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When you meet the Buddha, kill the Buddha” means that when…

“When you meet the Buddha, kill the Buddha” means that when you see that you’re grasping or clinging to anything, whether conventionally it’s called good or bad, make friends with that. Look into it. Get to know it completely and utterly. In that way it will let go of itself.” quote by Pema Chödrön
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““When you meet the Buddha, kill the Buddha” means that when you see that you’re grasping or clinging to anything, whether conventionally it’s called good or bad, make friends with that. Look into it. Get to know it completely and utterly. In that way it will let go of itself.””

Pema Chödrön

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Seeing attachment as a friend allows deep understanding, leading to its natural release.

In simple terms: Befriend what you cling to to let it go.

Key Takeaway

Observe and accept attachments fully.

Themes

mindfulness attachment release

Mood

calm introspective

Type

spiritual philosophical

When to use this quote

  • meditation practice
  • conflict resolution
  • relationship counseling
  • stress management

Key Concepts

non‑attachment self‑inquiry

Questions to Reflect On

  • What attachment feels most urgent to examine?
  • Can acceptance reduce suffering?
A Different Perspective

Hard to truly befriend harmful habits without discomfort.

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