Then the Buddha said to his monks, walk over the earth for the blessing of many, the happiness of many, out of compassion for the world, for the welfare and the blessing and the happiness of gods and men.

- Vinaya Pitaka

Suffering chastens us and makes us remember. We are like the child who tries to pick up fire and is unlikely to do it again, once she has seen the consequences. With material things, seeing is easy; but when it comes to picking up the fires of greed, aversion, and delusion, most of us arent even aware were holding fires at all. On the contrary, we misguidedly believe them to be lovable and desirable, and so we are never chastened. We never learn our lesson.

- Buddhadhasa Bhikku, "Heartwood of the Bodhi Tree"

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He who seeks happiness should withdraw the arrow; his own lamentations, longings and grief. With the arrow withdrawn, unattached, he would attain to peace of mind; and when all sorrow has been transcended he is sorrow-free and has realized Nibbana.

- Sutta Nipata


Having enjoyed a sweet delicious taste, And having sometimes tasted what is bitter, Do not greedily enjoy the sweet taste, Do not feel aversion toward the bitter. When touched by pleasant contact, do not be enthralled, Do not tremble when touched by pain. Look evenly on both the pleasant and painful, Not drawn or repelled by anything.

- Buddha, "The Connected Discourses of the Buddha


We must acknowledge that there can be no hope of gratifying the senses permanently. At best, the happiness we derive from eating a good meal can only last until the next time we are hungry.

- His Holiness the Dalai Lama