Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
The tongue like a sharp knife ... Kills without drawing blood.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Words can harm others deeply without physical violence.
This quote by Gautama Buddha emphasizes the power of speech and the impact words can have on individuals. Like a sharp knife, harsh words can inflict emotional pain and damage without causing any visible harm, highlighting the importance of using language thoughtfully and kindly.
Themes
WordsCommunicationHarmPowerKindness
In practice
Example use cases
During a workshop on effective communication, one could mention this quote to illustrate the importance of speaking kindly.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Care about your children. Just bless them instead of worrying, as every child is the little Buddha who helps his parents to grow up.
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The reason why many are still troubled, still seeking, still making little forward progress is because they haven't yet come to the end of themselves. We're still trying to give orders, and interfering with God's work within us.
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He is a good man who can receive a gift well.
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All the things you're not supposed to do at the beginning of your professional life - transgressiveness, arbitrariness and violating expectations - you find more attractive at the end of your professional life.
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