Wandering ascetic and religious teacher who lived in South Asia during the 6th or 5th century BCE and founded Buddhism
Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.
However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them?
If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path.
There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.
Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.
In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then beleive them to be true.
Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.
An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.
Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue.
We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.