It took me forty years of dealing with buddhism to finally realize that actually Buddha's discovery was happiness and bliss.
Robert ThurmanRead
The tradition of nonviolence, optimism, concern for the individual, and unconditional compassion that developed in Tibet is the culmination of a slow inner revolution, a cool one, hard to see, that began 2,500 years ago with the Buddha's insight about the end of suffering. What I have learned from these people has forever changed my life, and I believe their culture contains an inner science particularly relevant to the difficult time in which we live.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the enduring values of nonviolence and compassion that stem from Buddhist teachings in Tibet, reflecting a profound inner transformation over centuries.
Robert Thurman's quote highlights the significant cultural and philosophical contributions of Tibetan Buddhism, which advocate for nonviolence, optimism, and compassion. He suggests that these principles are rooted in the timeless teachings of the Buddha, representing a gradual, profound transformation of human consciousness aimed at alleviating suffering. In a modern context, these teachings serve as essential guidance for facing contemporary challenges and fostering a more compassionate society.
Themes
NonviolenceCompassionBuddhismOptimismSufferingInner Revolution
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on peace, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of compassion in today's society.
More from Robert Thurman
All quotes →Nonviolence against humans cannot take firm hold in society as long as brutality and violence are practiced toward other animals.
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People are afraid that if they let go of their anger and righteousness and wrath, and look at their own feelings-and even see the good in a bad person-they're going to lose the energy they need to do something about the problem. But actually you get more strength and energy by operating from a place of love and concern. You can be just as tough, but more effectively tough.
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Thich Nhat Hanh is one of the greatest teachers of our time. He reaches from the heights of insight down to the deepest places of the absolutely ordinary.
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Those caught in the cycle of self-concern suffer helplessly, while the compassionate are more free and, implicitly, more happy.
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The Buddhists think that, because we've all had infinite previous lives, we've all been each other's relatives. Therefore all of you, in the Buddhist view, in some previous life ... have been my mother - for which I do apologize for the trouble I caused you.
Robert ThurmanRead
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