--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Unruly beings are as unlimited as space…" description: "\"Unruly beings are as unlimited as space They cannot possibly all be overcome, But if I overcome thoughts of anger alone This will be equivalent to vanq..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b4d/shantideva-10592_buddhist_unruly-beings-are-as-unlimited-as-space_3232047.jpg" --- # Unruly beings are as unlimited as space They cannot… ![“Unruly beings are as unlimited as space They cannot possibly all be overcome, But if I overcome thoughts of anger alone This will be equivalent to vanquishing all foes. Where would I possibly find enough leather With which to cover the surface of the earth? But (wearing) leather just on the soles…” quote by Shantideva](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b4d/shantideva-10592_buddhist_unruly-beings-are-as-unlimited-as-space_3232047.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b4d/shantideva-10592_buddhist_unruly-beings-are-as-unlimited-as-space_3232047.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b4d/shantideva-10592_buddhist_unruly-beings-are-as-unlimited-as-space_3232047.jpg) > “Unruly beings are as unlimited as space They cannot possibly all be overcome, But if I overcome thoughts of anger alone This will be equivalent to vanquishing all foes. Where would I possibly find enough leather With which to cover the surface of the earth? But (wearing) leather just on the soles of my shoes Is equivalent to covering the earth with it. Likewise it is not possible for me To restrain the external course of things; But should I restrain this mind of mine What would be the need to restrain all else?” [Shantideva](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shantideva/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Controlling external events is impossible; mastering one's mind is the true victory, akin to covering the earth with a tiny piece of leather. **In simple terms:** Mind mastery outweighs external control. Key Takeaway Focus on inner discipline over external circumstances. Themes mindfulness inner peace control philosophy Mood contemplative inspirational Type spiritual philosophical When to use this quote - daily stress - conflict - personal growth - leadership challenges Key Concepts non‑attachment mental training Questions to Reflect On - How can you practice mind discipline daily? - What external pressures test your inner calm? A Different Perspective Inner change is hard and may feel insufficient. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Beings Unlimited](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/beings-unlimited-6118152/) [Buddhist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/buddhist/) [Covering](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/covering/) [Earth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/earth/) [Enough](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enough/) [Foe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/foe/) [Leather](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/leather/) [Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mind/) [Need Restrain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/need-restrain-5694627/) [Needs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/needs/) [Overcoming](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/overcoming/) [Restrain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/restrain/) [Restrain External](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/restrain-external-6118153/) [Restrain Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/restrain-mind-2987952/) [Shoes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shoes/) [Should](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/should/) [Space](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/space/) [Surface](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/surface/) [Unlimited](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/unlimited/) [Unruly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/unruly/) [Would be](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/would-be/) ## Related quotes > [“Curb your speech, restrain your mind, commit no evil deed.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/th-ch-nh-t-h-nh/curb-your-speech-restrain-your-mind-commit-no-evil-deed/) [Thích Nhất Hạnh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/th-ch-nh-t-h-nh/) > [Music is 99% of my life. But I know I need a break. Besides, if you give people too much, they start to not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-corgan/music-is-99-of-my-life-but-i-know-i-need-a-break-besides-if-you-give/) [Billy Corgan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-corgan/) > [“break down every door they built to keep you out and bring all your people with you - storm”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rupi-kaur/break-down-every-door-they-built-to-keep-you-out-and-bring-all-your/) [Rupi Kaur](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rupi-kaur/) > [When people are too comfortable, it is not possible to restrain them within the bounds of their duty? They may be compared to mules…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cardinal-richelieu/when-people-are-too-comfortable-it-is-not-possible-to-restrain-them/) [Cardinal Richelieu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cardinal-richelieu/) > [We have to be able to protect the homeland, and we have to be able to restrain evil in the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/raphael-warnock/we-have-to-be-able-to-protect-the-homeland-and-we-have-to-be-able-to/) [Raphael Warnock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/raphael-warnock/) > [“Dreams are ideas where the collar has been removed and the leash has been thrown away.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/craig-d-lounsbrough/dreams-are-ideas-where-the-collar-has-been-removed-and-the-leash-has/) [Craig D. Lounsbrough](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/craig-d-lounsbrough/) > [“Lancelot tried to have a Word. His Word was valuable to him not only because he was good, but also because he was bad.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/t-h-white/lancelot-tried-to-have-a-word-his-word-was-valuable-to-him-not-only/) [T.H. WHite](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/t-h-white/) > [Love doesn't hurt, people do, why restrain yourself because of someone else?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/desmond-fouche/love-doesn-t-hurt-people-do-why-restrain-yourself-because-of-someone/) [Desmond Fouche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/desmond-fouche/) > [Then, everlasting Love , restrain thy will; 'Tis god -like to have power, but not to kill.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-fletcher/then-everlasting-love-restrain-thy-will-tis-god-like-to-have-power/) [John Fletcher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-fletcher/) > [Consider it the greatest of all virtues to restrain the tongue.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cato-the-younger/consider-it-the-greatest-of-all-virtues-to-restrain-the-tongue/) [Cato the Younger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cato-the-younger/) > [I take it as a man's duty to restrain himself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lois-mcmaster-bujold/i-take-it-as-a-man-s-duty-to-restrain-himself/) [Lois McMaster Bujold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lois-mcmaster-bujold/) > [Our company was mortgaged to the hilt, and that did restrain us, and it's why we had to take in partners.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gina-rinehart/our-company-was-mortgaged-to-the-hilt-and-that-did-restrain-us-and-it/) [Gina Rinehart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gina-rinehart/) > [“You got a vicious animal inside you. It wants to snap, it wants to attack, but it's harmless because some woman fitted a muzzle…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomm-quackenbush/you-got-a-vicious-animal-inside-you-it-wants-to-snap-it-wants-to/) [Thomm Quackenbush](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomm-quackenbush/) > [“I will teach you in time, but for now restrain me and have your way with me. I don’t want to think, I just…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laci-paige/i-will-teach-you-in-time-but-for-now-restrain-me-and-have-your-way/) [Laci Paige](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laci-paige/) > [Those who restrain desire, do so because theirs is weak enough to be restrained; and the restrainer or reason usurps its place & governs…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-blake/those-who-restrain-desire-do-so-because-theirs-is-weak-enough-to-be/) [William Blake](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-blake/) ## More by Shantideva > [Instead of trying to cover the whole world with leather, put on some sandals.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shantideva/instead-of-trying-to-cover-the-whole-world-with-leather-put-on-some/) [Shantideva](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shantideva/) > [In the ages marked by scarcity and want, may I myself appear as drink and sustenance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shantideva/in-the-ages-marked-by-scarcity-and-want-may-i-myself-appear-as-drink/) [Shantideva](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shantideva/) > [All the suffering in the world comes from seeking pleasure for oneself. All the happiness in the world comes from seeking pleasure for others.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shantideva/all-the-suffering-in-the-world-comes-from-seeking-pleasure-for/) [Shantideva](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shantideva/) > [Examine thus yourself from every side. Note harmful thoughts and every futile striving. Thus it is that heroes in the bodhisattva path Apply the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shantideva/examine-thus-yourself-from-every-side-note-harmful-thoughts-and-every/) [Shantideva](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shantideva/) > [All those who slight me to my face, Or do me any other evil, Even if they blame or slander me, May they attain…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shantideva/all-those-who-slight-me-to-my-face-or-do-me-any-other-evil-even-if/) [Shantideva](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shantideva/) > [Why be unhappy about something if it can be remedied? And what is the use of being unhappy about something if it cannot be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shantideva/why-be-unhappy-about-something-if-it-can-be-remedied-and-what-is-the/) [Shantideva](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shantideva/) > [Those desiring to escape from suffering hasten right toward suffering. With the very desire for happiness, out of delusion they destroy their own happiness…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shantideva/those-desiring-to-escape-from-suffering-hasten-right-toward-suffering/) [Shantideva](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shantideva/) > [It is not possible to control all external events; But, if I simply control my mind what need is there to control other things?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shantideva/it-is-not-possible-to-control-all-external-events-but-if-i-simply/) [Shantideva](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shantideva/) > [The source of all happiness lies in thinking of others.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shantideva/the-source-of-all-happiness-lies-in-thinking-of-others/) [Shantideva](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shantideva/) > [“We hate suffering, but love it’s causes.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shantideva/we-hate-suffering-but-love-it-s-causes/) [Shantideva](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shantideva/) > [It is natural for the immature to harm others. Getting angry with them is like resenting a fire for burning.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shantideva/it-is-natural-for-the-immature-to-harm-others-getting-angry-with-them/) [Shantideva](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shantideva/) > [“May the blind see the forms, May the deaf hear sounds. May the naked find clothing, The hungry find food; May the thirsty find…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shantideva/may-the-blind-see-the-forms-may-the-deaf-hear-sounds-may-the-naked/) [Shantideva](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shantideva/) > [What need is there to say more? The childish work for their own benefit, The Buddhas work for the benefit of others. Just look…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shantideva/what-need-is-there-to-say-more-the-childish-work-for-their-own/) [Shantideva](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shantideva/) > [The renunciation of doing harm is the perfection of discipline](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shantideva/the-renunciation-of-doing-harm-is-the-perfection-of-discipline/) [Shantideva](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shantideva/) > [In joy and sorrow all are equal, Thus be guardian of all, as of yourself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shantideva/in-joy-and-sorrow-all-are-equal-thus-be-guardian-of-all-as-of-yourself/) [Shantideva](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shantideva/) [Explore all 63 Shantideva quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shantideva/) ## More Buddhist quotes > [One of the things I regret about not putting in that book or I think it's there but I didn't really elaborate on it,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-warner/one-of-the-things-i-regret-about-not-putting-in-that-book-or-i-think/) [Brad Warner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-warner/) > [One of his students asked Buddha, "Are you the Messiah?" "No," answered Buddha. "Then are you a healer?" "No," Buddha replied. "Then are you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gautama-buddha/one-of-his-students-asked-buddha-are-you-the-messiah-no-answered/) [Gautama Buddha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gautama-buddha/) > [For fear of causing terror to living beings, Mahamati, let the Bodhisattva who is disciplining himself to attain compassion, refrain from eating flesh.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gautama-buddha/for-fear-of-causing-terror-to-living-beings-mahamati-let-the/) [Gautama Buddha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gautama-buddha/) > [Be lamps unto yourselves. Be refuges unto yourselves. Take yourself no external refuge. Hold fast to the truth as a lamp. Hold fast to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gautama-buddha/be-lamps-unto-yourselves-be-refuges-unto-yourselves-take-yourself-no/) [Gautama Buddha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gautama-buddha/) > [Humility simply means that you do a great job at everything and it isn't really a big deal.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/humility-simply-means-that-you-do-a-great-job-at-everything-and-it/) [Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/) > [Speak only the speech that neither torments self nor does harm to others. That speech is truly well spoken.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gautama-buddha/speak-only-the-speech-that-neither-torments-self-nor-does-harm-to/) [Gautama Buddha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gautama-buddha/) > [I don't look at anything. Every person whether he is Hindu, Muslim or Buddhist, he is my brother, my sister. I think we all…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mother-teresa/i-don-t-look-at-anything-every-person-whether-he-is-hindu-muslim-or/) [Mother Teresa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mother-teresa/) > [My family is Jewish, Buddhist, Baptist and Catholic. I don't believe in man-made religions.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/whoopi-goldberg/my-family-is-jewish-buddhist-baptist-and-catholic-i-don-t-believe-in/) [Whoopi Goldberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/whoopi-goldberg/) > [I'm working at trying to be a Christian, and that's serious business. It's like trying to be a good Jew, a good Muslim, a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maya-angelou/i-m-working-at-trying-to-be-a-christian-and-that-s-serious-business/) [Maya Angelou](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maya-angelou/) > [Buddhist words such as compassion and emptiness don't mean much until we start cultivating our innate ability simply to be there with pain with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pema-ch-dr-n/buddhist-words-such-as-compassion-and-emptiness-don-t-mean-much-until/) [Pema Chodron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pema-ch-dr-n/) > [“Even my Buddhist friends have been feeling despair and when they go bad, you know the end is nigh.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anne-lamott/even-my-buddhist-friends-have-been-feeling-despair-and-when-they-go/) [Anne Lamott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anne-lamott/) > [He who causes suffering shall suffer. There is no escape.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gautama-buddha/he-who-causes-suffering-shall-suffer-there-is-no-escape/) [Gautama Buddha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gautama-buddha/) > [“When I think about what it would take to achieve freedom from all psychological stuff, the response that comes is this: life is about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-m-ingram/when-i-think-about-what-it-would-take-to-achieve-freedom-from-all/) [Daniel M. Ingram](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-m-ingram/) > [If my happiness at this moment consists largely in reviewing happy memories and expectations, I am but dimly aware of this present. I shall…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-watts/if-my-happiness-at-this-moment-consists-largely-in-reviewing-happy/) [Alan Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-watts/) > [The Buddha gave his first talks, and three or four ascetics became his first disciples. They recognized his enlightenment.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/the-buddha-gave-his-first-talks-and-three-or-four-ascetics-became-his/) [Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/) [Browse all 1,479 Buddhist quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/buddhist/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Unruly beings are as unlimited as space They cannot possibly all be overcome, But if I overcome thoughts of anger alone This will be equivalent to vanquishing all foes. Where would I possibly find enough leather With which to cover the surface of the earth? But (wearing) leather just on the soles of my shoes Is equivalent to covering the earth with it. 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