Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
Speak the truth do not become angered and give when asked, even be it a little. By these three conditions one goes to the presence of the gods.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of truthfulness, composure, and generosity.
In this quote by Gautama Buddha, the essence lies in achieving a virtuous life by adhering to three fundamental principles: speaking truthfully, maintaining calmness in the face of anger, and being generous even with small acts. By focusing on these values, one can cultivate a strong moral character that aligns with spiritual growth and divine presence.
In practice
In a discussion about ethical leadership, one might quote Buddha to emphasize the importance of honesty and calmness.
Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The tongue like a sharp knife ... Kills without drawing blood.
Everything you have is to give. Thou art a phenomenon of philosophy and an unfortunate man.
Act as if the maxim of your action were to become through your will a be general natural law.
He who is mistaken in an action which he sincerely believes to be right may be an enemy, but retains our esteem.
Objective journalism and an opinion column are about as similar as the Bible and Playboy magazine.
When philosophers try to be politicians they generally cease to be philosophers.
I speak to the paper, as I speak to the first person I meet.
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