“A person of confidence and goodness will be welcomed wherever they go.”  The Buddha verse 303

The Just

“A man is not wise because he has much to say. The wise man is he who is patient, fearless, and free from hatred.”  The Buddha verse 258

“He is a true follower who has gone beyond both good and evil and who lives in the awakened way.”  The Buddha verse 267

“A man is not noble if he injure any living creature. The noble man is gentle to all living creatures.”  The Buddha verse 270

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On a full-moon day of May, when the trees were blossoming, Queen Mahamaya gave birth to a son. In the Lumbini grove, under the shade of a flowering Sal tree, The Buddha, founder of the philosophy of Buddhism was born. He was known as Siddhattha. (Siddhartha = one whose purpose has been achieved). This is part 3 in my continuing series of Buddhist quotes from the Dhammapada. Each photo links directly to the original source.

Buddhist verses from Siddhartha – The Enlightened One

The World

“Do not live thoughtlessly, in distraction and with deluded aims, outside the universal law.”   The Buddha verse 167

“Rouse yourself and follow the enlightened way through the world with energy and joy.”  The Buddha verse  168

“Swans rise and fly through the air.  How magical they are! So do the resolute conquer the armies of delusion and rise above the world.”   The Buddha verse 175, The Dhammapada Read More→

“Through countless weary lives I have sought the builder of this house and could not find him.”  The Buddha verse 153 (Spoken by the Buddha when he became enlightened)

The wisdom of the Buddha is timeless. As I read more Buddhist text, I realize that wisdom hasn’t changed over the past few thousand years; and in a way that’s refreshing. When it comes to living a happy and balanced life, the knowledge remains the same.  Unfortunately, like most people living in a city of bright lights and big dreams; I forget – and my mind fills with cravings and secret delusions.

That opening quote from the Buddha stuck with me.  I instantly realized his message: in order to be free, we have to build our own house. The wisdom and help you need is everywhere, but at the end of the day, only you can lay the first and last stone.

This is part 2 in a 4 part series featuring quotes from the Buddha.  Click here for Part 1.  Each photo links directly to the original source.

The Sage

“Like a Swan that rises from the lake, with his thoughts at peace he moves onward, never looking back.”  The Buddha, verse 91, The Dhammapada

“Still and calm is he who has awakened. His mind is peaceful and his words and deeds reflect this.”  v 96

“In village or forest, on the hills or in the plain, wherever the awakened ones live is delightful.”  v 98

“Delightful are those forests where the worldly fail to find delight. There the awakened ones are joyful, wanting nothing.”   The Buddha, verse 99 Read More→