Suffering Quote by Red Pine
““Whatever is form is impermanent. And whatever is impermanent is suffering. And whatever is suffering is devoid of a self, devoid of a self and anything that might belong to a self. One who views things like this sees things as they really are. So, too, are sensation, perception, memory and consciousness impermanent. And being impermanent, they are suffering. And being suffering, they are devoid of a self and anything that might belong to a self. One who views things like this sees them as they really are. Those noble disciples who view things like this are repulsed by form and repulsed by sensation, perception, memory, and consciousness. And because they are repulsed by them, they do not delight in them. And because they do not delight in them, they are free of them.””
About This Quote
Source Sutra: Mahaparinirvana Sutra, translated by Red Pine
The passage describes the Buddhist insight that all phenomena are transient, lead to suffering, and lack an inherent self, urging detachment and true seeing.
In simple terms: All things change, cause suffering, and have no permanent self; seeing this frees us.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate detachment from fleeting experiences.
Themes
impermanence
ufferinguffering
non-self
detachment
Mood
calm
reflective
serene
Type
philosophical
spiritual
inspirational
When to use this quote
- Meditation practice
- grief counseling
- addiction recovery
- everyday stress management
Key Concepts
Buddhist philosophy
emptiness
mindfulness
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you observe impermanence without becoming indifferent?
- What practices help balance detachment with empathy?
A Different Perspective
The teaching may be misinterpreted as encouraging emotional numbness rather than compassionate awareness.
