Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
The recollected go forth to lives of renunciation. They take no pleasure in a fixed abode. Like wild swans abandoning a pool, they leave one resting place after another.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the transient nature of life and the wisdom in embracing change rather than clinging to comfort.
Gautama Buddha reflects on the idea that those who seek deeper understanding and enlightenment often detach themselves from worldly attachments and stable comforts. By comparing such individuals to wild swans, the quote illustrates the beauty and freedom found in moving from one experience to another, suggesting that true fulfillment lies in renunciation and the acceptance of impermanence.
In practice
This quote could be used in a meditation retreat to inspire participants to embrace change.
Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The tongue like a sharp knife ... Kills without drawing blood.
We think, each of us, that we're much more rational than we are. And we think that we make our decisions because we have good reasons to make them. Even when it's the other way around. We believe in the reasons, because we've already made the decision.
When I get an idea I start at once building it up in my imagination. I change the construction, make improvements and operate the device in my mind. It is absolutely immaterial to me whether I run my turbine in my thought or test it in my shop. I even note if it is out of balance.
Even when you're 22 and you feel immortal, you know in your heart you're not.
So much has been said and sung of beautiful young girls, why doesn't somebody wake up to the beauty of old women.
You want to dig your well where you have the best chance of finding water with the least amount of digging
A day of worry is more exhausting than a week of work. Worry upsets our whole system; work keeps it in health and order.
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