Shantideva quotes

Shantideva was an Indian Buddhist monk and philosopher, renowned for his influential teachings on compassion and wisdom. His most famous work, the "Bodhicaryavatara," is a key text in Mahayana Buddhism. He inspired generations of practitioners with his insights into the path of enlightenment. Here are 43 of his quotes:

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

Shantideva

The Spirit of Awakening is known to be of two kinds: the spirit of aspiring for Awakening, and the spirit of venturing toward awakening. Just as one perceives the difference between a person who yearns to travel and a traveler, so do the learned recognize the corresponding difference between these two.

Shantideva

For the sake of all beings I have made this body pleasureless. Let them continually beat it, revile it, and cover it with filth. Let them play with my body. Let them laugh at it and ridicule it. What does it matter to me? I have given my body to them.

Shantideva

Let those who falsely accuse me, who harm me, and who ridicule me all partake of Awakening.

Shantideva

Just as a blind man might find a jewel amongst heaps of rubbish, so this Spirit of Awakening has somehow arisen in me.

Shantideva

The Spirit of Awakening ... is the tree of rest for beings exhausted from wandering on the pathways of mundane existence.

Shantideva

Where would there be leather enough to cover the entire world? With just the leather of my sandals, it is as if the whole world were covered. Likewise, I am unable to restrain external phenomena, but I shall restrain my own mind. What need is there to restrain anything else?

Shantideva

Once I have forsaken the vow of guarding my mind, of what use are many vows to me?

Shantideva

Just as those standing in the midst of boisterous people carefully guard their wounds, so those standing in the midst of evil people should always guard the wounds of their minds.

Shantideva

One should eliminate yearning that arises for various idle conversations, which often take place, and for all kinds of entertainment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shantideva

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

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

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

There is nothing to fear other than my mind.

Shantideva

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

Shantideva