Santideva Quotes & Sayings

We hate suffering, but love it's causes. — Santideva

32. O my enemy, afflictive passion, Endless and beginningless companion! No other enemy indeed Is able to endure so long! 33. All other foes that I appease and wait upon Will show me favors, give me every aid, But should I serve my dark defiled emotions, They will only harm me, draw me down to grief. — Santideva

If there's a remedy when trouble strikes, What reason is there for dejection? And if there is no help for it, What use is there in being glum? — Santideva

Where would I find enough leather
To cover the entire surface of the earth?
But with leather soles beneath my feet,
It's as if the whole world has been covered. — Santideva

Those desiring speedily to be
A refuge for themselves and others
Should make the interchange of "I" and "other,"
And thus embrace a sacred mystery. — Santideva

good works gathered in a thousand ages, such as deeds of generosity, or offerings to the blissful ones, a single flash of anger shatters them. — Santideva

My wealth of merit gathered in, With reverence but without conceptual target, When shall I reveal this truth of emptiness To those who go to ruin through belief in real existence? — Santideva

When fear and suffering are disliked by me and others equally what is so special about me that I protect myself and not the other? — Santideva

So, like a treasure found at home, That I have gained without fatigue, My enemies are helpers in my Bodhisattva work And therefore they should be a joy to me. 108. Since I have grown in patience Thanks to them, To them its first fruits I should give, For of my patience they have been the cause. — Santideva

Just as on a dark night black with clouds, The sudden lightning glares and all is clearly shown, Likewise rarely, through the Buddhas' power, Virtuous thoughts rise, brief and transient, in the world. — Santideva

So take your pleasure in the excellence of others. Let them be a heartfelt joy to you. — Santideva

Like a dream,
Whatever I enjoy
Will become a memory;
The past is not revisited. — Santideva

We are the authors of our own destiny; and being the authors, we are ultimately, perhaps frighteningly, free. — Santideva

With perfect and unyielding faith,
With steadfastness, respect, and courtesy,
With modesty and conscientiousness,
Work calmly for the happiness of others. — Santideva

But if, through seeking happiness, my deeds are wrong, No matter where I turn my steps, The knives of misery will cut me down, The wage and retribution of a sinful life. — Santideva

Therefore flee the company of childish people. Greet them, when you meet, with smiles That keep on terms of common courtesy, Without inviting intimate relations. — Santideva

When happiness is liked by me and others equally, what is so special about me that I should strive after happiness only for myself? — Santideva

But if my acts are good, sincerely intended, Then no matter where I turn my steps, The merit gained will honor me With its resulting benefits. — Santideva

If there is a remedy, then what is the use of frustration? If there is no remedy, then what is the use of frustration? — Santideva

Afflictive passion and the veil upon cognition - The cure for their obscurity is emptiness. How then shall they not meditate on this Who wish for swift attainment of omniscience? — Santideva

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

There's nothing that does not grow light Through habit and familiarity. Putting up with little cares I'll train myself to bear with great adversity! — Santideva

Those tormented by the pain of anger, Never know tranquillity of mind - Strangers they will be to every pleasure; They will neither sleep nor feel secure. — Santideva

when one has searched for these as realities, who desires and what is desired? — Santideva

We who are like senseless children shrink from suffering, but love its causes. We hurt ourselves; our pain is self-inflicted! Why should others be the object of our anger? — Santideva

May the blind see the forms,
May the deaf hear sounds.

May the naked find clothing,
The hungry find food;
May the thirsty find water
And delicious drinks.

May the poor find wealth,
Those weak with sorrow find joy;
May the forlorn find new hope,
Constant happiness and prosperity.

May the frightened cease to be afraid
And those bound be freed;
May the powerless find power,
And may the people think of benefiting one another — Santideva

For as long as space endures
And for as long as living beings remain,
Until then may I too abide
To dispel the misery of the world. — Santideva

28. Anger, lust, these enemies of mine, Are limbless and devoid of faculties. They have no bravery, no cleverness; How then have they reduced me to such slavery? — Santideva

When the urge arises in your mind To feelings of desire or angry hate, Do not act! Be silent, do not speak! And like a log of wood be sure to stay. — Santideva

All that I possess and use Is like the fleeting vision of a dream. It fades into the realms of memory, And fading, will be seen no more. — Santideva

I say that it's the joy that others take in me, It's this that is the cause of my delight. — Santideva