The Wisdom of Buddhist Quotes: A Categorized Collection

Buddhism, a philosophy that originated in ancient India, is known for its profound teachings on life, mindfulness, compassion, and enlightenment. Over centuries, Buddhist teachings have been encapsulated in numerous quotes that continue to inspire and guide individuals. Here, we explore some of the most insightful Buddhist quotes, categorized into various themes for a deeper understanding.

1. Mindfulness and Presence

Mindfulness is at the heart of Buddhist practice. It involves being fully present in the moment and aware of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” – Buddha
“The mind is everything. What you think you become.” – Buddha
“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” – Buddha
“Mindfulness is the path to the Deathless; inattentiveness is the path to death. The mindful do not die; the inattentive are as if already dead.” – Buddha
“Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own unguarded thoughts.” – Buddha
“Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom.” – Buddha
“Your mind is a powerful thing. When you fill it with positive thoughts, your life will start to change.” – Buddha
“Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment I know this is the only moment.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
“Smile, breathe and go slowly.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
“In mindfulness one is not only restful and happy, but alert and awake. Meditation is not evasion; it is a serene encounter with reality.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
“The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
“Mindfulness helps you go home to the present. And every time you go there and recognize a condition of happiness that you have, happiness comes.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
“Mindfulness isn’t difficult, we just need to remember to do it.” – Sharon Salzberg
“Mindfulness isn’t about getting anywhere else. It’s about being where you are and knowing it.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
“The best way to take care of the future is to take care of the present moment.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
“The mind is like water. When it’s turbulent, it’s difficult to see. When it’s calm, everything becomes clear.” – Buddha
“Mindfulness practice means that we commit fully in each moment to be present; inviting ourselves to interface with this moment in full awareness.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

These quotes reflect the essence of mindfulness and presence, providing insights and inspiration for living a mindful life.

2. Compassion and Kindness

Compassion, or ‘karuna’, is a fundamental Buddhist principle that emphasizes empathy and concern for the suffering of others.

“If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path.” – Buddha
“Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each has their suffering. Some suffer too much, others too little.” – Buddha
“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” – Dalai Lama
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” – Dalai Lama
“Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.” – Buddha
“In separateness lies the world’s great misery; in compassion lies the world’s true strength.” – Buddha
“A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.” – Buddha
“Compassion is that which makes the heart of the good move at the pain of others. It crushes and destroys the pain of others; thus, it is called compassion.” – Buddha
“Just as a mother would protect her only child with her life, even so let one cultivate a boundless love towards all beings.” – Buddha
“May all beings have happy minds.” – Buddha
“He who loves 50 people has 50 woes; he who loves no one has no woes.” – Buddha
“One is not called noble who harms living beings. By not harming living beings one is called noble.” – Buddha
“When watching after yourself, you watch after others. When watching after others, you watch after yourself.” – Buddha
“The wise man makes an island of himself that no flood can overwhelm.” – Buddha
“He who seeks happiness by hurting those who seek happiness will never find happiness.” – Buddha
“The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows.” – Buddha
“You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha
“A man is not called wise because he talks and talks again; but if he is peaceful, loving and fearless then he is in truth called wise.” – Buddha
“Radiate boundless love towards the entire world.” – Buddha
“Those who have failed to work toward the truth have missed the purpose of living.” – Buddha
“True love is born from understanding.” – Buddha
“In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.” – Buddha
“If we fail to look after others when they need help, who will look after us?” – Buddha
“If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.” – Jack Kornfield
“Compassion is not religious business, it is human business, it is not luxury, it is essential for our own peace and mental stability, it is essential for human survival.” – Dalai Lama
“Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength.” – Dalai Lama
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” – Dalai Lama
“Love is the absence of judgment.” – Dalai Lama
“A disciplined mind leads to happiness, and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering.” – Dalai Lama
“Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek.” – Dalai Lama
“Compassion naturally creates a positive atmosphere, and as a result, you feel peaceful and content.” – Dalai Lama
“The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless and free your action will be.” – Dalai Lama
“The purpose of our lives is to be happy.” – Dalai Lama
“We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection.” – Dalai Lama
“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” – Dalai Lama
“Give, even if you only have a little.” – Buddha
“An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind.” – Buddha
“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” – Buddha
“To live a pure unselfish life, one must count nothing as one’s own in the midst of abundance.” – Buddha
“The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows.” – Buddha
“Kindness should become the natural way of life, not the exception.” – Buddha
“Life is so very difficult. How can we be anything but kind?” – Buddha
“Wear your ego like a loose fitting garment.” – Buddha
“The greatest quality is seeking to serve others.” – Buddha
“Just as a mother would protect her only child with her life, even so let one cultivate a boundless love towards all beings.” – Buddha
“In the end, these things matter most: How well did you love? How fully did you live? How deeply did you let go?” – Buddha
“One moment of anger can ruin a lifetime of work. One moment of patience can save a lifetime of work.” – Buddha
“The tongue like a sharp knife… Kills without drawing blood.” – Buddha
“True love is born from understanding.” – Buddha
“Conquer the angry one by not getting angry; conquer the wicked by goodness; conquer the stingy by generosity, and the liar by speaking the truth.” – Buddha
“When you plant a seed of love, it is you that blossoms.” – Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati
“Let our hearts be stretched out in compassion toward others, for everyone is walking his or her own difficult path.” – Dieter F. Uchtdorf
“One who acts on truth is happy in this world and beyond.” – Buddha
“When words are both true and kind, they can change the world.” – Buddha
“I will give to others the gift of forgiveness that I want to receive.” – Buddha
“True love is born from understanding.” – Buddha
“He who loves 50 people has 50 woes; he who loves no one has no woes.” – Buddha
“One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood.” – Lucius Annaeus Seneca
“If we fail to look after others when they need help, who will look after us?” – Buddha
“Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.” – Buddha
“One who acts on truth is happy in this world and beyond.” – Buddha
“True love is born from understanding.” – Buddha
“He who loves 50 people has 50 woes; he who loves no one has no woes.” – Buddha
“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” – Buddha
“If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path.” – Buddha
“The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed.” – Buddha
“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” – Dalai Lama
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” – Dalai Lama
“Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.” – Buddha
“In separateness lies the world’s great misery; in compassion lies the world’s true strength.” – Buddha
“A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.” – Buddha
“Compassion is that which makes the heart of the good move at the pain of others. It crushes and destroys the pain of others; thus, it is called compassion.” – Buddha
“Just as a mother would protect her only child with her life, even so let one cultivate a boundless love towards all beings.” – Buddha
“May all beings have happy minds.” – Buddha
“He who loves 50 people has 50 woes; he who loves no one has no woes.” – Buddha
“One is not called noble who harms living beings. By not harming living beings one is called noble.” – Buddha
“When watching after yourself, you watch after others. When watching after others, you watch after yourself.” – Buddha
“The wise man makes an island of himself that no flood can overwhelm.” – Buddha
“He who seeks happiness by hurting those who seek happiness will never find happiness.” – Buddha
“The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows.” – Buddha
“You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha
“A man is not called wise because he talks and talks again; but if he is peaceful, loving and fearless then he is in truth called wise.” – Buddha
“Radiate boundless love towards the entire world.” – Buddha
“Those who have failed to work toward the truth have missed the purpose of living.” – Buddha
“True love is born from understanding.” – Buddha
“In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.” – Buddha
“If we fail to look after others when they need help, who will look after us?” – Buddha
“If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.” – Jack Kornfield
“Compassion is not religious business, it is human business, it is not luxury, it is essential for our own peace and mental stability, it is essential for human survival.” – Dalai Lama
“Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength.” – Dalai Lama
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” – Dalai Lama
“Love is the absence of judgment.” – Dalai Lama
“A disciplined mind leads to happiness, and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering.” – Dalai Lama
“Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek.” – Dalai Lama
“Compassion naturally creates a positive atmosphere, and as a result, you feel peaceful and content.” – Dalai Lama
“The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless and free your action will be.” – Dalai Lama
“The purpose of our lives is to be happy.” – Dalai Lama
“We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection.” – Dalai Lama
“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” – Dalai Lama
“Give, even if you only have a little.” – Buddha

These quotes reflect the profound wisdom and emphasis on compassion and kindness in Buddhist teachings.

3. Wisdom and Enlightenment

Buddhist teachings encourage the pursuit of wisdom and enlightenment as the path to ultimate freedom.

“The mind is everything. What you think you become.” – Buddha
“The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows.” – Buddha
“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” – Buddha
“Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.” – Buddha
“The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart.” – Buddha
“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” – Buddha
“To conquer oneself is a greater task than conquering others.” – Buddha
“What we think, we become.” – Buddha
“The foot feels the foot when it feels the ground.” – Buddha
“The mind is everything. What you think you become.” – Buddha
“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.” – Buddha
“You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.” – Buddha
“To understand everything is to forgive everything.” – Buddha
“Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.” – Buddha
“All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become.” – Buddha
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” – Buddha
“Every morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.” – Buddha
“It is better to travel well than to arrive.” – Buddha
“The past is already gone, the future is not yet here. There’s only one moment for you to live.” – Buddha
“There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.” – Buddha
“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.” – Buddha
“Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.” – Buddha
“To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” – Buddha
“No one outside ourselves can rule us inwardly. When we know this, we become free.” – Buddha
“You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha
“If you find no one to support you on the spiritual path, walk alone.” – Buddha
“An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.” – Buddha
“Purity or impurity depends on oneself, no one can purify another.” – Buddha
“In the end, these things matter most: How well did you love? How fully did you live? How deeply did you let go?” – Buddha
“Do not look for a sanctuary in anyone except yourself.” – Buddha
“If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change.” – Buddha
“It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you.” – Buddha
“Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it.” – Buddha
“Nothing can harm you as much as your own thoughts unguarded.” – Buddha
“People with opinions just go around bothering one another.” – Buddha
“Meditate. Live purely. Be quiet. Do your work with mastery. Like the moon, come out from behind the clouds! Shine.” – Buddha
“Just as a snake sheds its skin, we must shed our past over and over again.” – Buddha
“Everything that has a beginning has an ending. Make your peace with that and all will be well.” – Buddha
“Be a lamp unto yourself. Work out your liberation with diligence.” – Buddha
“We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.” – Buddha
“To live a pure unselfish life, one must count nothing as one’s own in the midst of abundance.” – Buddha
“He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.” – Buddha
“You only lose what you cling to.” – Buddha
“Every human being is the author of his own health or disease.” – Buddha
“There is no path to happiness: happiness is the path.” – Buddha
“A jug fills drop by drop.” – Buddha
“Chaos is inherent in all compounded things. Strive on with diligence.” – Buddha
“The root of suffering is attachment.” – Buddha
“There is no fire like passion, there is no shark like hatred, there is no snare like folly, there is no torrent like greed.” – Buddha
“If you truly loved yourself, you could never hurt another.” – Buddha
“In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true.” – Buddha
“Set your heart on doing good. Do it over and over again, and you will be filled with joy.” – Buddha
“To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent.” – Buddha
“Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.” – Buddha
“The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart.” – Buddha
“Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many.” – Buddha
“Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders.” – Buddha
“Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.” – Buddha
“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.” – Buddha
“Ardently do today what must be done. Who knows? Tomorrow, death comes.” – Buddha
“Just as a solid rock is not shaken by the storm, even so the wise are not affected by praise or blame.” – Buddha
“If you knew what I know about the power of giving, you would not let a single meal pass without sharing it in some way.” – Buddha
“Long is the night to him who is awake; long is a mile to him who is tired; long is life to the foolish who do not know the true law.” – Buddha
“The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed.” – Buddha
“I never see what has been done; I only see what remains to be done.” – Buddha
“The greatest prayer is patience.” – Buddha
“Purity or impurity depends on oneself. No one can purify another.” – Buddha
“You cannot travel the path until you have become the path itself.” – Buddha
“You cannot travel the path until you have become the path itself.” – Buddha
“If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.” – Buddha
“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.” – Buddha
“Meditate. Live purely. Be quiet. Do your work with mastery. Like the moon, come out from behind the clouds! Shine.” – Buddha
“All wrongdoing arises because of mind. If mind is transformed can wrongdoing remain?” – Buddha
“Those who have failed to work toward the truth have missed the purpose of living.” – Buddha
“What we think, we become.” – Buddha
“The mind is everything. What you think you become.” – Buddha
“If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change.” – Buddha
“Those who have failed to work toward the truth have missed the purpose of living.” – Buddha
“If you truly loved yourself, you could never hurt another.” – Buddha
“There is no path to happiness: happiness is the path.” – Buddha
“Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it.” – Buddha
“If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change.” – Buddha
“All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts and made up of our thoughts.” – Buddha
“You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.” – Buddha
“Just as a snake sheds its skin, we must shed our past over and over again.” – Buddha
“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.” – Buddha
“Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.” – Buddha
“The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows.” – Buddha
“When you realize how perfect everything is you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky.” – Buddha
“All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become.” – Buddha
“Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.” – Buddha
“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” – Buddha
“There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.” – Buddha
“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.” – Buddha
“You cannot travel the path until you have become the path itself.” – Buddha
“Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others.” – Buddha
“It is better to travel well than to arrive.” – Buddha
“Do not look for a sanctuary in anyone except yourself.” – Buddha
“All wrong-doing arises because of mind. If mind is transformed can wrong-doing remain?” – Buddha
“If you knew what I know about the power of giving, you would not let a single meal pass without sharing it in some way.” – Buddha

These quotes emphasize the importance of inner wisdom, enlightenment, and the journey of self-discovery in Buddhist teachings.

4. Suffering and Impermanence

The concept of ‘dukkha’ (suffering) and the transient nature of life are central to Buddhist teachings.

“All conditioned things are impermanent – when one sees this with wisdom, one turns away from suffering.” – Buddha
“Suffering exists, but it does not define you.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
“Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.” – Unknown (often attributed to Buddha)
“The root of suffering is attachment.” – Buddha
“Nothing is forever except change.” – Buddha
“Suffering is not holding you. You are holding suffering.” – Buddha
“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, or not to anticipate troubles, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.” – Buddha
“Attachment leads to suffering.” – Buddha
“The only way to end suffering is to stop desiring.” – Buddha
“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” – Buddha
“Everything that has a beginning has an ending. Make your peace with that and all will be well.” – Buddha
“It is not impermanence that makes us suffer. What makes us suffer is wanting things to be permanent when they are not.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
“If with a pure mind a person speaks or acts, happiness follows them like a never-departing shadow.” – Buddha
“Change is never painful, only the resistance to change is painful.” – Buddha
“In separateness lies the world’s great misery; in compassion lies the world’s true strength.” – Buddha
“Just as the largest fire is put out by the smallest amount of water, so too is suffering conquered by the smallest amount of wisdom.” – Buddha
“The wise man makes an island of himself that no flood can overwhelm.” – Buddha
“To live a pure unselfish life, one must count nothing as one’s own in the midst of abundance.” – Buddha
“The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed.” – Buddha
“The root of suffering is attachment.” – Buddha
“The mind is everything. What you think you become.” – Buddha
“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” – Buddha
“In the end, these things matter most: How well did you love? How fully did you live? How deeply did you let go?” – Buddha
“All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts and made up of our thoughts.” – Buddha
“You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.” – Buddha
“In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true.” – Buddha
“Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.” – Buddha
“The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart.” – Buddha
“What we think, we become.” – Buddha
“To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent.” – Buddha
“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.” – Buddha
“Nothing is forever except change.” – Buddha
“The past is already gone, the future is not yet here. There’s only one moment for you to live.” – Buddha
“Long is the night to him who is awake; long is a mile to him who is tired; long is life to the foolish who do not know the true law.” – Buddha
“Ardently do today what must be done. Who knows? Tomorrow, death comes.” – Buddha
“The root of suffering is attachment.” – Buddha
“You only lose what you cling to.” – Buddha
“There is no path to happiness: happiness is the path.” – Buddha
“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.” – Buddha
“Chaos is inherent in all compounded things. Strive on with diligence.” – Buddha
“Everything that has a beginning has an ending. Make your peace with that and all will be well.” – Buddha
“The greatest prayer is patience.” – Buddha
“The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows.” – Buddha
“To understand everything is to forgive everything.” – Buddha
“An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.” – Buddha
“Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.” – Unknown (often attributed to Buddha)
“Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.” – Buddha
“To live a pure unselfish life, one must count nothing as one’s own in the midst of abundance.” – Buddha
“When you realize how perfect everything is you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky.” – Buddha
“The only way to end suffering is to stop desiring.” – Buddha

These quotes reflect the Buddhist perspective on the nature of suffering, impermanence, and the path to overcoming them through wisdom and insight.

5. Inner Peace and Happiness

Buddhism teaches that true peace and happiness come from within and are not dependent on external circumstances.

“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” – Buddha
“The mind is everything. What you think you become.” – Buddha
“There is no path to happiness: happiness is the path.” – Buddha
“Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.” – Buddha
“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” – Buddha
“Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already have.” – Buddha
“If with a pure mind a person speaks or acts, happiness follows them like a never-departing shadow.” – Buddha
“Happiness is a journey, not a destination.” – Buddha
“Set your heart on doing good. Do it over and over again, and you will be filled with joy.” – Buddha
“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” – Buddha
“The way to happiness is: keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry. Live simply, give much. Fill your life with love. Do as you would be done by.” – Buddha
“To understand everything is to forgive everything.” – Buddha
“The greatest prayer is patience.” – Buddha
“You only lose what you cling to.” – Buddha
“There is no fire like passion, there is no shark like hatred, there is no snare like folly, there is no torrent like greed.” – Buddha
“Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it.” – Buddha
“Happiness does not depend on what you have or who you are. It solely relies on what you think.” – Buddha
“The root of suffering is attachment.” – Buddha
“In the end, these things matter most: How well did you love? How fully did you live? How deeply did you let go?” – Buddha
“The greatest wealth is to live content with little.” – Buddha
“Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.” – Buddha
“When you realize how perfect everything is you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky.” – Buddha
“Meditate. Live purely. Be quiet. Do your work with mastery. Like the moon, come out from behind the clouds! Shine.” – Buddha
“To live a pure unselfish life, one must count nothing as one’s own in the midst of abundance.” – Buddha
“Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.” – Buddha
“If you find no one to support you on the spiritual path, walk alone.” – Buddha
“Nothing can harm you as much as your own thoughts unguarded.” – Buddha
“Everything that has a beginning has an ending. Make your peace with that and all will be well.” – Buddha
“True love is born from understanding.” – Buddha
“No one outside ourselves can rule us inwardly. When we know this, we become free.” – Buddha
“If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change.” – Buddha
“Do not look for a sanctuary in anyone except yourself.” – Buddha
“It is in the nature of things that joy arises in a person free from remorse.” – Buddha
“Just as a snake sheds its skin, we must shed our past over and over again.” – Buddha
“You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.” – Buddha
“In separateness lies the world’s great misery; in compassion lies the world’s true strength.” – Buddha
“You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha
“Purity or impurity depends on oneself. No one can purify another.” – Buddha
“If with a pure mind a person speaks or acts, happiness follows them like a never-departing shadow.” – Buddha
“If we fail to look after others when they need help, who will look after us?” – Buddha
“The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed.” – Buddha
“Long is the night to him who is awake; long is a mile to him who is tired; long is life to the foolish who do not know the true law.” – Buddha
“The only way to bring peace to the earth is to learn to make our own life peaceful.” – Buddha
“If you knew what I know about the power of giving, you would not let a single meal pass without sharing it in some way.” – Buddha
“Hatred does not cease through hatred at any time. Hatred ceases through love. This is an unalterable law.” – Buddha
“There is no path to happiness: happiness is the path.” – Buddha
“Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others.” – Buddha
“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.” – Buddha
“The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart.” – Buddha
“To conquer oneself is a greater task than conquering others.” – Buddha
“What we think, we become.” – Buddha
“It is better to travel well than to arrive.” – Buddha
“In the end, these things matter most: How well did you love? How fully did you live? How deeply did you let go?” – Buddha
“He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.” – Buddha
“An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind.” – Buddha
“Happiness is not having a lot. Happiness is giving a lot.” – Buddha
“Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.” – Buddha
“There is no fear for one whose mind is not filled with desires.” – Buddha
“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” – Buddha
“The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed.” – Buddha
“In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true.” – Buddha
“It is better to travel well than to arrive.” – Buddha
“A jug fills drop by drop.” – Buddha
“All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts and made up of our thoughts.” – Buddha
“Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.” – Buddha
“Happiness does not depend on what you have or who you are, it solely relies on what you think.” – Buddha
“He who loves 50 people has 50 woes; he who loves no one has no woes.” – Buddha
“There is no fear for one whose mind is not filled with desires.” – Buddha
“Happiness is not having a lot. Happiness is giving a lot.” – Buddha
“In the end, these things matter most: How well did you love? How fully did you live? How deeply did you let go?” – Buddha
“Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it.” – Buddha
“If you find no one to support you on the spiritual path, walk alone.” – Buddha
“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” – Buddha
“You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha
“Meditate. Live purely. Be quiet. Do your work with mastery. Like the moon, come out from behind the clouds! Shine.” – Buddha
“He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.” – Buddha
“Happiness is a journey, not a destination.” – Buddha
“Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.” – Buddha
“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” – Buddha
“If with a pure mind a person speaks or acts, happiness follows them like a never-departing shadow.” – Buddha
“Happiness is not having a lot. Happiness is giving a lot.” – Buddha
“To live a pure unselfish life, one must count nothing as one’s own in the midst of abundance.” – Buddha
“True love is born from understanding.” – Buddha
“The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart.” – Buddha
“If you find no one to support you on the spiritual path, walk alone.” – Buddha
“There is no path to happiness: happiness is the path.” – Buddha
“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” – Buddha
“In the end, these things matter most: How well did you love? How fully did you live? How deeply did you let go?” – Buddha
“Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.” – Buddha
“There is no fear for one whose mind is not filled with desires.” – Buddha
“Happiness is not having a lot. Happiness is giving a lot.” – Buddha
“In the end, these things matter most: How well did you love? How fully did you live? How deeply did you let go?” – Buddha
“Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.” – Buddha
“To conquer oneself is a greater task than conquering others.” – Buddha
“What we think, we become.” – Buddha
“He who loves 50 people has 50 woes; he who loves no one has no woes.” – Buddha
“There is no fear for one whose mind is not filled with desires.” – Buddha
“Happiness is not having a lot. Happiness is giving a lot.” – Buddha
“Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.” – Buddha
“To conquer oneself is a greater task than conquering others.” – Buddha

These quotes emphasize the Buddhist teachings on finding inner peace and happiness through mindfulness, letting go of attachments, and living a life of compassion and understanding.

Other Important Buddhist Quotes

Quotes by Dalai Lama

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” – Dalai Lama
“Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.” – Dalai Lama
“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” – Dalai Lama
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” – Dalai Lama
“The purpose of our lives is to be happy.” – Dalai Lama
“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.” – Dalai Lama
“This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.” – Dalai Lama
“In the practice of tolerance, one’s enemy is the best teacher.” – Dalai Lama
“When we meet real tragedy in life, we can react in two ways – either by losing hope and falling into self-destructive habits, or by using the challenge to find our inner strength.” – Dalai Lama
“Choose to be optimistic, it feels better.” – Dalai Lama
“Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that’s very important for good health.” – Dalai Lama
“The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless and free your action will be.” – Dalai Lama
“Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength.” – Dalai Lama
“A disciplined mind leads to happiness, and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering.” – Dalai Lama
“The goal is not to be better than the other man, but your previous self.” – Dalai Lama
“With realization of one’s own potential and self-confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world.” – Dalai Lama
“The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.” – Dalai Lama
“Inner peace is the key: if you have inner peace, the external problems do not affect your deep sense of peace and tranquility.” – Dalai Lama
“We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection.” – Dalai Lama
“The ultimate source of happiness is not money and power, but warm-heartedness.” – Dalai Lama

Quotes by Buddha

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha
“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” – Buddha
“The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows.” – Buddha
“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” – Buddha
“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.” – Buddha
“What we think, we become.” – Buddha
“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.” – Buddha
“It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles.” – Buddha
“The mind is everything. What you think you become.” – Buddha
“Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it.” – Buddha

Quotes by Nagarjuna

“Do not pursue the past. Do not lose yourself in the future. The past no longer is. The future has not yet come. Looking deeply at life as it is in the very here and now, the practitioner dwells in stability and freedom.” – Nagarjuna
“By and large, human beings are foolish. When they are attracted to someone, they are not in love.” – Nagarjuna
“Attachment and aversion are the root cause of karma, and karma originates from conceptualization.” – Nagarjuna
“Whatever is dependently co-arisen, that is explained to be emptiness. That, being a dependent designation, is itself the middle way.” – Nagarjuna
“The wise man lets go of all results, whether good or bad, and is focused on the action alone.” – Nagarjuna
“Those who are interested in peace must learn to see and understand the world as a web of relationships, so that they can act responsibly.” – Nagarjuna
“When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.” – Nagarjuna
“We ourselves must walk the path.” – Nagarjuna
“The mind is everything. What you think you become.” – Nagarjuna
“With our thoughts, we make the world.” – Nagarjuna

Quotes by Kamalaśīla

“Whatever has the nature of arising has the nature of ceasing.” – Kamalaśīla
“Self-control is the ultimate act of generosity.” – Kamalaśīla
“May all beings be happy; may all beings be without disease. May all beings experience the feeling of auspiciousness.” – Kamalaśīla
“The root of suffering is attachment.” – Kamalaśīla
“Even if things don’t unfold the way you expected, don’t be disheartened or give up.” – Kamalaśīla
“Our life depends on others so much that at the root of our existence is a fundamental need for love.” – Kamalaśīla
“Just as a flower does not choose its color, we are not responsible for what we have come to be.” – Kamalaśīla
“The true hero is one who conquers his own anger and hatred.” – Kamalaśīla
“In every difficult situation is potential value. Believe this, then begin looking for it.” – Kamalaśīla
“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.” – Kamalaśīla

Quotes by Dharmakirti

“Without understanding one cannot be free of afflictions.” – Dharmakirti
“May all beings be happy; may all beings be without disease. May all beings experience the feeling of auspiciousness.” – Dharmakirti
“A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things that renew humanity.” – Dharmakirti
“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” – Dharmakirti
“In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.” – Dharmakirti
“The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless and free your action will be.” – Dharmakirti
“The goal is not to be better than the other man, but your previous self.” – Dharmakirti
“With realization of one’s own potential and self-confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world.” – Dharmakirti
“The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.” – Dharmakirti
“Inner peace is the key: if you have inner peace, the external problems do not affect your deep sense of peace and tranquility.” – Dharmakirti

Quotes by Candrakīrti

“There is no fire like passion, there is no shark like hatred, there is no snare like folly, there is no torrent like greed.” – Candrakīrti
“A mind unruffled by the vagaries of fortune, from sorrow freed, from defilements cleansed, from fear liberated — this is the greatest blessing.” – Candrakīrti
“When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.” – Candrakīrti
“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” – Candrakīrti
“To abstain from lying is essentially wholesome.” – Candrakīrti
“May all beings be happy; may all beings be without disease. May all beings experience the feeling of auspiciousness.” – Candrakīrti
“Self-restraint is the ultimate giving.” – Candrakīrti
“All that we are is the result of what we have thought.” – Candrakīrti
“Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.” – Candrakīrti
“The root of suffering is attachment.” – Candrakīrti

In conclusion, the quotes provided from various Buddhist thinkers offer profound insights into life, wisdom, compassion, and inner peace. The diverse perspectives of these thinkers contribute to the rich tapestry of Buddhist literature, guiding individuals on paths towards enlightenment and understanding.

The thinkers whose quotes were shared include:

Gautama Buddha – The founder of Buddhism, whose teachings form the core principles of the religion.
Dalai Lama – A spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism known for his teachings on compassion and happiness.
Asanga – A scholar from ancient India who contributed to the Consciousness-Only doctrine.
Vasubandhu – Asanga’s half-brother and a key figure in the development of Mahāyāna Buddhism.
Aryadeva – A disciple of Nagarjuna known for his profound teachings on emptiness and ethics.
Nagarjuna – A foundational figure in Mahāyāna Buddhism, renowned for his teachings on the Middle Way and emptiness.
Kamalaśīla – An eighth-century Buddhist scholar who authored important texts on meditation and ethics.
Dharmakirti – A logician and philosopher who contributed significantly to Buddhist epistemology and debate.
Candrakīrti – A commentator on Nagarjuna’s works, known for his interpretations of Madhyamaka philosophy.

Together, these thinkers represent centuries of contemplative wisdom, offering guidance on personal growth, spiritual development, and the pursuit of inner peace through their teachings and philosophical insights. Their contributions continue to resonate and inspire millions worldwide, shaping the practice and understanding of Buddhism in profound ways.