The whole secret of existence is to have no fear.

A raft needed to cross the river is discarded when the other shore is reached, not carried about on one's head.

But if you miss it, you will next be confronted with the angry deities, ... threatening you and barring your passage ... because you turned a deaf ear to the saving truths of religion. All these forms are strange to you, ... they terrify you, ... and yet it is you who have created them. Do not give in to your fright, ... flee them not! They are but ... the contents of your own mind... If at this point you should manage to understand that, ... and you will find yourself in a paradise among the angels.

For those who are always courteous and respectful of elders, four things increase: life, beauty, happiness and strength.

Whoever doesn't flare up at someone who's angry wins a battle hard to win.

Ennui has made more gamblers than avarice, more drunkards than thirst, and perhaps as many suicides as despair.

Unkind people spread malicious tales, and well-intentioned people also censure; but in either case the tranquil sage remains unconcerned. Nowhere is there to be found a disconcerted sage.