Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
It is a man's own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Our own thoughts and mind can lead us astray more than external forces.
This quote emphasizes the idea that the greatest obstacles we face are often not external enemies or circumstances but rather the temptations and negative influences that come from within ourselves. It suggests that we are responsible for our choices and that our mind can be our own worst enemy, leading us to make decisions that are not aligned with our true values or well-being.
Themes
MindEvilThoughtsSelfResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a personal development workshop to highlight the importance of self-reflection.
More from Gautama Buddha
All quotes βA 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.
Gautama BuddhaRead
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