Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
Greater in battle_x000D_ than the man who would conquer_x000D_ a thousand-thousand men,_x000D_ is he who would conquer_x000D_ just one —_x000D_ himself._x000D_ Better to conquer yourself_x000D_ than others._x000D_ When you've trained yourself,_x000D_ living in constant self-control,_x000D_ neither a deva nor gandhabba,_x000D_ nor a Mara banded with Brahmas,_x000D_ could turn that triumph_x000D_ back into defeat.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Self-mastery is the greatest achievement one can attain.
This quote emphasizes the importance of conquering oneself over any external triumphs. It suggests that true victory lies in mastering one's own desires, impulses, and fears, rather than simply dominating others or achieving external success. By focusing on self-control and self-improvement, one achieves a triumph that no outside force can overturn.
Themes
Self-ControlSelf-MasteryWisdomVictoryConquer
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal development.
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.
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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.
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