, crushes the foolish, as a diamond breaks a precious stone ... The evil-doer mourns in this world, and he mourns in
The evil-doer mourns in this world, and he mourns in the next; he mourns in both He mourns and suffers when he sees the evil of his own work ... The evil-doer suffers in this world, and he suffers in
The evil-doer suffers in this world, and he suffers in the next; he suffers in both He suffers when he thinks of the evil he has done; he suffers more when going on the evil path ... The excellence of a residence is in (the suitability of)
The excellence of a residence is in (the suitability of) the place; that of the mind is in abysmal stillness; that of associations is in their being with the virtuous; that of government is in its securing good order; that of (the conduct of) affairs i... The Family Of Imran
A.L.M.[47] There is no God but God, the living, self-subsisting: He hath sent down unto thee the book of the Koran with truth, confirming that which was revealed before it; for he had formerly sent down the law and the gospel, a direction unto... The fault of others is easily perceived, but that of
The fault of others is easily perceived, but that of oneself is difficult to perceive; a man winnows his neighbour's faults like chaff, but his own fault he hides, as a cheat hides the bad die from the gambler ... The fields are damaged by weeds, mankind is damaged by
The fields are damaged by weeds, mankind is damaged by passion: therefore a gift bestowed on the passionless brings great reward ... The fields are damaged by weeds, mankind is damaged by
The fields are damaged by weeds, mankind is damaged by hatred: therefore a gift bestowed on those who do not hate brings great reward ... The fields are damaged by weeds, mankind is damaged by
The fields are damaged by weeds, mankind is damaged by vanity: therefore a gift bestowed on those who are free from vanity brings great reward ... The fields are damaged by weeds, mankind is damaged by
The fields are damaged by weeds, mankind is damaged by lust: therefore a gift bestowed on those who are free from lust brings great reward The Bhikshu (Mendicant) ... THE FIRST GREAT PRINCIPLE OF FEAR-CONQUEST
Timidity, apprehension, fear, alarm, fright, consternation, terror, panic, desperation, are all false imitations of reason's interpretation of the warning signals of Nature, to be displaced by reason itself, which may then determine whether the o... The follower of the law, even if he can recite
The follower of the law, even if he can recite only a small portion (of the law), but, having forsaken passion and hatred and foolishness, possesses true knowledge and serenity of mind, he, caring for nothing in this world or that to come, has indeed a... The Fool
Long is the night to him who is awake; long is a mile to him who is tired; long is life to the foolish who do not know the true law. If a traveller does not meet with one who is his better, or his equal, let him firmly keep to his solitary journ... The fool who knows his foolishness, is wise at least
The fool who knows his foolishness, is wise at least so far But a fool who thinks himself wise, he is called a fool indeed ... The foolish man who scorns the rule of the venerable
The foolish man who scorns the rule of the venerable (Arahat), of the elect (Ariya), of the virtuous, and follows false doctrine, he bears fruit to his own destruction, like the fruits of the Katthaka reed ... THE FOUR PYRAMIDS
Harmony-- Exercise--Recreation --Air--Sleep--Water --Food--Regularity--Digestion --Cleanliness--Economy-- Scientific Body-Building and Using I Pyramid of Physical Health II Will--Muscular Development --Nervous Condi... THE GENERAL TONE OP HEALTH
The word "tone" means, "sound in relation to volume, quality, duration and pitch," then, "peculiar characteristic sound as of a voice or instrument," then, "characteristic style or tendency, predominating aim or character, tenor, strain, spirit" ... The gift of the law exceeds all gifts; the sweetness
The gift of the law exceeds all gifts; the sweetness of the law exceeds all sweetness; the delight in the law exceeds all delights; the extinction of thirst overcomes all pain ... The gods even envy him whose senses, like horses well
The gods even envy him whose senses, like horses well broken in by the driver, have been subdued, who is free from pride, and free from appetites ... The government that seems the most unwise, Oft
The government that seems the most unwise, Oft goodness to the people best supplies; That which is meddling, touching everything, Will work but ill, and disappointment bring Misery!--happiness is to be found by its side! Happiness!--miser... The grandest forms of active force From
The grandest forms of active force From Tao come, their only source Who can of Tao the nature tell? Our sight it flies, our touch as well Eluding sight, eluding touch, The forms of things all in it crouch; Eluding touch, elud... The great state only wishes to unite men together and
The great state only wishes to unite men together and nourish them; a small state only wishes to be received by, and to serve, the other Each gets what it desires, but the great state must learn to abase itself ... The great Tao (or way) is very level and easy;
The great Tao (or way) is very level and easy; but people love the by-ways ... The highest excellence is like (that of) water The
The highest excellence is like (that of) water The excellence of water appears in its benefiting all things, and in its occupying, without striving (to the contrary), the low place which all men dislike Hence (its way) is near to (that of) the Tao ... The Just
A man is not just if he carries a matter by violence; no, he who distinguishes both right and wrong, who is learned and guides others, not by violence, but by the same law, being a guardian of the law and intelligent, he is called just. A man i... The Life of Buddha and Its Lessons
The thoughtful student, in scanning the religious history of the race, has one fact continually forced upon his notice, _viz_., that there is an invariable tendency to deify whomsoever shows himself superior to the weakness of our common humanity. Look... The Majesty of Calmness
Calmness is the rarest quality in human life. It is the poise of a great nature, in harmony with itself and its ideals. It is the moral atmosphere of a life self-centred, self-reliant, and self-controlled. Calmness is singleness of purpose, abso... The man who is free from credulity, but knows the
The man who is free from credulity, but knows the uncreated, who has cut all ties, removed all temptations, renounced all desires, he is the greatest of men ...