Refuge Quote by Śāntideva
““Those desiring speedily to be A refuge for themselves and others Should make the interchange of "I" and "other," And thus embrace a sacred mystery.””
About This Quote
Source Text: Bodhicaryavatara, Chapter 6, 8th‑century Buddhist scripture
True compassion arises when we dissolve ego boundaries and recognize the interdependence of self and others, embracing the mystery of shared existence.
In simple terms: Compassion needs letting go of self‑centeredness.
Key Takeaway
Practice seeing others as extensions of yourself.
Themes
compassion
interdependence
ego
spirituality
Mood
reflective
calm
inspired
Type
spiritual
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- counseling
- conflict resolution
- team building
- mindfulness meditation
- social work
Key Concepts
Buddhist philosophy
emptiness
self‑transcendence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you experience the "I‑other" interchange in daily life?
- What fears arise when you let go of self‑importance?
A Different Perspective
May be difficult for those entrenched in strong personal identity or cultural individualism.
