You’ve possibly come across several sayings attributed to Buddha for years. I personally like the profoundness, precision, and realism of his quotes. Some of his quotes are the most intelligent and incredibly life-changing. Buddha quotes on changing yourself have endured for a very long time. By analyzing and understanding his work, he can teach us so much about changing and living our lives to the fullest.
I particularly like reading quotes from people who existed many years ago as they have the most insightful lessons. At first sight, their quotes are inspirational, but the moment you start reflecting, you recognize how profound the teachings are.
It amazes me to learn how humanity knew the fundamental philosophies of a better, happy life for years. Yet, till now, we at times find it difficult to apply those lessons in our daily lives.
Buddha was a meditator, spiritual teacher, philosopher, and mendicant who lived in ancient India between the fourth and sixth centuries BC. There are many theories as to what motivated Buddha to start teaching. However, his boundless wisdom has inspired many people around the world for years.
Through his thinking, he formed Buddhism- a path of practice and spiritual development, leading to a clear understanding of the true nature of reality. He built a considerable following and is undeniably among the most significant figures of all time through this.
One of the most appealing aspects of Buddhism is that you don’t have to practice it as a religion to acquire peace and meaning from its founder’s words. Buddha’s quotes on changing yourself not only gives you something to think about but also gives you reassurance.
Buddha Quotes on Changing Yourself
1. “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”
2. “We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow.”
3. “Whatever is not yours: let go of it. Your letting go of it will be for your long-term happiness and benefit.”
4. “Purity and impurity depend on oneself; no one can purify another.”
5. “Every morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.”
6. “No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.”
7. “There is no fire like lust and no crime like hatred. There is no ill like the aggregates of existence and no peace higher than the peace of Nirvana.”
8. “If you find no one to support you on the spiritual path, walk alone.”
9. “A man is not called wise because he talks and talks again; but if he is peaceful, loving and fearless then he is in truth called wise.”
10. “One who, while himself seeking happiness, oppresses with violence other beings who also desire happiness, will not attain happiness hereafter.”
11. “Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines, but it is to the one who endures that the final victory comes.”
12. “Just as a snake sheds its skin, we must shed our past over and over again.”
13. “Blind is the world; here only a few possess insight. Only a few, like birds escaping from the net, go to realms of bliss.”
14. “There is nothing so disobedient as an undisciplined mind, and there is nothing so obedient as a disciplined mind.”
15. “An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.”
16. “We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.”
17. “Full of joy, full of faith in the Teaching of the Buddha, the monk attains the Peaceful State, the bliss of cessation of conditioned things.”
18. “As you walk and eat and travel, be where you are. Otherwise, you will miss most of your life.”
19. “Our life is shaped by our mind; we become what we think. Suffering follows an evil thought as the wheels of a cart follow the oxen that draw it.”
20. “It is ridiculous to think that somebody else can make you happy or unhappy.”
21. “A dog is not considered a good dog because he is a good barker. A man is not considered a good man because he is a good talker.”
22. “Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.”
23. “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.”
Change begins with changing yourself
Change is rarely simple and nearly scary. The more important a change is, the more difficult it is to make the first move and keep going. However, learning how to change yourself for good is an important skill to embrace for success.
Many of us get trapped in our own ways as soon as we reach a certain age. After that point, it becomes difficult to let go of our old habits and make an effort to better ourselves. However, taking a step and initiate even the slightest push to changing ourselves makes a significant difference in our lives.
For instance, imagine you decide to wake up earlier every morning. Suppose you make an effort to achieve this. In that case, that slight change can significantly impact your life positively: it will make you productive, make you develop a positive point of view on life, and better sleeping habits that can improve your energy levels and mood.
When people think about changing themselves, they usually visualize building their lives from the start. That kind of fictional transformation only happens in movies. The smartest move to make in real life is to make gradual changes until they stick.
We hope the shared Buddha quotes on changing yourself will inspire you to take a step to transform your life for good. It would also be awesome to know your experience about the quotes. So, please feel free to share your opinions in the comment section below as well as with your friends and family.
