I sit down and say, and I run all my friends and relatives…
““I sit down and say, and I run all my friends and relatives and enemies one by one in this, without entertaining any angers or gratitudes or anything, and I say, like 'Japhy Ryder, equally empty, equally to be loved, equally a coming Buddha,' then I run on, say to 'David O. Selznick, equally empty, equally to be loved, equally a coming Buddha' though I don't use names like David O. Selznick, just people I know because when I say the words 'equally a coming Buddha' I want to be thinking of their eyes, like you take Morley, his blue eyes behind those glasses, when you think 'equally a coming Buddha' you think of those eyes and you really do suddenly see the true secret serenity and the truth of his coming Buddhahood. Then you think of your enemy's eyes.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The narrator lists acquaintances, invoking a shared emptiness and potential enlightenment, using the phrase “equally a coming Buddha” to glimpse inner serenity even in adversaries.
In simple terms: Seeing everyone as equally empty yet capable of enlightenment.
Key Takeaway
Recognize shared humanity and potential for awakening.
Themes
spirituality
empathy
nonjudgment
impermanence
Mood
contemplative
introspective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- conflict resolution
- mindfulness practice
Key Concepts
Buddhism
existentialism
humanism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does seeing an enemy’s eyes as Buddha-like affect conflict?
- Can emptiness be a path to compassion?
A Different Perspective
Equating all beings with emptiness may overlook individuality.