Death carries off a man busy picking flowers with an besotted mind, like a great flood does a sleeping village.
Gautama BuddhaRead
When I was a young man, near the beginning of my life, I looked around with true mindfulness and saw that all things are subject to decay.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the transient nature of life and the inevitability of decay.
In this quote, Gautama Buddha emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and awareness in recognizing that everything in life is impermanent and subject to decay. This realization can lead to a deeper understanding of existence and encourage individuals to appreciate the present moment, as well as to cultivate a detachment from material possessions and desires that are ultimately fleeting.
Themes
ImpermanenceMindfulnessDecayLifeAcceptance
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of living in the moment, this quote can illustrate the concept of mindfulness.
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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