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.
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.
Gautama BuddhaRead
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.
Gautama BuddhaRead
The tongue like a sharp knife ... Kills without drawing blood.
Gautama BuddhaRead
Similar quotes
Loneliness is the first thing which God's eye named not good.
John MiltonRead
The real problem is not whether machines think but whether men do.
B. F. SkinnerRead
All religions begin with the cry Help.
William JamesRead
If everything in the environment is utterly predictable, you become bored. If it's utterly unpredictable, you become frustrated.
Daniel LevitinRead
It is curious to note how fragile the memory is, even for the important times in one's life. This is, moreover, what explains the fortunate fantasy of history.
Marcel DuchampRead
A prayer that must have a cannon behind it better never be uttered. Forgiveness ought not to go in partnership with shot and shell. Love need not carry knives and revolvers.
Robert Green IngersollRead