“Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others.”
- 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.
Quote
“Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others.”
Explanation
This quote emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in the journey toward spiritual awakening and enlightenment. It suggests that each individual must take active steps to cultivate their own wisdom, virtue, and inner peace, rather than relying on others to do it for them. While guidance from others can be helpful, true freedom and salvation come from within. It is through our own effort—whether through meditation, self-discipline, or mindfulness—that we attain the clarity and wisdom necessary to break free from suffering.
In modern life, this message encourages self-reliance in personal growth and spiritual development. While we can benefit from the support and teachings of mentors or communities, we must still do the work ourselves to overcome our own limitations and transform our minds. For example, someone seeking personal growth or emotional healing may attend therapy or read self-help books, but ultimately, it is their own willingness to apply the teachings and face their challenges that will lead to lasting change.
Historically, Buddha’s teachings underscore that the path to nirvana and enlightenment is a deeply personal journey. Buddha encouraged his followers to seek wisdom and freedom through their own efforts, and to not simply depend on external forces, whether they be rituals, gods, or other people. By practicing right effort and right mindfulness, we take ownership of our own transformation. Salvation or liberation from suffering, according to Buddha, comes from cultivating inner understanding and peace through consistent, individual effort.
