Siddhartha Gautama was a philosopher and religious teacher who lived in ancient India during the 5th century B.C. Born into an aristocratic family as a prince, he renounced his lavish life when he discovered the suffering of others. He instead traveled throughout the North Indian River Plain, teaching and establishing a religious community.
When he gave up his life of affluence, he decided to endure poverty. When this still didn’t bring him any fulfillment, the Middle Way came into being, which means to exist between two extremes. Hence, he aspired for a life without both indulgences and deprivation. Gautama finally found enlightenment while meditating under a Bodhi tree after six years.
He then spent the rest of his life teaching and guiding others on this spiritual journey. Centuries after his death around 483 B.C., Gautama was given the title of Buddha, which means “Awakened One” or “Enlightened One”. He is now revered as the founder of Buddhism, a religion based on his teachings that has since spread beyond India.
Even in this day and age, Buddha’s words and insights hold true. If you need clarity and motivation in life, maybe these 20 enlightening Buddha quotes can help you find it.
Motivational Buddha Quotes
Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth. – Buddha
Nothing can harm you as much as your own thoughts unguarded. – Buddha
What we think, we become. – Buddha
Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace. – Buddha
Also Read: 30 Peace Quotes That Will Motivate You to Reclaim Your Inner Peace
The root of suffering is attachment. – Buddha
Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. – Buddha
Health is the greatest gift, contentment is the greatest wealth. – Buddha
Also Read: 30 Best Health Quotes: Living Life On The Edge Is Living It Healthy
Silence the angry man with love. Silence the ill-natured man with kindness. Silence the miser with generosity. Silence the liar with truth. – Buddha
A jug fills drop by drop. – Buddha
He who loves 50 people has 50 woes; he who loves no one has no woes. – Buddha
If we fail to look after others when they need help, who will look after us? – Buddha
Hatred does not cease through hatred at any time. Hatred ceases through love. This is an unalterable law. – Buddha
If anything is worth doing, do it with all your heart. – 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
It is easy to see the faults of others, but difficult to see one’s own faults. One shows the faults of others like chaff winnowed in the wind, but one conceals one’s own faults as a cunning gambler conceals his dice. – Buddha
People with opinions just go around bothering each other. – Buddha
You yourself must strive. The Buddhas only point the way. – Buddha
Some do not understand that we must die, but those who do realize this settle their quarrels. – Buddha
Resolutely train yourself to attain peace. – Buddha
We will develop love, we will practice it, we will make it both a way and a basis… – Buddha
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