Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
If there is no other world and there is no fruit and ripening of actions well done or ill done, then here and now in this life I shall be free from hostility, affliction, and anxiety, and I shall live happily.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes finding peace and happiness in the present moment, regardless of the consequences of past actions.
In this quote, Gautama Buddha highlights the importance of living a fulfilling and contented life in the present, free from negative emotions such as hostility, affliction, and anxiety. He suggests that if we accept that this life is all we have, we can focus on achieving happiness here and now, rather than being burdened by the past or future consequences of our actions.
Themes
HappinessPresentFreedomPeaceBuddhism
In practice
Example use cases
In a meditation retreat, the instructor might use this quote to encourage participants to focus on the present moment.
More from Gautama Buddha
All quotes βA 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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