Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
Neither in the sky nor in mid-ocean, nor by entering into mountain clefts, nowhere in the world is there a place where one may escape from the results of evil deeds.
Interpretation
What this quote means
One cannot escape the consequences of their actions, no matter where they go.
This quote expresses the idea that the results of our actions and deeds are inescapable, suggesting that wherever one may try to hide—whether in nature, the vast ocean, or high mountains—one will ultimately face the consequences of their evil actions. It serves as a reminder of the moral responsibility individuals have for their choices and the inevitability of accountability.
Themes
ConsequencesActionsResponsibilityEvilAccountability
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on personal ethics, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of integrity.
More from Gautama Buddha
All quotes →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.
Gautama BuddhaRead
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.
Gautama BuddhaRead
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.
Gautama BuddhaRead
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.
Gautama BuddhaRead
The tongue like a sharp knife ... Kills without drawing blood.
Gautama BuddhaRead
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