Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
May all sentient beings be happy and free of suffering.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote expresses a universal wish for the happiness and liberation of all beings, highlighting compassion and empathy.
Gautama Buddha's quote emphasizes the importance of compassion and the universal desire for happiness and freedom from suffering. It reflects the core teachings of Buddhism, which advocate for the well-being of all sentient beings, suggesting that true peace and happiness can only be achieved when everyone is liberated from their pains and struggles. This sentiment encourages individuals to foster kindness and support for one another, recognizing that the alleviation of suffering for others contributes to a more harmonious existence.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech promoting mental health awareness.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The tongue like a sharp knife ... Kills without drawing blood.
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But whether I become a believer or remain an agnostic, my belief or disbelief must derive its source from within, not from without. I, myself, must create its symbols. The transcendental is that which produces its own form. I will never discover its secret if I do not find it in my own heart; if I do not possess it already I shall never be able to acquire it.
It is as impossible for man to demonstrate the existence of God as it would be for even Sherlock Holmes to demonstrate the existence of Arthur Conan Doyle.