Inspirational Wisdom for Life: 59 Great Buddha quotes on change

Written by Terencio White

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People have regarded Siddhartha Gautama as the founder of Buddhism. People have kept his teachings alive, making them remain relevant and influential today. One of the recurring themes in his teachings is the idea of impermanence and the inevitability of change. Buddha emphasized that everything in the universe is subject to change, and that resisting or clinging to these changes leads to suffering.

As a spiritual leader, he encouraged his followers to cultivate acceptance and equanimity, and to embrace the impermanence of life. Many of Buddha's quotes on change are timeless and offer profound insights into how we can navigate the difficulties of life with grace and wisdom. Whether you are facing a major life change or simply seeking peace and serenity, the wisdom of Buddha can provide guidance and inspiration.

Who was Gautama Buddha?

buddha in lotus pose chakra concept

Long story short, he was born into a royal family, but after witnessing the suffering and impermanence of life, he renounced his luxurious lifestyle and set out on a spiritual quest to find the meaning of existence. Through years of meditation and self-reflection, he achieved enlightenment and taught his insights to others.

Buddha's teachings emphasize the importance of compassion, nonviolence, and mindfulness, and they continue to inspire people around the world to this day. We can certainly show gratitude his entire life teaching others how to be a better person.

Best Buddha quotes on change: The Nature of Change in Life

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According to Buddha, change is the only constant in life. He believed that everything in the universe is impermanent and that all things arise and pass away.

Buddha also emphasized the importance of acceptance in dealing with accepting the now. We can find peace and stability by accepting evolution. This concept is especially relevant in the current moment, as we navigate the challenges of a transforming world.


"Everything that arises must pass away" - Buddha

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Here are 11 quotes that reflect Buddha's view of the world:

  1. "Nothing is permanent in this world, not even our troubles."

  2. "Change is never painful, only resistance to change is painful."

  3. "All things are impermanent; they arise and pass away."

  4. "Just as a snake sheds its skin, we must shed our past over and over again."

  5. "The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance."

  6. "The present moment is always changing, so embrace it fully with a smile on your face."

  7. "Every experience, no matter how bad it seems, holds within it a blessing of some kind. The goal is to find it."

  8. "Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment."

  9. "When you realize how perfect everything is you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky."

  10. "Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like."

  11. "In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you."


Life can change in a moment's notice, realize today and happiness will follow  

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Did you know?

In Buddhism, having a generous heart is considered a virtue that brings immense joy and happiness. By cultivating a spirit of generosity and compassion towards others, we not only uplift those around us but also bring meaning and purpose to our own lives.



Best Buddha quotes on change: Self-Change in Life

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Buddha believed that self-change is essential for personal growth and enlightenment. He taught us we are all capable of self-improvement and that mindfulness is a key tool for achieving this.

One inspirational quote from Buddha is: "Be your own light. No one can save you but yourself." 

Mindfulness is a key aspect of self-change in Buddhism. By being aware of our thoughts and emotions, we can identify areas where we need to improve and take steps to make positive changes. Buddha also emphasized the importance of kindness and generosity in cultivating a positive mindset.

Here are 11 quotes that will give some insight on how to deal with the mind:

  1. "You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection."
  2. "You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere."
  3. "You are not in this world to live up to other people's expectations, nor should you feel like you have to."
  4. "Be the change you want to see in the world."
  5. "Happiness does not depend on what you have or who you are. It solely relies on what you think."
  6. "It is a man's own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways."
  7. "You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your own kindness and compassion."
  8. "The mind is everything. What you think you become."
  9. "Do not be too hard on yourself. You are doing the best you can."
  10. "If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path."
  11. "The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart."

Power tip

In Buddhist philosophy, the secret to true happiness and the secret of health lies in cultivating a mind that is free from attachment and negative thoughts. By letting go of our desires and focusing on the present moment, we can experience a sense of inner solitude and contentment that is essential for our physical and emotional well-being. This involves practicing mindfulness, compassion, and non-attachment, as well as taking care of our physical health through exercise, healthy eating, and rest. Ultimately, by nurturing our body and mind with a sense of balance and harmony, we can achieve true happiness and live a fulfilling existence.

Best Buddha quotes on change: Dealing with External Change in Life

Buddha's teachings can also help us change your being. He believed that external change is inevitable and that we should accept it rather than resist it.

One famous buddha quotes on dealing with external change is "Change is the only constant in life."

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.” - Buddha

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To find peace and stability in the world, Buddha taught the importance of mindfulness and living in the present for a good life. By focusing on the now, we can avoid getting caught up in fears and anxieties about the future.

Buddha also taught that by being mindful of our thoughts and emotions, we could respond to know life in a more thoughtful and constructive manner.


Living a pure unselfish life heals one person at a time 

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Here are 11 quotes that will give some insight into how to change the world:

  1. "Everything that has a beginning has an ending. Make your peace with that and all will be well."
  2. "The only constant in life is change."
  3. "No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path."
  4. "The root of suffering is attachment."
  5. "Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment."
  6. "Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without."
  7. "Better than a thousand hollow words is one word that brings peace."
  8. "Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind."
  9. "Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship."
  10. "Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already have."
  11. "There is no path to happiness: happiness is the path."

Buddha quotes on change: Social Change in Life

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Buddha's teachings on social change offer profound insights into how we can create a more compassionate and just world. His words inspire us to look beyond our individual needs and desires and to work towards the betterment of society.

Here are 11 quotes based on social change that are attributed to Buddha:

  1. "Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule."
  2. "If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change."
  3. "To conquer oneself is a greater task than conquering others."
  4. "It is better to travel well than to arrive."
  5. "Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful."
  6. "In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you."
  7. "Silence the angry man with love. Silence the ill-natured man with kindness. Silence the miser with generosity. Silence the liar with truth."
  8. "The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows."
  9. "There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting."
  10. "The only way to do great work is to love what you do."
  11. "To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent."

Because there is so much going on that involves evolution, loves and happiness are vital part of the formula to navigate successfully through life.

Favorite Buddha Quotes on Love, Life & Happiness for a healthy mind

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Buddha's teachings have inspired countless people over the centuries with their profound insights on love, life, and happiness. His words offer guidance for cultivating a healthy mind to know inner peace in a chaotic world. This collection of Buddha quotes on love, life, and happiness provides timeless wisdom that is just as relevant today as it was when Buddha first shared his teachings.

From cultivating gratitude to letting go of attachment, these quotes offer practical advice for achieving a state of good health for the mind. Whether you're seeking inspirational quotes for personal growth or simply looking to improve your outlook on existence, the wisdom of Buddha's words can help guide you on your journey.


  1. "Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship."
  2. "Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without."
  3. "You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection."
  4. "The mind is everything. What you think you become."
  5. "The only way to do great work is to love what you do."
  6. "Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already have."
  7. "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."
  8. "To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent."
  9. "Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind."
  10. "In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you."
  11. "Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life."
  12. "An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind."
  13. "The tongue like a sharp knife... Kills without drawing blood."
  14. "We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves."
  15. “Thousands of candles can be lit by a single candle and the life of the candle will not be shortened, happiness never decreases by being shared.”


Popular mindfulness exercises for your spiritual path for all human beings

Breath awareness: Simply focusing on the sensation of your breath can help you become more present and centered.

Body scan: This involves bringing your awareness to each part of your body, starting from your toes and working your way up to the top of your head.

Loving-kindness meditation: This practice involves sending kind and loving good thought to yourself and others.

Mindful walking: This involves walking with a focus on each step, and being fully aware in the now.

Gratitude practice: This involves cultivating gratitude by focusing on the things in your life that you are thankful for.

By incorporating these mindfulness exercises into your daily routine, you can develop a sense of calm, clarity, and understanding with the flow of the universe.


Final Words

Buddha's quotes on change offer transformative wisdom that is still relevant in contemporary times. By embracing change, practicing mindfulness, and cultivating compassion and empathy, we can find peace and stability in a constantly changing world. 

I would appreciate if you spread the message of this post to your friends and family. What's most important is to practice the wisdom from these quotes to bring new beginnings in your life.  


FAQs

What is the concept of impermanence in Buddhism?

The concept of impermanence is central to the philosophy and refers to the idea that all things are constantly changing and impermanent.

How can mindfulness help with self-change?

Mindfulness can help with self-change by helping us become more aware of our thoughts and emotions. By being mindful, we can identify areas where we need to improve and take steps to make positive changes.

What is the role of acceptance in dealing with change, according to Buddha's teachings?

According to Buddha's teachings, acceptance is important in dealing with change because resisting change only leads to suffering. We can find peace and stability in a constantly changing world by accepting change.

How can I apply Buddha's teachings on change to my daily life?

You can apply Buddha's teachings on change to your daily life by practicing mindfulness, accepting change, and cultivating compassion and empathy.

What is the significance of interdependence in Buddhism and social change?

The concept of interdependence is central to Buddhist philosophy and emphasizes the idea that we are all interconnected. By understanding our interconnectedness, we can cultivate compassion and empathy and contribute to positive social change.

What are the 3 main Buddhist beliefs?

The three main beliefs are the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the concept of non-self (Anatta).

What is the famous quote of Buddha?

One of the famous quotes of Buddha is, "The mind is everything. What you think, you become."

What is the Buddhist law of impermanence?

The Buddhist law of impermanence, also known as Anicca, states that everything in the universe is constantly changing and nothing is permanent. This includes all physical and mental phenomena, including thoughts, emotions, and sensations.

What was Buddha's last words?

According to Buddhist tradition, Buddha's last words were, "All composite things are perishable. Strive for your own liberation with diligence." These words are believed to have been spoken by Buddha on his deathbed, and they emphasize the importance of seeking enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

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