678 Quotes About Aphorisms

In a kingdom ruled by an evil king, how can the subjects be happy? In a bad friend’s friendship, how can one be at peace? With an evil wife, how can there be love in a home? By teaching a bad disciple, how can one gain renown?

One from the lion, one from the crane, four from the cock, five from the crow, six from the dog, and three from the donkey.

Big or small, if the work is worth doing, then by giving everything it should begin and be immediately done; the lion displays this one quality.

Keeping senses under control like a crane, the wise man, the knower of the place, time, and strength, successfully accomplishes all tasks.

Keeping senses under control, devoid of anger and hate, remaining composed equally in sorrow and happiness, peaceful knower of the essence, is a saintly accomplishment.

To wake up at the exact time, to be aggressive in a fight, to distribute gains fairly among relations, and to earn one’s food by personal exertion, these four qualities should be learnt from a cock.

To have sexual intercourse in privacy, to remain aware every moment, to store items effectively, to remain cautious, and to not trust anyone, these five qualities should be learnt from a crow.

To possess a great appetite, to remain content with little food, to enjoy deep slumber, to wake up instantly at the slightest noise, to be totally devoted to one’s master, and to be brave, these six qualities should be learnt from a dog.

Being extremely tired yet to go on carrying the load, paying no attention to cold or heat, and to remain always content, these three qualities should be learnt from a donkey.