Buddhism relates some of the most beautiful and succinct proverbs.

Quotes here are attributed to Buddha, The Dalai Lama, Lao Tzu and others.  Now we weren't around during that time, however these quotes have been attributed to their speakers based on study and research.  Keep in mind that most were translated, by humans, into English.  Therefore, there will be slight deviations in the wording. The words ring true nonetheless, and hopefully you will find them inspiring.

 

A jug fills drop by drop

- Buddha

All that we are is the result of what we have thought

- Buddha

 

An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea

- Buddha

 

Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace

- Buddha

 

Every human being is the author of his own health or disease

- Buddha

 

He is able who thinks he is able

- Buddha

 

What you think you become

- Buddha

 

Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship

- Buddha

 

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

 

I never see what has been done; I only see what remains to be done

- Buddha

 

It is better to travel well than to arrive

- Buddha

 

The foot feels the foot when it feels the ground

- Buddha

 

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

- Buddha

 

The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows

- Buddha

 

The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart

- Buddha

 

There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting

- Buddha

 

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth

- Buddha

 

You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished by your anger

- Buddha

 

You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection

- Buddha

 

Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it

- Buddha

 

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.

- Buddha

 

The tongue like a sharp knife... Kills without drawing blood.

- Buddha

 

To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one's family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one's own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him.

- Buddha

 

We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.

- Buddha

 

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. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection.

- Buddha

 

It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.

- Buddha

 

However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them?

- Buddha

 

The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed.

- Buddha

 

Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.

- Buddha

 

In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true.

- Buddha

 

No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.

- Buddha

 

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.

- Buddha

 

Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.

- Buddha

 

The mind is everything. What you think you become.

- Buddha

 

Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.

- Buddha

 

In a controversy the instant we feel anger we have already ceased striving for the truth, and have begun striving for ourselves.

- Buddha

 

All wrong-doing arises because of mind. If mind is transformed can wrong-doing remain?

- Buddha

 

I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act.

- Buddha

 

To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.

- Buddha

 

Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue.

- Buddha

 

Without health life is not life; it is only a state of langour and suffering - an image of death.

- Buddha

 

Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely.

- Buddha

 

It is a man's own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways.

- Buddha

 

We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.

- Buddha

 

He who loves 50 people has 50 woes; he who loves no one has no woes.

- Buddha

 

Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill.

- Buddha

 

 

Chaos is inherent in all compounded things. Strive on with diligence.

- Buddha

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Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.

- Buddha

 

To live a pure unselfish life, one must count nothing as one's own in the midst of abundance.

- Buddha

 

Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others.

- Buddha

 

When one has the feeling of dislike for evil, when one feels tranquil, one finds pleasure in listening to good teachings; when one has these feelings and appreciates them, one is free of fear.

- Buddha

 

Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace.

- Buddha

 

There has to be evil so that good can prove its purity above it.

- Buddha

 

What is the appropriate behavior for a man or a woman in the midst of this world, where each person is clinging to his piece of debris? What's the proper salutation between people as they pass each other in this flood?

- Buddha

 

The wise ones fashioned speech with their thought, sifting it as grain is sifted through a sieve.

- Buddha

 

The virtues, like the Muses, are always seen in groups. A good principle was never found solitary in any breast.

- Buddha

 

Virtue is persecuted more by the wicked than it is loved by the good.

- Buddha

 

 

Unity can only be manifested by the Binary. Unity itself and the idea of Unity are already two.

- Buddha

 

Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible

- Dalai Lama

 

 

I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe

- Dalai Lama

 

 

If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them

- Dalai Lama

 

 

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion

- Dalai Lama

 

 

In the practice of tolerance, one's enemy is the best teacher.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive

- Dalai Lama

 

 

My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness

- Dalai Lama

 

 

The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness

- Dalai Lama

 

 

We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves

- Dalai Lama

 

 

Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions

- Dalai Lama

 

 

The ultimate authority must always rest with the individual's own reason and critical analysis

- Dalai Lama

 

 

We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves

- Dalai Lama

 

 

Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace

- Dalai Lama

 

 

With realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world

- Dalai Lama

 

 

This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend - or a meaningful day.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

It is very important to generate a good attitude, a good heart, as much as possible. From this, happiness in both the short term and the long term for both yourself and others will come.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness; the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

The purpose of our lives is to be happy.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

Sometimes one creates a dynamic impression by saying something, and sometimes one creates as significant an impression by remaining silent.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

It is necessary to help others, not only in our prayers, but in our daily lives. If we find we cannot help others, the least we can do is to desist from harming them.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

Today, more than ever before, life must be characterized by a sense of Universal responsibility, not only nation to nation and human to human, but also human to other forms of life.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

If you have a particular faith or religion, that is good. But you can survive without it.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

When you are discontent, you always want more, more, more. Your desire can never be satisfied. But when you practice contentment, you can say to yourself, 'Oh yes - I already have everything that I really need.'

- Dalai Lama

 

 

Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn't anyone who doesn't appreciate kindness and compassion.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

With realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

A lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect toward others.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

The best way to resolve any problem in the human world is for all sides to sit down and talk.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

Even when a person has all of life's comforts - good food, good shelter, a companion - he or she can still become unhappy when encountering a tragic situation.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

I think governments can't do much.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

World belongs to humanity, not this leader, that leader or that king or prince or religious leader. World belongs to humanity.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

Generally speaking, if a human being never shows anger, then I think something's wrong. He's not right in the brain.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

Look at situations from all angles, and you will become more open.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

Out of 6 billion humans, the troublemakers are just a handful.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

We all have to live together, so we might as well live together happily.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

I have always had this view about the modern education system: we pay attention to brain development, but the development of warmheartedness we take for granted.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

The important thing is that men should have a purpose in life. It should be something useful, something good.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

I am just one human being.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

Disagreement is something normal.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

Home is where you feel at home and are treated well.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

Even when we have physical hardships, we can be very happy.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

Whether you call it Buddhism or another religion, self-discipline, that's important. Self-discipline with awareness of consequences.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

There are techniques of Buddhism, such as meditation, that anyone can adopt.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

My faith helps me overcome such negative emotions and find my equilibrium.

- Dalai Lama

 

 

Appearance is something absolute, but reality is not that way - everything is interdependent, not absolute.

- Dalai Lama

Zen Proverbs

 

Move and the way will open

- Zen Proverb

 

 

From the withered tree, a flower blooms

- Zen Proverb

 

 

Be master of mind rather than mastered by mind

- Zen Proverb

 

 

Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water

- Zen Proverb

 

 

The infinite is in the finite of every instant

- Zen Proverb

 

 

When walking, walk. When eating, eat

- Zen Proverb

 

 

Only a crystal clear question yields a transparent answer

– Zen Proverb

 

 

Life is the only thing worth living for

– Zen Proverb

 

The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step

- Lao Tzu

 

 

A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving

- Lao Tzu

 

 

An ant on the move does more than a dozing ox

- Lao Tzu

 

 

Anticipate the difficult by managing the easy

- Lao Tzu

 

 

Be the chief but never the lord

- Lao Tzu

 

 

Because of a great love, one is courageous

- Lao Tzu

 

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage

- Lao Tzu

 

 

From caring comes courage

- Lao Tzu

 

 

Great acts are made up of small deeds

- Lao Tzu

 

 

He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty

- Lao Tzu

 

 

He who does not trust enough, will not be trusted

- Lao Tzu

 

 

He who is contented is rich

- Lao Tzu

 

 

He who knows himself is enlightened

- Lao Tzu

 

 

He who knows others is wise. He who knows himself is enlightened

- Lao Tzu

 

 

He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough

- Lao Tzu

 

He who talks more is sooner exhausted

- Lao Tzu

 

Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment

- Lao Tzu

 

 

Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it

- Lao Tzu

 

 

Silence is a source of great strength

- Lao Tzu

 

 

To love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage

- Lao Tzu

 

 

The only Zen you find on the tops of mountains is the Zen you bring up there.

- Robert M. Pirsig

 

 

The quieter you become, the more you can hear.

– Baba Ram Dass

 

 

You must neither strive for truth nor seek to lose your illusions.

– The Shodoka

 

 

Zen is not some kind of excitement, but merely concentration on our usual everyday routine.

– Shunryu Suzuki

 

 

The most important point is to accept yourself and stand on your two feet.

– Shunryu Suzuki

 

 

Don’t seek reality, just put an end to opinions

– Sheng-ts' an

 

 

When you get there, there isn’t any there there

– Gertrude Stein

 

 

Water which is too pure has no fish

– Ts'ai Ken T'an

 

 

Nothing is exactly as it seems, nor is it otherwise

– Alan Watts

 

 

The instant you speak about a thing, you miss the mark

– Wu-men

 

 

All of the significant battles are waged within the self

– Sheldon Kopp

 

 

If you have a problem that can be fixed, then there is no use in worrying. If you have a problem that cannot be fixed, then there is no use in worrying.

– Buddhist proverb

 

 

 

If the problem has a solution, worrying is pointless, in the end the problem will be solved. If the problem has no solution, there is no reason to worry, because it can’t be solved.

– Zen saying