Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
Go forth in every direction- for the happiness, the harmony, the welfare of the many. Offer your heart, the seeds of understanding, like a lamp overturned and re-lit, illuminating the darkness.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote encourages selflessness and understanding to promote collective happiness and welfare.
Gautama Buddha emphasizes the importance of contributing positively to the well-being of others by spreading understanding and compassion. The metaphor of a lamp symbolizes how individuals can transform negative situations into light and positivity, motivating others to pursue harmony and joy in their lives.
Themes
HappinessUnderstandingCompassionSelflessnessHarmony
In practice
Example use cases
During a community service project, I shared this quote to inspire volunteers to focus on the greater good.
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.
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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.
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The tongue like a sharp knife ... Kills without drawing blood.
Gautama BuddhaRead
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