Those who really seek the path to Enlightenment dictate terms to their mind. Then they proceed with strong determination.
Gautama BuddhaLike a lovely flower full of color but lacking in fragrance, are the words of those who do not practice what they teach.
Gautama BuddhaGood men and bad men differ radically. Bad men never appreciate kindness shown them, but wise men appreciate and are grateful. Wise men try to express their appreciation and gratitude by some return of kindness, not only to their benefactor, but to everyone else
Gautama BuddhaWhen I was a young man, near the beginning of my life, I looked around with true mindfulness and saw that all things are subject to decay.
Gautama BuddhaIf a viper lives in your room and you wish to have a peaceful sleep, you must first chase it out.
Gautama BuddhaYou have to do your own work; Enlightened Ones will only show the way. Those who practise meditation will free themselves from the chains of death
Gautama BuddhaOvercome the angry by non-anger; overcome the wicked by goodness; overcome the miser by generosity; overcome the liar by truth.
Gautama BuddhaThough thousand times a thousand in battle one may conquer, yet should one conquer just oneself, one is the greatest conqueror.
Gautama BuddhaEnnui has made more gamblers than avarice, more drunkards than thirst, and perhaps as many suicides as despair.
Gautama BuddhaFull of love for all things in the world, practicing virtue, in order to benefit others, this man alone is happy.
Gautama BuddhaWhenever and wherever one encounters the arising and passing away of the mental-physical structure, one enjoys bliss and delight, which lead on to the deathless stage experienced by the wise
Gautama BuddhaFollowing the Noble Path is like entering a dark room with a light in the hand; the darkness will all be cleared away, and the room will be filled with light.
Gautama BuddhaBetter than a meaningless story of a thousand words is a single word of deep meaning which, when heard, produces peace.
Gautama BuddhaIf we can look upon our work not for self-benefit,but as a means to benefit society,we will be practicing appreciation and patience in our daily lives.
Gautama BuddhaDeath carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaIf a man can control his body and mind and thereby refrains from eating animal flesh and wearing animal products, I say he will really be liberated.
Gautama BuddhaBut when one masters this wretched desire, which is so hard to overcome, then one's sorrows just drop off, like a drop of water off a lotus.
Gautama BuddhaThose who awaken never rest in one place. Like swans, they rise and leave the lake. On the air they rise and fly an invisible course. Their food is knowledge. They live on emptiness. They have seen how to break free. Who can follow them?
Gautama BuddhaBetter than a thousand hollow words Is one word that brings peace. Better than a thousand hollow verses Is one verse that brings peace. Better than a hundred hollow lines Is one line of the dharma, bringing peace. It is better to conquer yourself Than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, Not by angels or by demons, Heaven or hell.
Gautama BuddhaTo share happiness, and to have done something good before leaving this life is sweet.
Gautama BuddhaMuch though he recites the sacred texts, but acts not accordingly, that heedless man is like a cowherd who only counts the cows of others - he does not partake of the blessings of the holy life.
Gautama BuddhaNirvana is this moment seen directly. There is no where else than here. The only gate is now. The only doorway is your own body and mind. Thereโs nowhere to go. Thereโs nothing else to be. Thereโs no destination. Itโs not something to aim for in the afterlife. Itโs simply the quality of this moment.
Gautama BuddhaGoodwill toward all beings is the true religion; cherish in your hearts boundless goodwill to all that lives.
Gautama BuddhaIn protecting oneself, others are protected; In protecting others, oneself is protected.
Gautama BuddhaThere are friendships to one who lives in society; thus our present grief arises from having friendships; observing the evils resulting from friendship, let one walk alone like a rhinoceros.
Gautama BuddhaNever have anything to do with likes and dislikes. The absence of what one likes is painful, as is the presence of what one dislikes. Therefore don't take a liking to anything. To lose what one likes is hard, but there are no bonds for those who have no likes and dislikes. From preference arises sorrow, from preference arises fear, but he who is freed from preference has no sorrow and certainly no fear.
Gautama BuddhaDo not be thoughtless, always be mindful, watch your thoughts! Draw yourself out of the path of evil, like an elephant sunk in mud.
Gautama BuddhaAs from a large heap of flowers many garlands and wreaths are made, so by a mortal in this life there is much good work to be done.
Gautama BuddhaThe virtues, like the Muses, are always seen in groups. A good principle was never found solitary in any breast.
Gautama Buddha