Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
The fragrance of sandalwood and rosebay does not travel far. But the fragrance of virtue rises to the heavens.
Interpretation
Virtue has a higher and more lasting impact than material qualities.
This quote by Gautama Buddha highlights the idea that while physical attributes or material possessions may have limited reach and influence, true virtue and moral character have the power to uplift and resonate on a universal level. The fragrance of virtue is likened to a spiritual essence that transcends the physical world and connects with a higher realm, suggesting that living a virtuous life bears significant importance beyond mere appearances or transient pleasures.
In practice
During a speech on ethics, I referenced this quote to emphasize the importance of moral integrity.
Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
A 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.
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.
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.
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.
The tongue like a sharp knife ... Kills without drawing blood.
Pain is the most individualized thing on earth. It is true that it is the great common bond as well, but that realization only comes when it is over. To suffer is to be alone. To watch another suffer is to know the barrier that shuts each of us away by himself Only individuals can suffer.
Your only problem, perhaps, is that you scream without letting yourself cry.
Each of us is born with a share of purity, predestined to be corrupted by our commerce with mankind, by that sin against solitude.
At least I know I'm bewildered about the really fundamental and important facts of the universe.
Nobody dares to solve the problems-because the solution might contradict your philosophy, and for most people clinging to beliefs is more important than succeeding in the world.
Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor.
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