If you’re looking for genuine quotes from the Buddhist scriptures, I suggest you try our sister site, RealBuddhaQuotes.com. But among the many quotes I’ve been asked about, a few turn out to be genuine. You can read about those below:
- “A jug fills drop by drop.”
- “Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.”
- “Hatred does not cease through hatred at any time. Hatred ceases through love. This is an unalterable law.”
- “He who loves 50 people has 50 woes; he who loves no one has no woes.”
- “If anything is worth doing, do it with all your heart.”
- “If we fail to look after others when they need help, who will look after us?”
- “If you knew what I know about the power of giving, you would not let a single meal pass without sharing it in some way.”
- “It is better to die fighting than to live as one vanquished”
- “It is easy to see the faults of others, but difficult to see one’s own faults. One shows the faults of others like chaff winnowed in the wind, but one conceals one’s own faults as a cunning gambler conceals his dice.”
- “Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance.”
- “Nothing can harm you as much as your own thoughts unguarded.”
- “People with opinions just go around bothering each other.”
- “Set your heart on doing good. Do it over and over again, And you will be filled with joy.”
- “Silence the angry man with love. Silence the ill-natured man with kindness. Silence the miser with generosity. Silence the liar with truth.”
- “The root of suffering is attachment.”
- “Health is the greatest gift, contentment is the greatest wealth”
- “It seems that although we thought ourselves permanent, we are not. Although we thought ourselves settled, we are not. Although we thought we would last forever, we will not.”
- “We will develop love, we will practice it, we will make it both a way and a basis…”
The above quotes you posted, I like and I agree with numbers: 3 (hatred does not…), 7 (it is easy to see the faults of others…”, 8, 9, and 11.
Vid
I didn’t see any Quotes
see screenshot
http://i.imgur.com/QUoAmy2.jpg
Thanks for letting me know, Raja. I’ve now fixed the problem, and the quotes seem to be displaying properly. Please let me know if you’re still having problems.
Now ok
Thanks
The mind that perceives limitation is the limitation. Is it real or fake Buddha quote.
It’s fake. Someone else just asked me about that one, which I hadn’t come across before, so I guess it’s doing the rounds.
I would say that, “the mind that perceives limitation, becomes limited” has some truth to it.
still a good quote whoever said it.
The question isn’t what is real and what is fake. Instead ask yourself what words or advice will best allow you to find happiness within yourself. Even if the words come from a fraud if they can lead to peace of mind then who they come from ceases to matter. Even if the Buddha has revealed the truth of the path we each must take for peace we must find out for ourselves the road that takes us to it. After all one can easily speak any words however making the words resonate within is a different matter all together.
Just a thought of mine.
That’s a common viewpoint, Jessee. But there are two things: whether a quote is helpful, and whether the attribution of the quote is accurate. If you’re saying that inaccurate information is unimportant—that untruthfulness is unimportant—then Einstein and I disagree with you. He said, “Whoever is careless with truth in small matters cannot be trusted in important affairs.”
Beautiful
I agree the idea of deifying what Buddha said vs accepting all truths is nuts.
But I think this site is simply making it clear that people are misquoting the human being known as “The Buddha”
That is exactly the intention of this site, Eric. Thank you.
I suppose this would be a good point to point out the poison arrow story. I am not saying that honesty isn’t important but there is also the fact that there is many sources of advice in this world and in cases like finding peace in ones life the path is filled with various viewpoints on the best way to do that. These do not exist as fact or truth but as opinions. It seems to me that a quote made by anyone that is not meant to be beneficial can be just as one that is meant to be beneficial may not be. A common example is how a person could read books and come up with an idea by combining the various material in a unique way. Thus the words have helped in that person’s life even though they were not meant to.
In spirituality in matters of solid fact you would be right however on matters on find a spiritual path the fact is that there cannot be a single way due to the uniqueness of the people involved means that the source doesn’t matters. I do think that it is wrong to try to harm another with words and knowingly misrepresent facts. However different individuals journey though different landscapes, in different places thus instead of clinging to any one source or concept when so many alternate theories of finding peace exists seems to be foolish and if followed seems like one would end up speaking hollow words. Thus it seems like seeking various sources is important because following any single source of ideals will simply not work with everyone. If it would then we would not have so many spiritual beliefs today, that in itself is proof that people have a strong interest in spiritual matters and also that their are many ways to find the “truth.” As the truth must be found within and not from outside of oneself. So must what is heard and what is spoken also must resonate with the individual.
Another example is: out of two sides of a coin which is better to see first when you see one on the ground to pickup? There is no truth in this question as it is impossible to prove heads or tails is better. So instead of endlessly searching for one it is better to just choose whichever and then that becomes your truth. However in instances where the concept can be proven such as should I continue to eat and drink? The answer is yes if you wish to continue living. That is a solid indisputable fact that exists for everyone.
Also with something as far back as what the Buddha originally said there is always the chance that some quotes and words were put in that should not be and most likely people will never know the difference. So while I do find your site to be of substantial educational value that is what it is. You have quotes that may or may not help people. So let me ask you this if a quote is spoken by another that is legit and from the Buddha and it doesn’t benefit the one that hears it then does that make it false or an untruth? Similarly if a person hears words from another seeking to help that individual and that leads the person to peace but those words do no come from a Buddha then are they untruths as well? If you think so then you have a brainwashing cult and it is reason not the lack of it that is needed to discover truth. If not then the source really isn’t that important which you seem to disagree with.
Also stuck what’s been said so far on blog and linked to this site.
“I am not saying that honesty isn’t important.”
I have to say it seemed that you were saying that very thing.
“I do think that it is wrong to … knowingly misrepresent facts.”
I’m glad we can agree on that.
Well anyways I’m guessing we believe the same thing and just happen to disagree on the importance in finding the source of the information. I really do like this site and its nice that someone is taking the time to figure out which words are authentically from Buddha and which aren’t. Keep up the good work.
We are concern in Buddha’s teaching where every words of his saying and references to the context is paramount for those who accept Buddha as a enlighten person . Therefore, fake saying has no place in quotes
Purpose of this site??
Because truth is better than bullshit :)
What a great site! Thank you so much for putting in the time to do all this research. Its amazing to me how many reputable people and sites use “Buddha quotes” but never bother to Google whether they’re actually real or not. Now…Everytime I see someone use one of those quotes, I gently direct them to your site. 🙂 Thank you!
What you say about people using quotes without verifying them is true for quotes across the spectrum. Misquotation and misattribution has always happened, but quote sites on the internet have a vested interest in providing fake information, because the more quotes they have, the more advertising revenue they earn. And from there, fake quotes of all sorts spread through the noösphere.
🤗
Thank you so much for both the Real Buddha Quotes and the Fake Buddha Quotes. I’m studying and appreciate knowing which are the real deal.
These quotes are so cheerful, delightful and uplifting! I already feel happy! If everyone would stick to it, at least 10% of his life – the world would be a better place!! Thank you, i agree with every quote!
Regards,
Becky
“Watch the thought and its ways with care
and let it spring from love
born out of concern for all beings”
“Choosing to Love the World” is a book title,
selected short contemplation by Thomas
Merton. A deeply spiritual commitment as
I see it. I would love the top quote “Watch…
be a genuine Buddha quote. as it was claimed
where I found it (in a book). Ethic as a poem.
a
Hi, Lars.
No, the “Watch the thought” quote is most certainly not from the Buddha.
All the best,
Bodhipaksa
I have always been fascinated with Eastern Religions and beliefs.
I was very excited to find Buddhist quotes, yet to my dismay, sadly I found “FAKE?” Buddha quotes?
How can I find authentic Buddhist scriptue quotes chapter, verse, book?
Please help I’ve been looking for a long time.
Thank You, Namaste …
Rusty Brooke.
ALSO: In my studies I’ve been looking for the Gods & Goddesses
for the Chakras. Root Chakra = Ganesha that’s as far as I’ve got & again, Thank You.
For genuine quotations, you could try the link in the page you’re commenting on. There’s also a page here of recommended books. And there are two sites worth visiting: Access to Insight and Sutta Central.
As for chakras and gods/goddesses, I’m afraid you’re asking a Buddhist about Hindu teachings. It’s a bit like asking a rabbi for information about Catholic saints 🙂
Thank you for your helpful work. 😊
You’re welcome!
I appreciate your contributions to accuracy in Buddha quotes, but I feel you are somewhat of a dick to many of the people writing you searching for clarifications. Now, I’m not nearly as practiced in Buddhism as you clearly are, but I thought Buddha promoted kindness in dealing with people. No?
I don’t believe I’ve ever called anyone a dick, Regan, so at least I have that going for me.
I don’t claim to be a Buddhist.
Whether I called myself a Buddhist or not, I wouldn’t go around calling people “dicks.” (Although I confess I did use that exact term today to describe a proto-Nazi who died a long time ago. However, I did so knowing that it wouldn’t hurt his feelings.)
By the way, I added your “dick” comment to my fan mail page. It makes for interesting reading, if you have a free minute or two.
So, I read your fan mail page and was disappointed that I did not find my comment there, as indicated. I’m not terribly vain, though, so I can live with this.
Just to clarify my opinion, however, I only think you arrogant (a dick). I do not, as many of your “fans” state, think you are ignorant or ill-versed in the teachings of Buddha or in Buddhism itself. Quite the contrary, you are obviously an intelligent person who is very knowledgeable about the aforementioned topics. It seems you are even educated in at least one Buddhist relevant language, though I profess ignorance as to what language that might be. I apologize for using what you seem to believe is crass verbiage in a deprecating manner. Perhaps I could have started with another term which might have better lent itself to a more meaningful discourse, although I find myself at a loss for which word might not have triggered your defenses, as anything critical of you seems to leave you rankled.
I do still appreciate your FBQ and RBQ pages and plan to continue perusing them from time to time, if it suits your sensibilities.
Good day, sir.
Thank you for the appreciation of my work here, and for the apology.
I add new “fan mail” comments at the top of the page, so that’s where you should find yours, although it’s possible that you’re experiencing some kind of caching issue, and are seeing an older version of the page.
Anyway, you wrote, “I find myself at a loss for which word might not have triggered your defenses, as anything critical of you seems to leave you rankled.”
There’s a difference between being critical and being insulting. I’d suggest that we don’t need to bandy insults at all, and so there’s no need to look for another “word that wouldn’t trigger my defenses.” It’s unpleasant to be called names (even names intended to be less likely to trigger defensiveness) and it’s hardly conducive to constructive conversations. It’s far more constructive when we critique each other’s words. It’s hardly possible to learn anything useful when we’re offered a blanket criticism along the lines of “Sometimes you’re not kind.” When and how was I unkind? For your words to have been effective you’d have to offer examples and say why, in your opinion, what I said was unkind.
You said, “I do still appreciate your FBQ and RBQ pages and plan to continue perusing them from time to time, if it suits your sensibilities.” Again, I’m glad if you find anything useful here, but that lat last part seems like a completely gratuitous shot that’s intended to be hurtful.
Please notice that I haven’t responded to your insults by insulting you in turn. I’ve critiqued what you said. I think that’s generally what I’ve done in response to other people who have commented here. Could I sometimes be kinder? I’m sure I could. I’m a human being, and I’m fallible. But I do make a sincere effort to remain kind while also critiquing points that others make here — critiquing them robustly if I think those points are particularly misguided or harmful.
P.S.
I might’ve taken a cue and rethought my approach towards others, had I received so much fan mail. I recognize you receive a far greater number of positive responses to your efforts, but the fact that you inspired ire in any others should at least give you a moments pause to reflect upon your demeanor and how it is received by others.
This seems to be very much along the lines of “blaming the victim.” Most of the comments quoted on that page, if I remember correctly, did not arise from conversations with people, but were spontaneously offered as criticism of the site generally, or in response to a particular post here. The thing is that if you debunk something that another person is attached to, they’ll sometimes get upset. The site is something like 12 years old at this point, so it’s not surprising that I’ve received a few comments condemning me to hell, and so on.
As the Buddha said, “They blame those who remain silent, they blame those who speak much, they blame those who speak in moderation. There is none in the world who is not blamed.”
Sometimes, even, people who have commented have simply seen the site title and jumped to the conclusion that I’m the one who’s making up (rather than debunking) fake quotes.
So, no, I don’t necessarily take toxic comments as a cue to rethink my approach. On the other hand constructive criticism, indicating which comments are unkind and saying why — that’s always welcome.
I’ll admit, it’s too much trouble to go back through comments I’ve already read in an effort to find examples of where I believe you might’ve been kinder, so I won’t. Additionally, I doubt it would serve any valuable purpose. My intention with the “sensibilities “ remark was not to be hurtful, but to offer you an option as to whether or not I remain a constituent of your online community. I thought it possible that you might not relish the idea of harboring those who think or thought ill of you, but in retrospect, I suppose, given my perception of your advanced human state, you may be enlightened enough to forgo holding a grudge against an offensive person.
Hi, Regan.
That’s no problem. Maybe if you’re reading the comments in the future and you think I’ve been unkind, you could bring it to my attention. In the meantime I’ll pay extra attention to what I say and the tone that might come across.
Regarding your visiting the site, you’re of course very welcome. When you run a website you’ve really no idea who’s visiting unless they choose to make a comment or they email you. You’re also welcome to visit my meditation website, Wildmind.
Is this a real Buddhist quote?
You are all buddhas. There is nothing you need to achieve. Just open your eyes.
That one’s totally bogus, Lisa.
I think that anytime anyone anywhere bursts my little bubble of what I consider to be the “truth,” my first response is to perceive that person as an arrogant, mean-spirited prick. I think you perform an invaluable service. We need to know what the Buddha actually said, not what we want some chill, groovy, image of the Buddha to say. Even if it dings our precious feelings.
Thanks, David.
Thank you so much for your rigorous research.
Specially because I wrote the Television Series ‘Buddha’ in India and now reading your refined analysis seems I also slipped up sometimes.
Your reflections are invaluable.
Just want to ask another thing : ‘Appo Deepa Bhava’ is Buddha’s last spoken word. In our cultural context we have always understood it to be ‘Be the light unto yourself.’ But in Western translations it becomes ‘Be an island unto yourself.’ The misreading is of ‘Deep’ (light) for Dweep (island). Your reflections would be really welcome.
Best regards.
Dear Ms. Chaturvedi.
First, thank you for your contributions to human culture, and for making a TV series about the Buddha.
In Pāli the word dīpa can mean both “light” and “island,” but “island is what’s meant here. I’ll let Bhikkhu Sujato, who is a renowned translator of Pāli, explain.
Thank you once again for your illuminating reply.
Your source material extensively supports the meaning to be ‘island.’
I will eagerly follow your thread and pick your brains if again I get tripped by wrong quotes : )
You’re very welcome. One citation Bhikkhu Sujato didn’t give, and which I think he really should have, is Dhammapada verse 25, which in English is “By effort and heedfulness, discipline and self-mastery, let the wise one make for himself an island (dīpaṁ) which no flood (ogho) can overwhelm.”
It’s exactly the same metaphor, but we don’t have to guess whether it’s lamp or island that’s meant, because he extends the image to include a flood.
I’m happy to help with other quotes in any way I can, although in truth I end up merely relaying the understanding of those who are better educated and wiser than I am.
Wishing you all the best with your creative endeavours!
Bodhipakṣa
Thank you for your work! I am saddened to see how many of the quotes from the Buddha app on my phone have turned out to be fake. Do you know of such an app that includes only genuine quotes? I have really enjoyed being able to look at it for inspiration throughout the day but I would like to know that the words are authentic. Thanks again!
I’m afraid I don’t know of any such apps. I hope they exist.