Wise Buddhist Quotes

It is a man’s own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways.

Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. 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.

There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt.

Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely.

The creatures that inhabit this earth-be they human beings or animals-are here to contribute, each in its own particular way, to the beauty and prosperity of the world.

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. A good friend who points out mistakes and imperfections and rebukes evil is to be respected as if he reveals a secret of hidden treasure.

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 No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.

It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles.

A wise man, recognizing that the world is but an illusion, does not act as if it is real, so he escapes the suffering.

I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act.

An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.

With good will for the entire cosmos, cultivate a limitless heart: above, below, and all around, unobstructed, without hostility or hate.

The thought manifests as the word. The word manifests as the deed. The deed develops into habit. And the habit hardens into character. So watch the thought and its ways with care. And let it spring from love, born out of concern for all beings.

Just as a solid rock is not shaken by the storm, even so the wise are not affected by praise or blame.

Few cross over the river. Most are stranded on this side. On the riverbank they run up and down. But the wise man, following the way, Crosses over, beyond the reach of death. He leaves the dark way For the way of light.

Anger will never disappear so long as thoughts of resentment are cherished in the mind.

Watch the thought and its ways with care, and let it spring from love born out of concern for all beings.

You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.

Believe nothing,
No matter where you read it,
Or who has said it,
Not even if I have said it,
Unless it agrees with your own reason
And your own common sense.

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. 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.

Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.

All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think, we become.

Hatred does not cease through hatred at any time. Hatred ceases through love. This is an unalterable law.

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant.

There is no fire like passion: there is no evil and hatred.

What you think you become.

Whatsoever, after due examination and analysis, you find to be kind, conducive to the good, the benefit, the welfare of all beings…that doctrine believe and cling to, and take it as your guide.

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle. Happiness never decreases by being shared.

Anger will never disappear so long as thoughts of resentment are cherished in the mind. Anger will disappear just as soon as thoughts of resentment are forgotten.

Do not believe what your teacher tells you merely out of respect for the teacher.

Let them not do the slightest thing that the wise would later reprove.

Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.

Three things cannot long be hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.

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.

Concentrate the mind on the present moment.

There is no fire like passion, there is no shark like hatred, there is no snare like folly, there is no torrent like greed.

A dog is not considered a good dog because he is a good barker. A man is not considered a good man because he is a good talker.

Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love.

Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.

Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill.

There is no fire like passion
No crime like hatred,
No sorrow like separation,
No sickness like hunger,
And no joy like the joy of freedom.

We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.

Mind is everything. What we think, we become.

The fragrance of sandalwood and rosebay does not travel far. But the fragrance of virtue rises to the heavens.

However many holy words you read, However many you speak, What good will they do you If you do not act on upon them?

Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each has their suffering. Some suffer too much, others too little.

All that we are is the result of what we have thought; what we think we become.

Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.

If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.

Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own unguarded thoughts.