Crosses Quote by Nhat Hanh
“It is often said that the Buddha's teaching is only a raft to help you cross the river, a finger pointing to the moon. Don't maistake the finger for the moon. The raft is not the shore. If we cling to the raft, if we cling to the finger, we miss everything. We cannot, in the name of the finger or the raft kill each other. Human life is more precious than any ideology, any doctrine.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching, Thich Nhat Hanh, 1998
Teachings are tools, not ends; clinging to symbols blocks deeper insight and compassion.
In simple terms: Use teachings as guides, not idols.
Key Takeaway
Let go of rigid attachment to ideas.
Themes
spirituality
non‑attachment
compassion
Mood
reflective
serene
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- conflict resolution
- ethical decision‑making
Key Concepts
Buddhism
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What symbols do you cling to that limit understanding?
- How can you use teachings without becoming attached?
A Different Perspective
Risk of dismissing useful practices if taken too literally.
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
