ABSTRACT

KALA-SUTRA: The second of the Buddhist hells, the “Black Rope Hell,” reserved for those who steal. It is especially bad to steal medical supplies, or (in the Fearful Vulture Hell) to torment others to get their possessions. Residence in this hell lasts for one thousand years. KAMO MABUCHI (1697-1769): A noted student of the Japanese classics and Shintoism during the Tokugawa Shogunate, Kamo Mabuchi was one of the founders of the School of National Learning (kokugaku-ha). He studied the ancient masterpiece, the Man’yōshū, looking for a true and original Japanese spirit, a golden age, untainted by any foreign influences. People should restore the native temper of ancient times. Kamo was the son of a functionary at a Shinto shrine. He so distinguished himself that he became lecturer to the head of one of the branch families of the Tokugawa. K’ANG YU-WEI (1858-1927): A noted Confucian scholar, K’ang believed the reason Western powers had become so strong was because they had a state religion. He therefore attempted to establish Conficianism as the state religion of China. Confucian societies were organized, the high point of their influence being reached in 1915. K’ang’s Confucian revival was known as the “New Text School.” KAPILA (550-500 B.C.): The legendary founder of the Sā khya (q.v.) philosophy, Kapila (pronounced KAW pih luh), “the Red One,” was the son of Kardama and Devahūti. Kardama, his father, was an inspired sage (Rsi), and Kapila learned from his mother about philosophy and the nature of the soul. The last part of his life was spent on the island of Sāgara in the mouth of the Ganges River, some ninety miles from Calcutta. There he taught his philosophy to disciples. Each year on the last day of Māgha (January-February), thousands visit in his memory.