Buddha Quote by Línjì Yìxuán
““If you meet the Buddha, kill him.””
About This Quote
Source Buddhist teaching, 8th century
The instruction urges you to let go of external representations of enlightenment and find truth within.
In simple terms: Don't cling to external images of enlightenment.
Key Takeaway
Seek personal insight, not idol.
Themes
spirituality
self-reliance
non-attachment
Mood
contemplative
challenging
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- meditation practice
- religious study
- personal crisis
- creative inspiration
Key Concepts
Buddhism
iconoclasm
Questions to Reflect On
- What "Buddhas" are you idolizing?
- How does letting go change your path?
A Different Perspective
Literal interpretation can become a new idol.
![“Followers of the Way [of Chán], if you want to get the kind of understanding that accords with the Dharma, never be misled by others. Whether you're facing inward or facing outward, whatever you meet up with, just kill it! If you meet a buddha, kill the buddha. If you meet a patriarch, kill the…” quote by Linji Yixuan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/47f/linji-yixuan-42287_accord_followers-of-the-way-of-ch-n-if-you-want_1712520.jpg)
