Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
Our life is shaped by our mind; we become what we think. Suffering follows an evil thought as the wheels of a cart follow the oxen that draws it. Our life is shaped by our mind; we become what we think. Joy follows a pure thought like a shadow that never leaves.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Our thoughts significantly influence our experiences and outcomes in life.
This quote by Gautama Buddha emphasizes the profound impact of our thoughts on our lives. It suggests that our mindset shapes our experiences, where negative thoughts lead to suffering while positive thoughts bring joy. Essentially, it underscores the idea that we have the power to shape our reality through our thinking.
Themes
ThoughtsMindJoySufferingLife
In practice
Example use cases
During a mindfulness workshop to inspire participants to focus on positive thinking.
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.
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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.
Gautama BuddhaRead
The tongue like a sharp knife ... Kills without drawing blood.
Gautama BuddhaRead
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