Life is short and the time of death is uncertain; so apply…
“Life is short and the time of death is uncertain; so apply yourself to meditation. Avoid doing evil, and acquire merit, to the best of your ability, even at the cost of life itself. In short: Act so that you have no cause to be ashamed of yourselves and hold fast to this rule.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Live with awareness, avoid wrongdoing, and cultivate virtue, even if it costs you life; act without shame.
In simple terms: Live virtuously despite risk.
Key Takeaway
Practice meditation, ethical conduct, and generosity.
Themes
ethics
meditation
impermanence
Mood
contemplative
spiritual
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- daily meditation
- ethical decision making
- charitable acts
Key Concepts
Buddhist practice
spiritual discipline
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance self‑care with self‑lessness?
- What actions bring you peace?
A Different Perspective
Self‑sacrifice may be unsustainable for all.