Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
The past is already gone, the future is not yet here. There's only one moment for you to live, and that is the present moment
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focus on the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
This quote emphasizes the importance of living in the present, suggesting that the past is unchangeable and the future is uncertain. By anchoring ourselves in the present, we can fully experience life and appreciate each moment without being burdened by regret or anxiety.
Themes
PresentMomentLifeBuddhismMindfulness
In practice
Example use cases
In a mindfulness workshop, I shared this quote to emphasize the importance of being present in our daily lives.
More from Gautama Buddha
All quotes βA 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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The Garden is a metaphor for the following: our minds, and our thinking in terms of pairs of opposites--man and woman, good and evil--are as holy as that of a god. (50)
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