Shantideva Quotes

Partake of this sacred mystery: to take the place of others, giving them his own.

It is not possible to control all external events; But, if I simply control my mind what need is there to control other things?

All the suffering in the world comes from seeking pleasure for oneself. All the happiness in the world comes from seeking pleasure for others.

As long as space abides and as long as the world abides, so long may I abide, destroying the sufferings of the world.

While others are engaged in inferior and menial tasks in which they encounter many difficulties, how can I sit here at peace and do nothing? I must and shall benefit them, but without ever succumbing to the poison of self-importance.

We are all slaves of our own actions. Why be angry with anyone else?

Passion is overcome only by him who has won through stillness of spirit the perfect vision; it comes through the contentment that is regardless of the world.

All those who are unhappy in the world are so as a result of their desire for their own happiness. All those who are happy in the world are so as a result of their desire for the happiness of others.

My body, thus, and all my good besides, And all my merits gained and to be gained, I give them all away withholding nothing To bring about the benefit of beings.

May the pain of every living creature be completely cleared away. May I be the doctor and the medicine and may I be the nurse for all sick beings in the world until everyone is healed.

How wonderful will it be when all beings experience each other as limbs on the one body of life.

All happiness comes from the desire for others to be happy.

Why be unhappy about something if it can be remedied? And what is the use of being unhappy about something if it cannot be remedied?

The source of all happiness lies in thinking of others.

That which is seen and that which is touched are of a dream-like and illusion-like nature. Because feeling arises together with the mind, it is not [ultimately] perceived.

May those whose hell it is to hate and hurt be turned into lovers bringing flowers.

All that may be wished for, will by nature fade to nothing.

In the ages marked by scarcity and want, may I myself appear as drink and sustenance.

Whenever conflict arises among living creatures the sense of ownership is the cause.

All the happiness there is in this world Arises from wishing others to be happy. And all the suffering there is in this world Arises from wishing oneself to be happy.

The hostile multitudes are vast as spaceWhat chance is there that all should be subdued? Let but this angry mind be overthrownAnd every foe is then and there destroyed

Those desiring to escape from suffering hasten right toward suffering. With the very desire for happiness, out of delusion they destroy their own happiness as if it were an enemy

Death will be so quick to swoop on you; Gather merit till that moment comes! Wait till then to banish laziness? Then there'll be no time, what will you do? "This I have not done. And this I'm only starting. And this - I'm only halfway through ..." Then is the sudden coming of the Lord of Death, And oh, the thought 'Alas, I'm finished.'

Whatever happens, I will not let my cheerfulness be disturbed. Being unhappy won't get me anywhere and will dissipate all my goodness. Why be unhappy about something if you can change it? And if you can't, how will being unhappy help?

The renunciation of doing harm is the perfection of discipline

If you can solve your problem, what is the need of worrying? If you cannot solve it, what is the use of worrying.

If the problem can be solved why worry? If the problem cannot be solved worrying will do you no good.

May I become at all times, both now and forever: a protector for those without protection; a guide for those who have lost their way; a ship for those with oceans to cross; a bridge for those with rivers to cross; a sanctuary for those in danger; a lamp for those without light; a place of refuge for those who lack shelter; and a servant to all in need.

May I be a light for those in need of light. May I be a bed for those in need of rest. May I be a servant for those in need of service, for all embodied beings.

What need is there to say more? The childish work for their own benefit, The Buddhas work for the benefit of others. Just look at the difference between them.

There is no evil like hatred, and no fortitude like patience.

All the harm, fear, and suffering in the world are caused by attachment to the self: Why should I hold on to this great demon?

Instead of trying to cover the whole world with leather, put on some sandals.

There is nothing to fear other than my mind.

One should do nothing other than what is directly or indirectly of benefit to living beings.

He who doesn't get rid of the I won't be able to avoid suffering the same way that someone who doesn't get apart from fire can't avoid being burn.

Penetrative insight joined with calm abiding utterly eradicates afflicted states.

Others are my main concern. When I notice something of mine, I steal it and give it to others.

Unruly beings are as unlimited as space They cannot possibly all be overcome, But if I overcome thoughts of anger alone This will be equivalent to vanquishing all foes. Where would I possibly find enough leather With which to cover the surface of the earth? But (wearing) leather just on the soles of my shoes Is equivalent to covering the earth with it. Likewise it is not possible for me To restrain the external course of things; But should I restrain this mind of mine What would be the need to restrain all else?