---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We might think we can find a buddha or…"
description: "\"We might think we can find a buddha or enlightenment somewhere beyond this mind; we might think we can find serenity, clarity, and meaning beyond this ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/66c/geoffrey-shugen-arnold-61237_buddhism_we-might-think-we-can-find-a-buddha-or-e_2318436.png"
---

#  We might think we can find a buddha or enlightenment…

![“We might think we can find a buddha or enlightenment somewhere beyond this mind; we might think we can find serenity, clarity, and meaning beyond this mind, but such place does not exist. Everything that appears is this mind, Bodhidharma says.” quote by Geoffrey Shugen Arnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/66c/geoffrey-shugen-arnold-61237_buddhism_we-might-think-we-can-find-a-buddha-or-e_2318436.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/66c/geoffrey-shugen-arnold-61237_buddhism_we-might-think-we-can-find-a-buddha-or-e_2318436.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/66c/geoffrey-shugen-arnold-61237_buddhism_we-might-think-we-can-find-a-buddha-or-e_2318436.png)

> “We might think we can find a buddha or enlightenment somewhere beyond this mind; we might think we can find serenity, clarity, and meaning beyond this mind, but such place does not exist. Everything that appears is this mind, Bodhidharma says.”

[Geoffrey Shugen Arnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geoffrey-shugen-arnold/)

## About This Quote

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

The quote asserts that enlightenment and serenity are not external destinations but arise within one's own mind; there is no separate place to attain them.

**In simple terms:** Enlightenment is found inside, not outside.

Key Takeaway

Look inward for peace.

Themes

mindfulness spirituality self‑realization

Mood

contemplative calm

Type

philosophical spiritual

When to use this quote

- meditation practice
- daily stress
- personal growth
- therapy sessions

Key Concepts

non‑dualism Buddhist philosophy impermanence

Questions to Reflect On

- How can you experience inner peace now?
- What mental habits keep you searching outside?

A Different Perspective

It may overlook practical steps for those seeking concrete guidance.

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