Favorite Buddhist quotes

[Haruko]

What are your favorite quotes about Buddhism or from Buddhists?

This robe of freedom from cold
isn't matched by ordinary clothes.

This concentration free of hunger
is unequaled by ordinary meat and beer.

This draught at the stream of enlightenment
isn't matched by ordinary drink.

This satisfaction born within
isn't equaled by ordinary treasure.

-Milarepa, "Drinking the Mountain Stream"

[Vajradhara]

Namaste Haruko,


thank you for the post and welcome to CR

i am quite partial to this explanation:

If people ask me what Zen is like, I will say that it is like learning the art of burglary.

The son of a burglar saw his father growing older and thought: "if he is unable to carry out his profession, who will be the breadwinner of this family? I must learn the trade." One night the father took the son to a big house, broke through the fence, entered the house, and opening one of the large chests, told the son to go in and pick out the clothing. As soon as he got into it, the lid was dropped and the lock securely applied. The father now came out to the courtyard, and loudly knocking at the door woke up the whole family, whereas he himself quietly slipped away. The residents got up and lighted candles, but found that the burglars had already gone. The whole time, the son remained in the chest, and thought of his cruel father. Then a fine idea flashed upon him. He made a noise like the gnawing of a rat. When the lid was unlocked, out came the prisoner and fled. Noticing a well by the road, he picked up a large stone and threw it into the water. The pursuers gathered around the well trying to find the burglar drowning himself. By then, he was safely back in the house with his father, whom he blamed for his narrow escape. When the son told him of his adventures, the father remarked, "There, you have learned the art!"

D.T. Suzuki

[Saponification]

"What is this?"

[taijasi]

My favorite quotes/teachings from Buddhism are those said to be the Buddha's last words, something to the effect of:

Be a lamp unto your own feet. Work out thy salvation with diligence.

Peace,

andrew

[Awaiting_the_fifth]

This is peace, This is exquisite

Perfectly sums up that feeling you get after a goodd meditation