Shantideva Quotes
Shantideva was an Indian Buddhist monk and philosopher of the Madhyamaka school. According to tradition, he was a prince who renounced the throne to enter the great monastic university of Nalanda, where his fellow monks considered him a do-nothing until he astonished them by delivering, in spontaneous verse, the Bodhicaryavatara, the Way of the Bodhisattva. The quotes below are attributed to Shantideva, organized by topic.
Shantideva on Happiness
-
Attributed to Shantideva:
“All happiness in the world comes from desiring the welfare of others; all suffering comes from desiring one's own welfare.”
Shantideva on Love
-
Attributed to Shantideva:
“By protecting others you protect yourself.”
-
Attributed to Shantideva:
“May I become a protector for those without protection, a guide for travelers on the way.”
Shantideva on Mind
-
Attributed to Shantideva:
“If a problem can be solved, what is the use of worrying? If it cannot be solved, what is the use of worrying?”
Shantideva on Virtue
-
Attributed to Shantideva:
“Patience is the noblest of virtues.”
-
Attributed to Shantideva:
“There is nothing whatsoever that does not become easier with practice.”