Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
An unreflective mind is a poor roof. Passion, like the rain, floods the house. But if the roof is strong, there is shelter. Whoever follows impure thoughts Suffers in this world and the next. In both worlds he suffers And how greatly.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Awareness and clarity of thought provide protection from suffering caused by negative thoughts.
This quote by Gautama Buddha emphasizes the importance of a reflective and aware mind in safeguarding oneself from the consequences of negative or impure thoughts. A strong mental framework, akin to a strong roof, can protect an individual from the emotional and spiritual suffering associated with unwholesome ideas, leading to peace both in this life and in the afterlife.
Themes
MindThoughtSufferingReflectionPassionShelter
In practice
Example use cases
During a meditation retreat, this quote can inspire participants to focus on cultivating a strong and reflective mind.
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.
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