Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
An unreflective mind is a poor roof. Passion, like the rain, floods the house. But if the roof is strong, there is shelter. Whoever follows impure thoughts Suffers in this world and the next. In both worlds he suffers And how greatly.
Interpretation
Awareness and clarity of thought provide protection from suffering caused by negative thoughts.
This quote by Gautama Buddha emphasizes the importance of a reflective and aware mind in safeguarding oneself from the consequences of negative or impure thoughts. A strong mental framework, akin to a strong roof, can protect an individual from the emotional and spiritual suffering associated with unwholesome ideas, leading to peace both in this life and in the afterlife.
In practice
During a meditation retreat, this quote can inspire participants to focus on cultivating a strong and reflective mind.
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.
Sometimes when people are under stress, they hate to think, and it's the time when they most need to think.
In meditation we can watch the itch instead of scratching it.
If you can get really good at destroying your own wrong ideas, that is a great gift.
Only intimacy with the self will bring about true healing.
My love of dynamic complications often led me to avoid simplicity when perhaps it was the wisest choice.
What does it avail you, if of many thorns only one be removed.
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