THE DAILY BEAT: The Diamond Cutter Sutra

Thursday, June 23, 2011

The Diamond Cutter Sutra

In The Dharma Bums, Ray writes the following phrase on a piece of paper the size of a thumbnail and gives it to Japhy as a parting gift:

MAY YOU USE THE DIAMONDCUTTER OF MERCY

I've been wondering about that phrase (and mentioned it in a previous post). Today I found an on-line source for what is called The Diamond Cutter Sutra so I thought I'd share it as a possible reading that may have been influencing Jack at the time.

I think it's time for my next tattoo, and this phrase is at the top of my list. Not only is it a Kerouac reference, but it could also be a reference to Diamond Dallas Page's finishing move. Double entendre is a good thing, n'est pas?

Where is the only question left.

P.S. Here's a picture of me and Jason with DDP in Hollywood.

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Reviews of The Beat Handbook

Gerald Nicosia, author of the acclaimed Kerouac biography Memory Babe, said The Beat Handbook is "full of Jack's heart."

Jared Randall, author of the excellent book of poetry, Apocryphal Road Code, said this about The Beat Handbook: "Sometimes a book comes along at just the right time. In my wandering pack of experiences, I find they often do. Enter The Beat Handbook by Rick Dale."

Kenneth Morris, Kerouacian extraordinaire, said this:
"I just finished reading Rick Dale's beautiful utterance and call to action of Kerouac mind-set and zen sensibilities. It made me laugh and reflect on my own life and road I have naturally grooved into after absorbing the Kerouac canon. The road less traveled always had my name on it. And that has made all the difference. The Beat Handbook 100 Days of Kerouactions reaffirms the attitudes and ideology that made the Beats and Kerouac the important men of ideas that America (and the world) thirsted for, needed, and swallowed whole. Beautiful, absorbing, Top Ten whipsmart from my articulate, tender-hearted friend and fellow traveler. Highly recommended."