Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
Understand that the body is merely the foam of a wave, the shadow of a shadow.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the transient nature of the physical body compared to deeper existential truths.
In this quote, Gautama Buddha reflects on the impermanence and illusion of physical existence. He compares the body to foam on a wave and a shadow, suggesting that what we perceive as solid and real is, in fact, fleeting and insubstantial. This perspective encourages individuals to look beyond the surface of life to grasp the deeper spiritual truths that underlie our existence.
Themes
ImpermanenceIllusionBodySpiritualityExistence
In practice
Example use cases
In a philosophy class discussing the nature of reality and existence.
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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