Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
Let the wise guard their thoughts, which are difficult to perceive, extremely subtle, and wander at will. Thought which is well guarded is the bearer of happiness.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of being mindful of one's thoughts, as they can influence happiness and well-being.
Gautama Buddha highlights the intricate nature of human thoughts, suggesting that they are often elusive and capricious. He advises the wise to carefully monitor and protect their thoughts, as nurtured and positive thinking can lead to true happiness, underlining the powerful connection between our internal mindset and our emotional state.
Themes
ThoughtsHappinessWisdomMindfulnessGuardPerception
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about mental well-being, one might use this quote to emphasize self-awareness.
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.
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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