In Buddha’s Words: Daily Inspirational Buddha “Quotes” with Citations — Separating the Real from the Fake
In Buddha’s Words is a new series of “quotable quotes” from the Buddha — but cited with their source. Many Buddha Quotes and inspirational quotes online are “made up” or not verified with sutra/sutta references. We will pick the best of the “verifiable” inspirational quotes and cite the actual source — in most cases with a full English translation of the original text.
Daily Series
We will run an excerpt and full sutra/sutta teachings, daily where possible, in Buddha Weekly. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest by email every Tuesday.
What better topic to begin the series than Metta, or Loving Kindness, fundamental teaching of the Buddha? This quote — found online on an inspirational site — is paraphrased from the Metta Sutta Sutta-nipata, vv 143-152, quoted below.
Like a caring mother
In the quote found online — which was a reasonable translation, this was quoted as:
“Like a caring mother holding and guarding the life of her only child, so with a boundless heart of loving-kindness, hold yourself and all beings as your beloved children.”
A verified translation from Access to Insight uses the more traditional phrasing:
“And just as might a mother with her life
Protect the son that was her only child,
So let him then for every living thing
Maintain unbounded consciousness in being”
Metta Sutta, from the Sutta-nipata, vv. 143-152
(Spoken by the Buddha)
What should be done by one skillful in good So as to gain the State of Peace is this:
Let him be able, and upright and straight,
Easy to speak to, gentle, and not proud,
Contented too, supported easily,
With few tasks, and living very lightly;
His faculties serene, prudent, and modest,
Unswayed by the emotions of the clans;
And let him never do the slightest thing
That other wise men might hold blamable.
(And let him think:) “In safety and in bliss
May creatures all be of a blissful heart.
Whatever breathing beings there may be.
No matter whether they are frail or firm,
With none excepted, be they long or big
Or middle-sized, or be they short or small
Or thick, as well as those seen or unseen,
Or whether they are dwelling far or near,
Existing or yet seeking to exist.
May creatures all be of a blissful heart.
Let no one work another one’s undoing
Or even slight him at all anywhere:
And never let them wish each other ill
Through provocation or resentful thought.”
And just as might a mother with her life
Protect the son that was her only child,
So let him then for every living thing
Maintain unbounded consciousness in being;
And let him too with love for all the world
Maintain unbounded consciousness in being
Above, below, and all round in between,
Untroubled, with no enemy or foe.
And while he stands or walks or while he sits
Or while he lies down, free from drowsiness,
Let him resolve upon this mindfulness:
This is Divine Abiding here, they say.
But when he has no trafficking with views,
Is virtuous, and has perfected seeing,
And purges greed for sensual desires,
He surely comes no more to any womb.
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Lee Kane
Author | Buddha Weekly
Lee Kane is the editor of Buddha Weekly, since 2007. His main focuses as a writer are mindfulness techniques, meditation, Dharma and Sutra commentaries, Buddhist practices, international perspectives and traditions, Vajrayana, Mahayana, Zen. He also covers various events.
Lee also contributes as a writer to various other online magazines and blogs.
Thank you for this thoughtful and valuable effort to distinguish authentic Buddha quotes from misattributed or fabricated ones. In an age where inspirational sayings spread rapidly online, the importance of returning to verified teachings and proper citations cannot be overstated. This project helps preserve the integrity and depth of the Dharma in a very meaningful way.
I especially appreciate the emphasis on connecting quotes to their original sutras and suttas. Seeing the teachings in their proper context reveals a richness and depth that is often lost in simplified or altered versions circulating online. It encourages readers not only to enjoy inspiring words, but also to engage more deeply with the Buddha’s actual teachings and wisdom.
The reminder that many popular “Buddha quotes” are either paraphrased, distorted, or entirely invented is also very important. While some may sound comforting or profound, authentic teachings carry a unique clarity, ethical depth, and transformative purpose that deserve careful preservation. Your effort to separate genuine teachings from misinformation serves both education and spiritual integrity.
I also appreciate the balanced and accessible approach of the article. Rather than simply criticizing fake quotes, it encourages curiosity, mindfulness, and deeper exploration of the Dharma itself. This inspires readers to value authenticity, careful study, and wisdom grounded in the original teachings.
Thank you for sharing such meaningful and educational reflections. Efforts like this help protect the authenticity of the Buddha’s teachings while encouraging a more sincere and informed engagement with the path.
Regards,
Antique Buddhas
https://www.buddhist-art.com