Understanding this quote
by Mark
(England, Essex)
The Question
“Depend on no one. the moment you reject all help, are you freed”
I’ve said this quote a lot in my head but now that I’ve decided to withdraw from college and pursue a different avenue I want to understand what this quote means.
In my opinion it means if you depend on other people’s views and experiences you’ll hinder yourself on getting to where you want to go.
Purely because it’s time wasted. Does this quote mean you need to become independent and trust in the opportunities and decisions you’ve taken?
My Answer
Thank you for your question. The whole quote is actually:
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
(you can find many other quotes attributed to Buddha on my Buddha Quotes page.
Like most quotes, what make this quote pertinent and interesting is that it could have many interpretations and many layers of senses.
Your interpretation is certainly correct, if it makes sense to you. My interpretation is a little different though.
In my opinion, this quote refers directly to the Four Noble Truths in which he talks about suffering.
Fear of the future is a form of suffering directly related to attachment. If we can live without it, we are the better for it.
Similarly, depending on others create expectations. Expectations are often not met, which creates suffering. Not only this but by accepting help from someone, they expect you to succeed, and this creates suffering for them also if you do not.
Only by living in the now, not fearing for the future and depending on yourself alone, are you free of these form of suffering.
Again, this is my interpretation and I am sure there are others too.
What do YOU think, dear readers?
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