The wheel of sharp weapons returning full circle upon us

The Buddha returns each year to remind people of the truth.

Dharmaraksita of India who lived about a thousand years ago has some cutting edged language that reminds us of his teachings.

(12) When hunger or violent thirst overwhelms us,

This is the wheel of sharp weapons returning
Full circle upon us from wrongs we have done.

Until now, we have kept what we had without sharing;
We have plundered, stolen, and lured people on.
Hereafter let us relieve them from hunger and thirst.

(25) When those who are close turn against us as enemies,

This is the wheel of sharp weapons returning
Full circle upon us from wrongs we have done.

Until now, we have held grudges inside us with anger,
With thoughts of sly methods to cause others pain;
Hereafter let us try to have less affectation,
Not pretend to be kind while we harbor base aims.

(39) When attachment and anger disturb and upset us
No matter how much we may try to suppress them,

This is the wheel of sharp weapons returning
Full circle upon us from wrongs we have done.

Until now, we have held on to the improper outlook:
Stubbornly cherishing only ourselves,
Hereafter let us uproot self-interest completely.

228 years after the founding of America as a true Republic, crisis and disaster are approaching with chastening fury and finality over the country. Is this the wheel of sharp weapons returning full circle upon us from wrongs we have done?

What did Dharmarakshita advocate as the solution?

He wrote in his text, which is subtitled Effectively Striking the Heart of the Foe.

As it's true what I have said about self-centered interest,
I recognize the enemy clearly now.
I recognize clearly the bandit who plunders,
The liar who lures by pretending he is part of me.

The only enemy is within us

Trample him, trample him, dance on the head
Of this treacherous concept of selfish concern!
Tear out the heart of this self-centered butcher
Who slaughters our chance to gain final release!

In a democracy, or other -ocracies that masquerade as democracy, we can exorcise the demon within and without by choosing wisely and compassionately. We can spread compassion by voting as well as in our daily activities. Don't choose self-centered butchers, there are lesser evils.

el - I have digested and edited and revised and added to Zdzislaw Zmijewski's original text with a different emphasis.