gautam buddha is one of the most loved enlightened master. the word ‘buddha’ means someone who is awakened or someone who has realized his true nature. so many people got awakened during gautam buddha presence that the word ‘buddha’ got associated with awakened beings.
when i think about gautam buddha then few things come into my mind – meditation, compassion, non-violence, inner peace, acceptance, law of karma and nirvana.
these above qualities are the key teachings of buddha. he taught vipassana meditation. according to him desire is the root cause of misery. one has to be watchful of his thoughts so that no desire can take root in your mind. one should walk on the path and realize his true nature.
he also advocated non-violence, compassion and vegetarianism to his disciples. according to him, every act of violence brings pain and suffering. one should be kind to all living beings.
his last words before leaving the body (dying) are very meaningful for any seeker. he said “be a light unto yourself”. which means now my physical presence won’t be there to guide you. but you should awaken your inner light and get enlightened. meditation is the way to remove darkness and bring light into your consciousness. so move from unconsciousness to consciousness. walk consciously, talk consciously, hear consciously, eat consciously, act consciously… in short bring consciousness (light) into all of your actions. consciousness is the key.
gautam buddha quotes:
1.ย in every trial,ย let understanding fight for you.
2.seeker!ย do not be restless.ย meditate constantly.
3.ย there is pleasure and there is bliss. forgo the first to possess the second.
4. for in craving pleasure or in nursing pain,ย there is only sorrow.
5.ย if desires are not uprooted, sorrows grow again in you.
6.ย desire never crosses the path of virtuous and wakeful men.
7.ย beware of the anger of the mouth.ย master your words.ย let them serve truth.
8.ย we are what we think. all that we are arises with our thoughts. with our thoughts we make the world.
9. speak or act with an impure mind, ย and trouble will follow you.
10.ย it is better to do nothingย than to do what is wrong.ย for whatever you do, you do to yourself.
11.ย follow the way of virtue.ย follow the way joyfullyย through this world and on beyond!
12.ย if you kill, lie or steal,ย commit adultery or drink,ย you dig up your own roots.
and if you cannot master yourself,ย the harm you do turns against you grievously.
13.ย you are a seeker.ย delight in the masteryย of your hands and your feet,ย of your words and your thoughts.ย delight in meditationย and in solitude.
14.ย look not for recognitionย but follow the awakenedย and set yourself free.
15.ย the masters only point the way.
but if you meditateย and follow the dharma,ย you will free yourself from desire.
16.ย it is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles.
then the victory is yours. it cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.
17.ย never speak harsh wordsย for they will rebound upon you.
angry words hurtย and the hurt rebounds.ย like a broken gong.
18.ย how easily the wind overturns a frail tree.
seek happiness in the senses, indulge in food and sleep,ย and you too will be uprooted.
19.ย the fool laughs at generosity.ย the miser cannot enter heaven.
but the master finds joy in givingย and happiness is his reward.
20.ย while a man desires a woman, his mind is bound as closely as a calf to its mother.
as you would pluck an autumn lily, pluck the arrow of desire.
for he who is awake has shown you the way of peace. give yourself to the journey.
21.ย better than a thousand hollow wordsย is one word that brings peace.
better than a thousand hollow versesย is one verse that brings peace.
better than a hundred hollow linesย is one line of the dharma, bringing peace.