Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
There is no fire like greed, No crime like hatred, No sorrow like separation, No sickness like hunger of heart, And no joy like the joy of freedom. Health, contentment and trust Are your greatest possessions, And freedom your greatest joy. Look within. Be still. Free from fear and attachment, Know the sweet joy of living in the way.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the profound effects of inner peace and the importance of freedom, while contrasting it with negative emotions such as greed and hatred.
Gautama Buddha's words reflect the deep understanding of the human condition, highlighting that negative emotions like greed, hatred, and separation create immense suffering, while true joy stems from inner freedom and spiritual contentment. He suggests that real wealth lies not in material possessions but in health, trust, and the ability to look within oneself, indicating that liberation from fear and attachment leads to a fulfilling and joyful existence.
Themes
FreedomGreedHappinessContentmentTrustInner Peace
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can inspire a speech about the importance of mental health and self-awareness.
More from Gautama Buddha
All quotes →A 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.
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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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