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Buddhist Wisdom

Samsāra

Samsāra does not mean only rebirth after death; the constant arising and passing away of mental and physical phenomena is also samsāra.

Sacrifice A Small Gain

Greed increases: if you can expect a gain of a thousand, you will forgo a hundred. Naturally, if you want to achieve a greater gain, you must sacrifice a smaller gain.

Seek the Best Profit

People work to live a happy and comfortable life. If making a living causes physical and mental misery, the purpose of working will not be achieved. People should seek a pursuit which makes for less physical discomfort and more happiness. If earning a living in this existence leads to rebirth in Hell it will be most regrettable.

Self Esteem

Behave well so that, first, people have a high esteem for you; second, celestial beings have esteem for you; and third, you have esteem for yourself.

It is said that people love themselves most. In fact, if you love yourself, you must try your best to improve yourself. If you allow yourself to be submerged in greed, hatred, and delusion, you cannot claim that you love yourself; you are really letting yourself sink.

Self-Love

Human beings love themselves more than they love others. Their close relatives may not have been intimately associated with them in previous existences, but self-view has been with them throughout samsāra.

Loving yourself best will not suffice. You must do as many meritorious deeds as possible. Otherwise, your self-love will lead to ruin.

Since the Arising of the Buddha

Throughout the infinite round of rebirths one could never before have gained the kind of wisdom that one could get after the Buddha appeared.

Slaves to Craving

People have been slaves to craving while they are alive. To be candidates for Hell after death is not good.

Spiritual Progress

Man usually tries to improve the material side of his existence; he rarely recognises the importance of the mental aspect. That is why people are always looking to material progress.

Spiritual Riches

If they are rich in gold, we are rich in morality; if they are rich in silver, we are rich in mental stability; if they are rich in diamonds, we are rich in mindfulness.

Status

The status of laymen can be gauged by their standard of living, but monks have to live on the charity of others.

Strands of Desire

In the realm of desire, sensual pleasures are the most dominant factors.

Strike A New Path

People cannot strike a new path; they follow the beaten track.

Sometimes, it may not be advisable to behave according to the times. People will have to suffer the consequences of bad times.

Strive to Preserve the Dhamma

The teachings of the Buddha who strove for four incalculable aeons should not fade out after only 2,500 years. The members of the Holy Order should strive to maintain the dispensation with the help of the laity.

Subtract Ignorance and Craving

From an existence subtract ignorance and craving; then there will be no more rebirths.