Arrows Quote by Gary Snyder
“The Buddha taught that all life is suffering. We might also say that life, being both attractive and constantly dangerous, is intoxicating and ultimately toxic. 'Toxic' comes from toxicon, Pendell tells us, with a root meaning of 'a poisoned arrow.' All organic life is struck by the arrows of real and psychic poisons. This is understood by any true, that is to say, not self-deluding, spiritual path.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Poisoned Arrow, Gary Snyder, 1974
Life is inherently painful and alluring, likened to being struck by poisonous arrows that symbolize both physical and mental harms.
In simple terms: Existence mixes suffering with seductive danger, like a poisoned arrow.
Key Takeaway
Accept suffering as part of the human condition.
Themes
philosophy
spirituality
human condition
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- mental health coping
- creative writing
- mindfulness practice
Key Concepts
Buddhist teachings
existentialism
poetic metaphor
Questions to Reflect On
- In what ways does acknowledging suffering empower growth?
- How can we transform “poison” into insight?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may oversimplify complex emotional experiences.
![“But if you do know what is taught by plants and weather, you are in on the gossip and can feel truly at home. The sum of a field's forces [become] what we call very loosely the 'spirit of the place.' To know the spirit of a place is to realize that you are a part of a part and that the whole is…” quote by Gary Snyder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/af3/gary-snyder-4502_feels_but-if-you-do-know-what-is-taught-by-pla_256516.jpg)
