Worldy Wisdom

The Bhagavad Gita (c 300 B.C)
From Book Two
Lord Krishna:
Arjuna, you must learn to endure
Fleeting things -- they come and go!

If you are killed, you win heaven;
If you triumph, you enjoy the earth;

Kill them
Without wavering;
Fight , and you will conquer
Your foes in battle!

TamilTiruvalluvar (c 500)
From the Kural
Highest of all richs
Is the wealth of learning:
All other wealth will perish

JapanPriest Sami Mansei (c720)
“Our Life in this World”
Our Life in this World
To what shall I compare it?
It is like a boat
rowing out at break of day
leaving not a trace behind.

William Shakespeare (1564 – 1616)
From Cymbeline
“Fear no more the heat of the sun,
Nor the furious winter’s rages;
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
Golden lads and girls all must
As chimney-sweepers come to dust