Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
Wherever there is possession of marks, there is fraud ; wherever there is no-possession of no-marks, there is no fraud. Hence the Tathagata is to be seen from no-marks as marks.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that true understanding transcends superficial attributes or possessions.
In this quote, Buddha conveys the idea that material possessions and surface appearances often conceal deeper truths. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the essence of things beyond their outward signs or 'marks,' as true understanding comes from seeing beyond these superficial distinctions. This perspective invites individuals to look past the obvious and observe the underlying realities that define existence.
Themes
PossessionFraudMarksWisdomBuddhism
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about consumerism and materialism, this quote can highlight the superficiality of possessions.
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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The tongue like a sharp knife ... Kills without drawing blood.
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