Shantideva Quotes

All the suffering in the world comes from seeking pleasure for oneself. All the happiness in the world comes from seeking pleasure for others.

It is not possible to control all external events; But, if I simply control my mind what need is there to control other things?

As long as space abides and as long as the world abides, so long may I abide, destroying the sufferings of the world.

All those who are unhappy in the world are so as a result of their desire for their own happiness. All those who are happy in the world are so as a result of their desire for the happiness of others.

It is natural for the immature to harm others. Getting angry with them is like resenting a fire for burning.

Instead of trying to cover the whole world with leather, put on some sandals.

May those whose hell it is to hate and hurt be turned into lovers bringing flowers.

May the pain of every living creature be completely cleared away. May I be the doctor and the medicine and may I be the nurse for all sick beings in the world until everyone is healed.

We are all slaves of our own actions. Why be angry with anyone else?

All the harm, fear, and suffering in the world are caused by attachment to the self: Why should I hold on to this great demon?

May I be like a guard for those who are protectorless, A guide for those who journey on the road. For those who wish to go across the water, May I be a boat, a raft, a bridge.

How wonderful will it be when all beings experience each other as limbs on the one body of life.

All happiness comes from the desire for others to be happy.

May I be a light for those in need of light. May I be a bed for those in need of rest. May I be a servant for those in need of service, for all embodied beings.

There is no evil like hatred, and no fortitude like patience.

All the happiness there is in this world Arises from wishing others to be happy. And all the suffering there is in this world Arises from wishing oneself to be happy.

Those desiring to escape from suffering hasten right toward suffering. With the very desire for happiness, out of delusion they destroy their own happiness as if it were an enemy

Why be unhappy about something if it can be remedied? And what is the use of being unhappy about something if it cannot be remedied?

The renunciation of doing harm is the perfection of discipline

What need is there to say more? The childish work for their own benefit, The Buddhas work for the benefit of others. Just look at the difference between them.

That which is seen and that which is touched are of a dream-like and illusion-like nature. Because feeling arises together with the mind, it is not [ultimately] perceived.

All the joy the world contains Has come through wishing happiness for others. All the misery the world contains Has come through wanting pleasure for oneself.

Take advantage of this human boat; Free yourself from sorrow's mighty stream! This vessel will be later hard to find. The time that you have now, you fool, is not for sleep!

Examine thus yourself from every side. Note harmful thoughts and every futile striving. Thus it is that heroes in the bodhisattva path Apply the remedies to keep a steady mind.

In the ages marked by scarcity and want, may I myself appear as drink and sustenance.

There is nothing to fear other than my mind.

The source of all happiness lies in thinking of others.

Others are my main concern. When I notice something of mine, I steal it and give it to others.

If there were a truly existent I, It would make sense to be afraid of certain things; But, since there is no truly existent I, Who is there to be afraid?

Just as I defend myself, therefore, From all unpleasant happenings however small, Likewise, I shall act for others' sake To guard and to protect them with compassion.

All those who slight me to my face, Or do me any other evil, Even if they blame or slander me, May they attain the fortune of enlightenment!

My body, thus, and all my good besides, And all my merits gained and to be gained, I give them all away withholding nothing To bring about the benefit of beings.

He who doesn't get rid of the I won't be able to avoid suffering the same way that someone who doesn't get apart from fire can't avoid being burn.

Passion is overcome only by him who has won through stillness of spirit the perfect vision; it comes through the contentment that is regardless of the world.

How much suffering and fear, and How many harmful things are in existence? If all arises from clinging to the "I", What should I do with this great demon?

In joy and sorrow all are equal, Thus be guardian of all, as of yourself.

Whenever conflict arises among living creatures the sense of ownership is the cause.

Self-confidence should be applied to wholesome actions, Overcoming of delusions and my ability to overcome them. Thinking, 'I alone shall do it' Is the self-confidence of action.

Those who have no mental vigilance, Though they may hear the teachings, ponder them or meditate, With minds like water seeping from a leaking jug, Their learning will not settle in their memories.

Penetrative insight joined with calm abiding utterly eradicates afflicted states.

The hostile multitudes are vast as spaceWhat chance is there that all should be subdued? Let but this angry mind be overthrownAnd every foe is then and there destroyed

If you can solve your problem, what is the need of worrying? If you cannot solve it, what is the use of worrying.

Suffering also has its worth. Through sorrow, pride is driven out And pity felt for those who wander in samsara; Evil is avoided, goodness seems delightful.

One should do nothing other than what is directly or indirectly of benefit to living beings.

Partake of this sacred mystery: to take the place of others, giving them his own.

For as long as space remains, For as long as sentient beings remain, Until then may I too remainTo dispel the miseries of the world.