The wise man makes an island of himself that no flood can overwhelm.
How blissful it is, for one who has nothing. Attainers-of-wisdom are people with nothing. See him suffering, one who has something, a person bound in mind with people.
First, rely on the spirit and meaning of the teachings, not on the words; Second, rely on the teachings, not on the personality of the teacher; Third, rely on real wisdom, not superficial interpretation; And fourth, rely on the essence of your pure Wisdom Mind, not on judgmental perceptions.
All conditioned things are impermanent-when one sees this with wisdom, one turns away from suffering.
The world is afflicted by death and decay. But the wise do not grieve, having realized the nature of the world.
Ceasing to do evil, Cultivating the good, Purifying the heart: This is the teaching of the Buddhas.
Know from the rivers in clefts and in crevices: those in small channels flow noisily, the great flow silent. Whatever's not full makes noise. Whatever is full is quiet.
Train your eyes and ears; train your nose and tongue. The senses are good friends when they are trained. Train your body in deeds, train your tongue in words, train your mind in thoughts. This training will take you beyond sorrow.
Purity or impurity depends on oneself, no one can purify another.
Low class men desire wealth; middle class men both wealth and respect; but the noble, honour only; hence honour is the noble man's true wealth.
The serpent, the king, the tiger, the stinging wasp, the small child, the dog owned by other people, and the fool: these seven ought not to be awakened from sleep.
One whose knowledge is confined to books and whose wealth is in the possession of others, can use neither his knowledge nor wealth when the need for them arises.
Avoid him who talks sweetly before you but tries to ruin you behind your back, for he is like a pitcher full of poison with milk on top.
Trees on a riverbank, a woman in another man's house, and kings without counselors go without doubt to swift destruction.
A father who is a chronic debtor, an adulterous mother, a beautiful wife, and an unlearned son are enemies in one's own home.
We should not fret for what is past, nor should we be anxious about the future; men of discernment deal only with the present moment.
The wise man should restrain his senses like the crane and accomplish his purpose with due knowledge of his place, time and ability.
Do not reveal what you have thought upon doing, but by wise council keep it secret being determined to carry it into execution.
That man who is without religion and mercy should be rejected. A guru without spiritual knowledge should be rejected. The wife with an offensive face should be given up and so should relatives who are without affection.
There is no enemy like infatuation and fire like wrath.
