Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
There is no satisfying the senses, not even with a shower of money. "The senses are of slight pleasure and really suffering." When a wise man has realised this, he takes no pleasure, as a disciple of the Buddhas, even in the pleasures of heaven. Instead he takes pleasure in the elimination of craving.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True fulfillment cannot be found in material pleasures, as they are fleeting and often lead to suffering.
This quote emphasizes that the pursuit of sensory pleasures, such as wealth and indulgence, ultimately leads to dissatisfaction and suffering. The wise individual recognizes that lasting happiness comes not from external possessions but from the inner state of eliminating cravings and desires, aligning with Buddhist teachings that prioritize spiritual enlightenment over material gain.
Themes
SensesPleasureCravingWisdomBuddhism
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about inner peace, one might reference Buddha's teaching on the futility of seeking pleasure through material wealth.
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.
Gautama BuddhaRead
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