Atiśa was a Buddhist teacher in the 11th century. He has been a guide and source of great wisdom for many people since then and a number of buddhist traditions are inspired by his work.
I recently came upon the following Atiśa quote as translated and offered by Walter Taminang in his book Perspectives on Mankind’s Search for Meaning (2008). I wish to share it with you as it offers 13 pillars of wisdom that I find especially useful at times when I feel a bit lost and ambivalent about the ways of the world.
I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I do ❤
The greatest achievement is selflessness.
The greatest worth is self-mastery.
The greatest quality is seeking to serve others.
The greatest precept is continual awareness.
The greatest medicine is the emptiness of everything.
The greatest action is not conforming with the world’s ways.
The greatest magic is transmuting the passions.
The greatest generosity is non-attachment.
The greatest goodness is a peaceful mind.
The greatest patience is humility.
The greatest effort is not concerned with results.
The greatest meditation is a mind that lets go.
The greatest wisdom is seeing through appearances.
— Atiśa as quoted by Walter Taminang in his book Perspectives on Mankind’s Search for Meaning (2008).
May we all transcend our fearful human nature by allowing the wisdom of our very old teachers to transform us – for the sake of ourselves, our loved ones and all of our brothers and sisters on this earth. ❤
GRÅSKY 