Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
There is no satisfying the senses, not even with a shower of money. "The senses are of slight pleasure and really suffering." When a wise man has realised this, he takes no pleasure, as a disciple of the Buddhas, even in the pleasures of heaven. Instead he takes pleasure in the elimination of craving.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True fulfillment cannot be found in material pleasures, as they are fleeting and often lead to suffering.
This quote emphasizes that the pursuit of sensory pleasures, such as wealth and indulgence, ultimately leads to dissatisfaction and suffering. The wise individual recognizes that lasting happiness comes not from external possessions but from the inner state of eliminating cravings and desires, aligning with Buddhist teachings that prioritize spiritual enlightenment over material gain.
Themes
SensesPleasureCravingWisdomBuddhism
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about inner peace, one might reference Buddha's teaching on the futility of seeking pleasure through material wealth.
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
Similar quotes
When seeking guidance, don't ever listen to the tiny-hearted. Be kind to them, heap them with blessing, cajole them, but do not follow their advice.
Clarissa Pinkola EstesRead
A man who graduated high in his class at Yale Law School and made partnership in a top law firm would be celebrated. A man who invested wisely would be admired, but a woman who accomplishes this is treated with suspicion.
Barbra StreisandRead
Manβs strength resides in his capacity and desire to elevate himself, so as to attain the good. To travel step by step toward the heights. And that is all he can do. To reach heaven and remain there is beyond his powers: Even Moses had to return to earth. Is it the same for evil?
Elie WieselRead
If you will just start with the idea that this is a hard world, it will all be much simpler.
Louis D. BrandeisRead
The proof of spiritual maturity is not how pure you are but awareness of your impurity. That very awareness opens the door to grace.
Philip YanceyRead
Esther, however, was the only woman who understood one very simple thing: in order to be able to find her, I first had to find myself.
Paulo CoelhoRead