Nāgārjuna

known face mirror exist mind body reality

“Just as it is known

That an image of one's face is seen

Depending on a mirror

But does not really exist as a face,

So the conception of "I" exists

Dependent on mind and body,

But like the image of a face

The "I" does not at all exist as its own reality.”

― Nāgārjuna (c. 150-250)

philosophy fabrication true essence

“All philosophies are mental fabrications. There has never been a single doctrine by which one could enter the true essence of things.”

― Nāgārjuna (c. 150-250)

empty possible

“Since all is empty, all is possible.”

― Nāgārjuna (c. 150-250)

life killing foe anger enemy slain

“Although you may spend your life killing, you will not exhaust all your foes. But if you quell your own anger, your real enemy will be slain.”

― Nāgārjuna (c. 150-250)

am not will frighten children fear wise

“I am not, I will not be.

I have not, I will not have.

This frightens all children,

And kills fear in the wise.”

― Nāgārjuna (c. 150-250)

dependent co-arisen emptiness designation middle way

“Whatever is dependently co-arisen

That is explained to be emptiness.

That, being a dependent designation

Is itself the Middle Way.”

― Nāgārjuna (c. 150-250)

astronomer moon star women misconduct

“if an astronomer calculates from the sky

he will ascertain the paths of the moon and the stars;

but in his house the womenfolk are at variance,

and he does not perceive their various misconduct.”

― Nāgārjuna (c. 150-250)

distinguish done not clever soul opportunity

"Learn to distinguish what should be done and what not; The clever soul will always select his opportunity."

― Nāgārjuna (c. 150-250)