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In Ghostly Japan
familiar where choice was possible, and placing the originals in alphabetical order to facilitate reference. Of course the selection is imperfectly representative; but it will serve to illustrate certain effects of Buddhist teaching upon popular thought and speech.
1.—Akuji mi ni tomaru.
All evil done clings to the body.[1]
2.—Atama soru yori kokoro wo soré.
Better to shave the heart than to shave the head.[2]
3.—Au wa wakaré no hajimé.
Meeting is only the beginning of separation.[3]
- ↑ The consequence of any evil act or thought never,—so long as karma endures,—will cease to act upon the existence of the person guilty of it.
- ↑ Buddhist nuns and priests have their heads completely shaven. The proverb signifies that it is better to correct the heart,—to conquer all vain regrets and desires,—than to become a religious. In common parlance the phrase “to shave the head” means to become a monk or a nun.
- ↑ Regret and desire are equally vain in this world of impermanency; for all joy is the beginning of an experience that must have its pain. This proverb refers directly to the sutra-text,—Shōja hitsumetsu é-sha-jori,—“All that live must surely die; and all that meet will surely part.”
