Shantideva Quotes & Sayings

All that may be wished for, will by nature fade to nothing. — Shantideva

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? — Shantideva

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

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. — Shantideva

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. — Shantideva

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 — Shantideva

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. — Shantideva

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

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? — Shantideva

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

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 — Shantideva

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. — Shantideva

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. — Shantideva

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

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

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

There is nothing to fear other than my mind. — Shantideva

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. — Shantideva

Unruly beings are as unlimited as space They cannot possibly all be overcome, But if I overcome thoughts of anger alone This will be equivalent to vanquishing all foes. Where would I possibly find enough leather With which to cover the surface of the earth? But (wearing) leather just on the soles of my shoes Is equivalent to covering the earth with it. Likewise it is not possible for me To restrain the external course of things; But should I restrain this mind of mine What would be the need to restrain all else? — Shantideva

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

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. — Shantideva

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? — Shantideva

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. — Shantideva

The renunciation of doing harm is the perfection of discipline — Shantideva

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

Death will be so quick to swoop on you; Gather merit till that moment comes! Wait till then to banish laziness? Then there'll be no time, what will you do? "This I have not done. And this I'm only starting. And this - I'm only halfway through ... " Then is the sudden coming of the Lord of Death, And oh, the thought 'Alas, I'm finished.' — Shantideva

May I become at all times, both now and forever: a protector for those without protection; a guide for those who have lost their way; a ship for those with oceans to cross; a bridge for those with rivers to cross; a sanctuary for those in danger; a lamp for those without light; a place of refuge for those who lack shelter; and a servant to all in need. — Shantideva

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! — Shantideva

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. — Shantideva

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? — Shantideva

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

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

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. — Shantideva

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. — Shantideva

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

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

Penetrative insight joined with calm abiding utterly eradicates afflicted states. — Shantideva

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

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

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. — Shantideva

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. — Shantideva

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

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. — Shantideva

The source of all happiness lies in thinking of others. — Shantideva

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

If the problem can be solved why worry? If the problem cannot be solved worrying will do you no good. — Shantideva

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. — Shantideva

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! — Shantideva

Whatever happens, I will not let my cheerfulness be disturbed. Being unhappy won't get me anywhere and will dissipate all my goodness. Why be unhappy about something if you can change it? And if you can't, how will being unhappy help? — Shantideva

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. — Shantideva