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Eastern Philosophy Quotes
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At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.
This quote by Laozi highlights the Taoist theme of inner wisdom and self-knowledge. In Taoist thought, the truest answers to life's questions are found within, rather than from external sources.
Look within!... The secret is inside you.
Hui Neng, the 6th Patriarch of Chan (Zen) Buddhism, focused on the realization of one's own Buddha nature as the source of enlightenment, reflecting the Chan emphasis on immediate, personal understanding through meditation.
Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.
In this proclamation by Buddha, health is valued as a fundamental asset, contentment is considered true wealth rather than material riches, and the quality of faithfulness underpins strong relationships, advocating for these intrinsic human values.
The way to do is to be.
Laozi, the founder of Taoism, is known for this quote. It emphasizes the importance of authenticity and natural behavior over action for its own sake, reflecting Taoist principles of simplicity and effortlessness.
To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.
Thich Nhat Hanh, a Zen Buddhist monk, is credited with this saying. It stresses the importance of self-acceptance over seeking validation from others, in line with mindfulness and present-centeredness in Zen philosophy.
It is easy to believe we are each waves and forget we are also the ocean.
Jon J. Muth, an author deeply influenced by Zen Buddhism, said this. It conveys the idea of interconnectedness and the concept that while we may feel individual (waves), we are all part of a larger reality (ocean).
A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.
Confucius highlights the virtue of humility and the importance of deeds over words. This reflects the Confucian value of righteous behavior and the idea that true merit is seen through actions rather than boastful speech.
Everything that happens to you is a form of instruction if you pay attention.
Robert Greene, an author deeply influenced by Eastern philosophy, notably from the Tao Te Ching, said this. It resonates with the idea that life events offer lessons and opportunities for growth if we approach them with mindfulness and awareness.
Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.
The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is known for spreading this message. This advice embodies the Buddhist values of kindness and compassion, emphasizing that there is no situation in which one cannot be kind.
Those who know do not speak. Those who speak do not know.
Attributed to Laozi, this quote reflects the Taoist belief in the profoundness of silence and the limitations of language. True wisdom, it suggests, is beyond verbal expression and resides in silent understanding.
When you realize nothing is lacking, the whole world belongs to you.
Laozi's wisdom again, illustrating a core Taoist view that fulfillment comes from within. By recognizing that we already have enough, we can feel a profound sense of belonging and connection to the world.
We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.
These words of Buddha from the Dhammapada frame the concept of karma and the importance of intention. Pure thoughts lead to a joyful life, implying that the mind's content has a direct impact on our happiness and our reality.
The mind is everything; what you think you become.
Said by Siddhartha Gautama, also known as Buddha, this quote emphasizes the power of the mind in shaping our reality and experiences. It echoes the Buddhist principle that our thoughts and intentions can transform us.
If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path.
Said by Buddha, this quote metaphorically represents the idea that in helping others, we help ourselves. This reflects the Buddhist values of compassion and the interdependent nature of life.
Act without expectation.
This comes from Laozi and is a central concept in Taoist philosophy. It promotes taking actions without attachment to outcomes or craving for rewards, which is thought to lead to a harmonious and balanced life.
Suffering is not holding you, you are holding suffering.
This strong insight comes from Osho, an Indian mystic and guru. It suggests that suffering is a choice or attachment, rather than an imposed condition, reflecting the tenets of Buddhism and Hinduism about attachment and desire.
Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely.
Buddha taught that a life spent cultivating wisdom, compassion, and mindfulness prepares one for death, as it's a natural part of life's cycle, and there's no need to fear it when one has lived meaningfully and ethically.
I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.
Laozi names these three qualities in the Tao Te Ching as the pillars of a good life. They are treasures as they contribute to a harmonious existence and align with the intrinsic values of simplicity and virtue in Taoism.
Where there is love, there is no imposition.
Albert Schweitzer, influenced by Indian thought, expressed this idea. While Schweitzer is not an Eastern philosopher, his ethics of reverence for life is compatible with Eastern philosophy's emphasis on compassion and non-harm.
Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.
Though often misattributed to Eastern thinkers like Buddha, this quote is actually by Aristotle. Nevertheless, its sentiment aligns with Eastern philosophies that place high importance on self-knowledge and introspection as keys to deeper wisdom.
To lead people, walk behind them.
From Laozi, this quote endorses a Taoist leadership style characterized by humility and service. Instead of exerting power overtly, it supports guiding others subtly and allowing them to grow independently.
When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.
Another profound statement by Laozi, it promotes the Taoist idea of potential and transformation through the relinquishing of fixed personal identities and embracing natural change.
Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.
This principle is articulated by Buddha, underlying the Buddhist belief that true peace is an internal state unaffected by external circumstances, and it can only be achieved through self-exploration and meditation.
Be master of mind rather than mastered by mind.
Attributed to Zen teaching, this highlights the fundamental Zen practice of mastering one's own mind through meditation and discipline in order to not be controlled by thoughts and emotions, fostering inner peace and clarity.
He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.
This is from Laozi and reflects the Taoist belief in the wisdom of self-awareness. To be enlightened is to have deep insight into one's own nature, which is considered a higher form of knowledge than knowing others.
A jug fills drop by drop.
Buddha is known for this saying, which illustrates the principle of patience and gradual progression. It signifies that great things are accomplished through small, consistent actions, a sentiment shared in the broader context of Buddhist practice.
When you are content to be simply yourself and don’t compare or compete, everyone will respect you.
Laozi in the Tao Te Ching suggests that inner fulfillment and authenticity naturally garner respect. This advises against the pitfalls of comparison and competition, encouraging a Taoist perspective of self-sufficiency.
The sage acts but does not possess.
Coming from the Tao Te Ching by Laozi, this quote conveys the idea that a wise person can engage in actions without attachment to possessions or outcomes, reflecting the Taoist concept of non-attachment and 'wu wei'.
Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.
This quote is attributed to Confucius, a Chinese philosopher. Its philosophical meaning centers around empathy and fairness, advocating for the Golden Rule in relationships and social conduct.
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