Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
For one who is a learner and who has not yet come to master their mind, but who dwells aspiring for peace from that which binds, making it a matter concerning himself, I know of no other thing as helpful as giving close attention to the mind.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and self-awareness in the pursuit of peace.
Gautama Buddha discusses the critical role of attention and mindfulness in achieving mental mastery for those who are still learners. He suggests that by focusing closely on one's own mind and its workings, an individual can find a path to peace and liberation from mental constraints. This reflective mindset is presented as the most beneficial practice for personal growth and tranquility.
In practice
In a meditation workshop, a speaker might use this quote to highlight the importance of being aware of one's thoughts.
Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
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.
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.
There are no dangerous thoughts; thinking itself is dangerous.
Each man is a hero and an oracle to somebody.
That's your responsibility as a person, as a human being - to constantly be updating your positions on as many things as possible. And if you don't contradict yourself on a regular basis, then you're not thinking.
In a day, when you don't come across any problems - you can be sure that you are travelling in a wrong path
Manic depression's touching my soul. I know what I want, but I just don't know how to go about getting it.
The place one's in, though, doesn't make any contribution to peace of mind: it's the spirit that makes everything agreeable to oneself.
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