Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
All that we are is the result of what we have thought. If people speak or act with evil thoughts, pain follows them. If people speak or act with pure thoughts, happiness follows them, like a shadow that never leaves them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Our thoughts shape our reality; positive thoughts lead to happiness while negative thoughts lead to pain.
This quote by Gautama Buddha emphasizes the profound impact of our thoughts on our lives. It suggests that our mental state directly influences our actions and experiences, indicating that negative thoughts can lead to suffering, whereas pure and positive thoughts can result in lasting happiness. Essentially, it underscores the importance of cultivating a positive mindset, as our thoughts are the foundation of our reality and experience.
Themes
ThoughtsHappinessPainMindsetWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational seminar about the power of positive thinking.
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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Move forward and let others do the same. Simple. This is a guiding principle everyone should have.
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