Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
To cease from evil, to do good, and to purify the mind yourself, this is the teaching of all the Buddhas.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct, positive action, and self-improvement as fundamental teachings in Buddhism.
Gautama Buddha's quote encapsulates the core principles of Buddhism, which advocate for the cessation of harmful actions, the engagement in virtuous deeds, and the purification of one's thoughts. It reflects the idea that true spiritual growth and enlightenment come from personal responsibility in leading a moral life, promoting not only individual well-being but also the well-being of others.
Themes
BuddhismMoralitySelf-ImprovementPurityMindfulness
In practice
Example use cases
In a meditation retreat, one could use this quote to inspire participants to reflect on their actions.
More from Gautama Buddha
All quotes βA kind man who makes good use of wealth is rightly said to possess a great treasure; but the miser who hoards up his riches will have no profit.
Gautama BuddhaRead
There are having flowers in Spring, breezes in Summer, moon in Autumn, snows in Winter. If there is nothing worrying over you, it will be the best seasons at all times.
Gautama BuddhaRead
Make an island of yourself, make yourself your refuge; there is no other refuge. Make truth your island, make truth your refuge; there is no other refuge.
Gautama BuddhaRead
When a wise man is advised of his errors, he will reflect on and improve his conduct. When his misconduct is pointed out, a foolish man will not only disregard the advice but rather repeat the same error.
Gautama BuddhaRead
The tongue like a sharp knife ... Kills without drawing blood.
Gautama BuddhaRead
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In the middle of everything evil, in an evil place, you can find goodness. Goodness. I'd even call it godliness.
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Wherever we direct our view, we discover the melancholy proofs of our depravity; whether we look to ancient or modern times, to barbarous or civilized nations, to the conduct of the world around us, or to the monitor within the breast; whether we read, or hear, or act, or think, or feel, the same humiliating lesson is forced upon us.
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