Kovilar Tree
Just as a Kovilar tree sheds its leaves, if one has cast aside the appearance and lifestyle of a householder and become completely free from worldly ties and obligations, the wise person should walk alone, relying on no one. (Paraphrase)
Compared to the philosophies of the West and other Asian countries, Indian thought may be said to have a particularly inward-looking tendency to re-examine oneself.
While not limited to Indian thinkers, there are times when humans think deeply alone, explore their own hearts, and try to intuitively understand absolute truth. There, an internal logic is born that differs from objective logic.
It can be said that this way of thinking tends to weaken the consciousness of connections with society and, rather, leads one to enjoy solitude.
It is said that the introspective and personal nature of Indian thought is influenced by the cultural climate of society. Thorough individualism, that is, the idea of the 'isolated person,' can also be seen in the Brahmanism of the time when primitive Buddhism was born.
However, while early Buddhist scriptures recommend solitary asceticism, they also encourage interaction with others, saying, 'Have good friends who share the goal of distancing yourself from worldly desires.'
Also, while teaching to sit quietly and enjoy solitude in 'places where terrifying snakes live, or places where thunder rumbles on dark nights,' it also says that if one cannot endure that, 'protect yourself, maintain a righteous heart, and live together with companions.'
In other words, it teaches that if you find a wise friend, act together. If you cannot find one, travel alone.
If you put two shining bracelets, beautifully finished by a goldsmith, on one arm, they will bump into each other and make a sound.
If you think this is unavoidable, distance yourself from human relationships that become a source of trouble, do not be swayed by your surroundings, and walk your own path autonomously. (Paraphrase)
If you live a long life, everyone has a solid philosophy built from their life experience, and everyone has acquired different perspectives and ways of thinking.
When such different people interact, they may cooperate toward a goal and show great expansion, but they may also leave behind various distortions due to differences of opinion.
It is a teaching that if you put beautifully shining pure gold bangles on one arm, it is inevitable that they will touch each other and make a sound. This is the same even for a wise person.
Rarely, there are those whose purpose is to intentionally make a noisy sound. When they collide, both sides get hurt. If one side is steel, only the pure gold will be scratched, though.
A journey into a solitary mental world can sometimes be dangerous. This is because there is a risk of falling into a world of one's own and losing one's place in real life.
When you are in a good cycle, there is no problem, but when you are in a cycle that is by no means good, it is inevitably late to notice it if you are alone.
The state of your mind is reflected directly in your words and expressions. Therefore, it may be necessary to recognize the state of your mind objectively by honestly listening to advice from those close to you, or by observing your own expressions, such as the sparkle in your eyes or your complexion, in a mirror.
Thank you for your time.
"The Words of the Buddha" translated by Hajime Nakamura, Iwanami Bunko
2025-12-02