Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
I have the True Dharma Eye, the Marvelous Mind of Nirvana, the True Form of the Formless, and the Subtle Dharma Gate, independent of words and transmitted beyond doctrine. This I have entrusted to Mahakashyapa.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote speaks to the transmission of profound spiritual insights beyond conventional teachings and language.
In this quote, Gautama Buddha conveys the depth of understanding that transcends words and traditional teachings. He emphasizes the importance of direct experience and realization in the spiritual journey, symbolized by his trust in Mahakashyapa, who represents the transmission of wisdom that goes beyond mere doctrines and concepts. This highlights the essence of enlightenment as a personal and experiential insight into reality.
Themes
DharmaNirvanaWisdomTransmissionExperience
In practice
Example use cases
During a meditation retreat, a teacher might use this quote to encourage participants to seek their own inner understanding.
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.
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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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