Buddha Quotes

Buddha was a wise man, it cannot be said otherwise. Here is an extensive collection of Buddha quotes and sayings attributed to Siddharta Gauma.

Buddha lived more than 2500 years ago. He is the founder of Buddhism. (see my page on Buddhism and facts for more information on him.) He was a wise teacher and taught for over 40 years after attaining enlightment in his thirties. For this reason, we know that he has a huge body of teachings and most of it was recorded after his death in the form of texts called sutras.

Here is a collection of Buddha quotes attributed to him. Some might have actually been said by sages succeeding him but are now attributed to him.

First, I'll start with my favorite Buddha Quote, the one I live for:

"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

The reason I like this Buddha Quote is that so many religious teachings in this world contradict each other and all say that they ARE the truth. I strive to believe -or reject- none of them unless I understand them and see if they fit in my own view of Creation.

Even more Buddha Quotes

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."
- Buddha

A jug fills drop by drop. 
-Buddha 

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.
Buddha

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

In a controversy the instant we feel anger we have already ceased striving for the truth, and have begun striving for ourselves.
Buddha

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

When one has the feeling of dislike for evil, when one feels tranquil, one finds pleasure in listening to good teachings; when one has these feelings and appreciates them, one is free of fear.
Buddha

Continue for more Buddha Quotes

 

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
Buddha

Without health life is not life; it is only a state of langour and suffering - an image of death.
Buddha

Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue.
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

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.
Buddha

The virtues, like the Muses, are always seen in groups. A good principle was never found solitary in any breast.
Buddha

Continue for more Buddha Quotes

These Buddha Quotes are about anything from family life to love and death.

There has to be evil so that good can prove its purity above it.
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

Chaos is inherent in all compounded things. Strive on with diligence.
Buddha

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.
Buddha

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

However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them?
Buddha

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

To live a pure unselfish life, one must count nothing as one's own in the midst of abundance.
Buddha

To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one's family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one's own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him.
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

We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.
Buddha

What we think, we become.
Buddha

Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without
Buddha

All that we are is the result of what we have thought. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him- Buddha

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.
Buddha

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- Buddha

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 - Buddha

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

We are formed and molded by our thoughts. Those whose minds are shaped by selfless thoughts give joy when they speak or act. Joy follows them like a shadow that never leaves them.
Buddha

What is the appropriate behavior for a man or a woman in the midst of this world, where each person is clinging to his piece of debris? What's the proper salutation between people as they pass each other in this flood?
Buddha

There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills.
Buddha

Continue for more Buddha Quotes

 

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

It is better to travel well than to arrive.
Buddha

All that we are is the result of what we have thought. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him.
Buddha

The wise ones fashioned speech with their thought, sifting it as grain is sifted through a sieve.
Buddha

Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace.
Buddha

Unity can only be manifested by the Binary. Unity itself and the idea of Unity are already two.
Buddha

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment
Buddha

You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.
Buddha

The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows.
Buddha

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

There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.
Buddha

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

Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.
Buddha

All wrong-doing arises because of mind. If mind is transformed can wrong-doing remain?
Buddha

He who loves 50 people has 50 woes; he who loves no one has no woes.
Buddha

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

Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.
Buddha

Continue for more Buddha Quotes

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

The foot feels the foot when it feels the ground.
Buddha

The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart.
Buddha

Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.
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

The tongue like a sharp knife... Kills without drawing blood.
Buddha

Virtue is persecuted more by the wicked than it is loved by the good.
Buddha

You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.
Buddha

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
Buddha

Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others.
Buddha

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

The mind is everything. What you think you become.
Buddha

There are plenty of other Buddha quotes out there, so if you are interested, you can make a search for them.

I strongly recommend learning about the principles of Buddhism though as Buddha quotes are nice but they do not explain the core of the teachings of Buddha.

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