“When one has the feeling of dislike for evil, when one feels tranquil, one finds pleasure in listening to good teachings; when one has these feelings and appreciates them, one is free of fear.”
- 7th century BC to 5th century BC
- Indian
- Religious leader, thinker
- Founded Buddhism, taught people the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which showed the causes of suffering and how to resolve them, and spread the path of training aimed at inner liberation and enlightenment.
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Quote
“When one has the feeling of dislike for evil, when one feels tranquil, one finds pleasure in listening to good teachings; when one has these feelings and appreciates them, one is free of fear.”
Explanation
This quote emphasizes the transformative power of cultivating positive emotions and virtue in one’s life. It suggests that when a person feels a dislike for evil—meaning a deep understanding of what is harmful or wrong—and nurtures a sense of tranquility, they naturally become drawn to wisdom and good teachings. This openness to wisdom, when combined with the appreciation for ethical teachings, leads to freedom from fear. Fear, often rooted in insecurity or attachment, fades away when one is grounded in virtue and has a clear understanding of right and wrong, creating a state of inner peace and moral clarity.
In modern life, this message encourages individuals to focus on inner calm and moral integrity as a means to live without fear. For example, someone who practices mindfulness and develops a strong moral compass can navigate life’s challenges with greater courage and clarity. By engaging with teachings or philosophies that foster peace, compassion, and wisdom, one can overcome anxiety or fear, replacing them with a sense of purpose and steadfastness.
Historically, Buddha’s teachings emphasized the importance of cultivating a pure heart and mind free from negative emotions like hatred, greed, and fear. By aligning oneself with right understanding and practicing virtue, an individual can overcome the turmoil and fear caused by ignorance and attachment. This inner peace, Buddha taught, is essential for attaining enlightenment, where one is no longer subject to the fears of the world but lives in alignment with truth and compassion.
