Friday, September 5, 2008

Philosophical Musings - Part VII

The Roots of Wisdom

In the past, I used to rage over petty things. Yet, once the flame of anger subsides, I realize the foolishness of being embroiled over inconsequential things. For I know now, after reading the verse on Inconsequential Things, that life is a precious gift, not to be wasted by arguments and petty conflicts.

When you are overcome by anger, perhaps you too, should consider the following verse from the Roots of Wisdom?

Inconsequential Things


Within the light of the flint’s spark
They fight over ‘long’ and compete over ‘short’
Yet how much time can there be?



Above the horns of the tiny snail
They compare their losses and argue about gains
Yet how big can the world be?

11 comments:

Anonymous

Another good post, Avatar. In our selfish moments we forget that we are no more than germs in the big scheme of things. You can read what I wrote about impermanence here.

Basically, I point out that our universe is colliding with 2 other galaxies right now, and a 3rd and probably final collision expected in a distant future. Scientists don't know if earth will survive. If people truly appreciate that the world is impermanent, will they still argue and fight?

Avatar

Dear Damien,

Thanks for sharing your interesting post on pile up on M31.

Sometimes, it's hard to look beyond ourselves... On the bright side, you seem to be doing fine :)

CekikDarah.com

I always admire people talking about philosophy or similar to that. BTW, nice pics there.

anyone wanna exchange link? CekikDarah.com!

Anonymous

Related to this topic, I thought I'd share something that I found in the Dhammapada:

"Look how he abused me and hurt me,
How he threw me down and robbed me."
Live with such thoughts and you live in hate.
"Look how he abused me and hurt me,
How he threw me down and robbed me."
Abandon such thoughts, and live in love.
In this world
Hate never yet dispelled hate.
Only love dispels hate.
This is the law,
Ancient and inexhaustible.
You too shall pass away.
Knowing this, how can you quarrel?

Avatar

Dear Damien,

Thanks for sharing :)

Rgds

Anonymous

Damien & Avatar : sometimes it's so hard to love, especially after all that people have done to you...

If only everyone were mindful of their actions, yours truly occasionally lackin' that as well. Causin' pain & hurt to others.

Avatar

Dear YT,

Yes, I think *love* is difficult too. For us lesser mortals, it would be enough to just not hate and let bygones be bygones :)

Rgds

KK

after 51 years, some retards are still retards. even people like "them' are born normal but with a brain damaged.

Avatar

Dear Ah Keong,

Just let them be. We don't need to stoop down to their level.

Rgds

Anonymous

Great poem. Just researched that "The Roots of Wisdom" was incorporated to Japanese business management. Could be the reason for their success in the business world :D

Avatar

Dear Marketing Deviant,

Yes, for some reason or another, the Roots of Wisdom is a popular book in Japan.

I read this whilst in Form 3 and it left quite a deep impression on me. :)

Rgds

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