Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
Speak only the speech that neither torments self nor does harm to others. That speech is truly well spoken.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of speaking thoughtfully and kindly, avoiding words that cause distress to oneself or others.
Gautama Buddha highlights the significance of mindful communication, suggesting that our words hold power and should be used judiciously. True wisdom in speech lies in expressing thoughts that bring peace rather than conflict, thereby nurturing both self and relationships with others.
Themes
SpeechCommunicationMindfulnessKindnessWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting to encourage positive dialogue.
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.
Gautama BuddhaRead
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.
Gautama BuddhaRead
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.
Gautama BuddhaRead
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.
Gautama BuddhaRead
The tongue like a sharp knife ... Kills without drawing blood.
Gautama BuddhaRead
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