Ben Carter
The quote, Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared, is often attributed to Buddha. However, some sources claim that this is a fake Buddha quote as there were no wax candles in the Buddha's time in India, only oil lamps. Instead, the quote may have originated from a Mahayana text, composed hundreds of years after his death, or from the Sutra of 42 Sections.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Buddha quote | "Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." |
| Authenticity | Disputed |
| Number of candles | Thousands |
| Number of candles being used to light other candles | Single |
| Life of the candle | Not shortened |
| Happiness | Never decreases by being shared |
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What You'll Learn
Buddha's quotes about candles
The quote, "Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared," is often attributed to Buddha. However, some sources claim that this quote is not authentic and is a "fake Buddha quote." It is argued that Buddha talked about lamps, not candles, and that the focus of his teachings was on equanimity and the right understanding of reality rather than happiness.
Despite the debate around the authenticity of the quote, it has been widely circulated and is often used to convey a message of generosity and abundance. The image of lighting thousands of candles from a single flame captures the idea that sharing one's happiness, knowledge, or resources does not diminish one's own supply but instead spreads light and warmth to others.
In the quote, the candle serves as a metaphor for generosity and selflessness. The image of a single candle lighting thousands of others suggests that acts of kindness and sharing can have a ripple effect, spreading far beyond the initial gesture. This idea aligns with the Buddhist concept of karma, which emphasizes the impact of one's actions on the world.
While the specific reference to candles may not be accurate to the historical Buddha's time, the underlying message of the quote resonates with many people. It encourages individuals to share their happiness, knowledge, or wealth without fear of loss, trusting that their actions will have a positive impact on others and ultimately, contribute to a brighter and more compassionate world.
Additionally, Buddha is also quoted as saying, "There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." This quote further emphasizes the importance of sharing one's light with the world, either by being a source of illumination oneself or by reflecting and amplifying the light of others.
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Buddha's quotes about lamps
The Buddha is often quoted as saying, "If you light a lamp for someone else, it will also brighten your own path," or variations thereof. However, this quote is considered a "fake Buddha quote" by some, who argue that while the sentiment is nice, it does not align with the language the Buddha would have used and cannot be found in any primary sources or scriptural citations. Instead, it is believed to have originated from Nichiren, who is regarded as a Buddha by his followers.
Another similar quote attributed to the Buddha is, "Be a light unto yourself. Be a lamp unto yourself." This quote underscores the importance of self-reliance and finding one's own path to enlightenment.
The Buddha is also credited with the following quote about lamps and candles: "Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." This quote is found in a Japanese book on Buddhism called "The Teaching of Buddha," which contains translations of Buddhist sutras alongside explanatory commentary. While the exact wording of this quote is not found in the Sutra of 42 Sections or other early sources, it captures the essence of the Buddha's teachings on the infinite nature of knowledge and the merit of sharing.
It is worth noting that in the Buddha's time in India, there were no wax candles, only oil lamps. Thus, the use of "candle" in this context is a translation choice rather than a literal reference. The quote emphasizes that sharing knowledge or truth with others does not diminish one's own understanding but rather illuminates the path for both the giver and the receiver.
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Buddha's quotes about happiness
Although Buddha is often misquoted as saying "Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared", this quote is believed to be fake. In reality, the Buddha is thought to have referred to lamps, not candles, saying:
> Just as an oil lamp burns in dependence on oil and wick; and from the termination of the oil and wick — and from not being provided any other sustenance — it goes out unnourished; in the same way, when sensing a feeling limited to the body, he discerns that ‘I am sensing a feeling limited to the body.' When sensing a feeling limited to life, he discerns that ‘I am sensing a feeling limited to life.' He discerns that ‘With the break-up of the body, after the termination of life, all that is sensed, not being relished, will grow cold right here.
> "If you knew what I know about the power of giving, you would not let a single meal pass without sharing it in some way."
> "Before giving, the mind of the giver is happy; while giving, the mind of the giver is made peaceful; and having given, the mind of the giver is uplifted."
> "Greater in battle than the man who would conquer a thousand-thousand men, is he who would conquer just one — himself. Better to conquer yourself than others. When you've trained yourself, living in constant self-control, neither a deva nor gandhabba, nor a Mara banded with Brahmas, could turn that triumph back into defeat."
> "All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts and made up of our thoughts. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, suffering follows him as the wheel follows the hoof of the beast that draws the wagon.... If a man speaks or acts with a good thought, happiness follows him like a shadow that never leaves him."
> "Ceasing to do evil, Cultivating the good, Purifying the heart: This is the teaching of the Buddhas."
> "A man once told the Buddha, 'I want happiness.' Buddha replied, 'First remove 'I', that's ego. Then remove 'want', that's desire. And now all you're left with is Happiness.'"
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Buddha's quotes about leadership
Several sources refer to a quote about candles attributed to Buddha: "Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." However, other sources claim that this is a fake quote, as there were no wax candles in Buddha's time in India, and the quote is not close enough to the Sutra of 42 Sections or any other sources to be considered genuine. Instead, Buddha is thought to have referred to oil lamps, rather than candles, in his teachings.
Buddha is known for his teachings on leadership and living well, and his quotes on these topics include:
> "If anything is worth doing, do it with all your heart."
This quote emphasizes the importance of passion and dedication in any endeavor. Buddha teaches that it is essential to approach worthwhile tasks with enthusiasm and commitment.
> "Irrigators channel waters, fletchers straighten arrows, carpenters bend wood, the wise master themselves."
Here, Buddha draws a parallel between skilled workers who shape and control their materials and the wise person who can master themselves. This quote highlights the importance of self-discipline, self-improvement, and the development of one's inner resources.
> "If you knew what I know about the power of giving, you would not let a single meal pass without sharing it in some way."
This quote speaks to the transformative power of generosity and sharing. Buddha suggests that giving to others can bring about profound changes and create abundance, but also warns of the potential pitfalls if the recipient is not truly worthy or ready to receive.
> "Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment."
Buddha's teachings often emphasize the importance of living in the present moment. This quote encourages individuals to let go of past regrets and future worries and to focus their minds on the present, where true wisdom and happiness can be found.
> "We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves."
This quote highlights the power of thoughts and their impact on our lives. Buddha suggests that our thoughts shape our character and our experiences, and that cultivating a pure and positive mind leads to lasting joy.
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Buddha's quotes about life
While there is no specific reference to when Buddha talked about candles, there is a popular quote attributed to him that mentions candles: "Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." However, some sources claim that this quote is not authentic and that Buddha talked about lamps instead of candles.
"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment." Buddha emphasised the importance of living in the present moment and not getting caught up in past regrets or future worries.
"It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell." This quote highlights the importance of self-mastery and inner strength, which is a central theme in Buddhist teachings.
"We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves." Buddha believed that our thoughts have the power to shape our reality and that cultivating a pure and positive mind leads to lasting joy.
"Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship." Buddha considered good health and a sense of contentment as true wealth, and viewed faithfulness as the foundation of meaningful relationships.
"To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue." This quote underscores the importance of wisdom and virtue in navigating life's challenges and making ethical choices.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Buddha did not talk about candles. However, he did talk about lamps, and some people have adapted his quotes to be about candles.
"Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared."
Some people believe that the adapted quote still offers great wisdom, even if it is not a genuine quote.
