Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
For those struggling in midstream, in great fear of the flood, of growing old and of dying for all those I say, an island exists where there is no place for impediments, no place for clinging: the island of no going beyond. I call it nirvana, the complete destruction of old age and dying.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Nirvana represents a state free from suffering and the cycle of life and death.
In this quote, Gautama Buddha describes nirvana as a serene state of existence that transcends the anxieties and struggles associated with aging and mortality. It serves as a metaphorical 'island' where one can escape from the burdens of life, fear, and attachment, ultimately leading to liberation from the cycle of rebirth and suffering.
Themes
NirvanaSufferingBuddhismLiberationFearAgingPeace
In practice
Example use cases
During a meditation retreat, I shared this quote to inspire others to let go of their fears.
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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