Despite being a source of wisdom for centuries, Siddhartha Gautama, better known as the Buddha (enlightened one), never wrote down his philosophy or teachings. Therefore, all Buddha quotes are memories of his words, likely written down centuries after his death (sometime between 600-300 B.C.E.).
Buddha Quotes About Life and the Self
Most Buddha quotes are taken from the Sutta Pitaka, which is the second part of the Tipitaka (the first written version of the teachings of Buddha). The Sutta Pitaka covers the main teachings of Buddha on how to be self-aware and live a beautiful life.
“One truly is the protector of oneself; who else could the protector be? With oneself fully controlled, one gains a mastery that is hard to gain.”
“The good shine from afar, like the Himalaya mountains. But the wicked are unseen, like arrows shot in the night.”
“Ever grows the glory of him who is energetic, mindful and pure in conduct, discerning and self-controlled, righteous and heedful.”
“Let none find fault with others; let none see the omissions and commissions of others. But let one see one's own acts, done and undone.”
“The man of little learning grows old like a bull. He grows only in bulk, but, his wisdom does not grow.”
“Drop by drop is the water pot filled. Likewise, the fool, gathering it little by little, fills himself with evil.”
“He is not noble who injures living beings. He is called noble because he is harmless towards all living beings.”
“Should one find a man who points out faults and who reproves, let him follow such a wise and sagacious person as one would a guide to hidden treasure. It is always better, and never worse, to cultivate such an association.”
“When things become manifest / To the ardent meditating brahman, / All his doubts then vanish since he understands / Each thing along with its cause.”
Inspirational Buddha Quotes About Peace, Love and Happiness
Buddha’s simple words are meant to guide those who seek peace, love and happiness in this life and beyond.
“Speak the truth; yield not to anger; when asked, give even if you only have a little. By these three means can one reach the presence of the gods.”
“Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world. By non-hatred alone is hatred appeased. This is a law eternal.”
“He who sits alone, sleeps alone, and walks alone, who is strenuous and subdues himself alone, will find delight in the solitude of the forest.”
“He who is peaceable, friendly and fearless is called wise.”
“Happily the peaceful live, discarding both victory and defeat.”
“Having savored the taste of solitude and peace (of Nibbana), pain-free and stainless he becomes, drinking deep the taste of the bliss of the Truth.”
“If with a pure mind a person speaks or acts happiness follows him like his never-departing shadow.”
“Should a seeker not find a companion who is better or equal, let him resolutely pursue a solitary course; there is no fellowship with the fool.”
“Let the discerning man guard the mind, so difficult to detect and extremely subtle, seizing whatever it desires. A guarded mind brings happiness.”
“Health is the most precious gain and contentment the greatest wealth. A trustworthy person is the best kinsman, Nibbana the highest bliss.”
“Any sensual bliss in the world, / any heavenly bliss, / isn't worth one sixteenth-sixteenth / of the bliss of the ending of craving.”
Live an Inspired Life
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