22 Buddha Quotes to Lead you Down the Path of Enlightenment
Born in Nepal in the 6th century B.C., Siddhartha Gautama, who would later become known as Buddha, was a spiritual leader and undoubtedly one of the most influential figures of all times.
It is said that the “awakened one” was the son of a king who wanted to keep him away from seeing the world’s suffering and hardship, so Buddha was raised in opulence in a palace that was built especially for him. It was only in his late 20s that Buddha decided to leave the palace and confront the reality outside the protective walls.
After 49 days of deep meditation, Buddha attained enlightenment and found all the answers he had been seeking for. He spent the rest of his life traveling and preaching the Dharma to all those who wanted to follow the path of enlightenment.
Buddha’s life and teachings serve as the foundation of the Buddhist religion and he is considered to be one of the 10 major avatars of Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation.
Here are Buddha quotes for living a more peaceful and meaningful life:
Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.
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.
Nothing can harm you as much as your own thoughts unguarded.
People with opinions just go around bothering each other.
By liberation of the self through love, we will develop love, we will practice it, we will make it both a way and a basis.
Drop by drop is the water pot filled. Likewise, the wise man, gathering it little by little, fills himself with good.
Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance.
If anything is worth doing, do it with all your heart.
It is easy to see the faults of others, but difficult to see one’s own faults.
Three things cannot hide for long: the Moon, the Sun and the Truth.
Conquer the angry one by not getting angry; conquer the wicked by goodness; conquer the stingy by generosity, and the liar by speaking the truth.
Do not look for a sanctuary in anyone except yourself.
If one speaks or acts with a pure mind, happiness follows him like a shadow that never leaves him.
Health is the greatest gift, contentment is the greatest wealth.
If you don’t tend to one another, who then will tend to you?
The foolish and the ignorant give themselves over to negligence; whereas the wise treasure mindfulness as a precious jewel.
Silence the angry man with love. Silence the ill-natured man with kindness. Silence the miser with generosity. Silence the liar with truth.
As a mountain of rock is unshaken by wind, so also, the wise are unperturbed by blame or by praise.
Better than a hundred years in the life of a person who is idle and inactive, is a day in the life of one who makes a zealous and strenuous effort.
Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.
That deed is not well done, if one has to repent for having done it, and if, with a tearful face, one has to weep as a result of that deed.
It is a man's own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.