[16] This proverb is most often used in reference to death,—signifying that all forms go back into the nothingness out of which they spring. But it may also be used in relation to the law of cause-and-effect.
18.—Hibiki no koë ni ozuru ga gotoshi.
Even as the echo answers to the voice.[[17]]
[17] Referring to the doctrine of cause-and-effect. The philosophical beauty of the comparison will be appreciated only if we bear in mind that even the tone of the echo repeats the tone of the voice.
19.—Hito wo tasukéru ga shukhé no yuku.
The task of the priest is to save mankind.
20.—Hi wa kiyurédomo tō-shin wa kiyédzu.
Though the flame be put out, the wick remains.[[18]]
[18] Although the passions may be temporarily overcome, their sources remain. A proverb of like meaning is, Bonnō no inu oëdomo sarazu: “Though driven away, the Dog of Lust cannot be kept from coming back again.”
21.—Hotoké mo motowa bonbu.
Even the Buddha was originally but a common man.
22.—Hotoké ni naru mo shami wo beru.
Even to become a Buddha one must first become a novice.
23.—Hotoké no kao mo sando.
Even a Buddha’s face,—only three times.[[19]]
[19] This is a short popular form of the longer proverb, Hotoké no kao mo sando nazuréba, hara wo tatsu: “Stroke even the face of a Buddha three times, and his anger will be roused.”