Do not accept what you hear ...

Do not accept what you hear by report, do not accept tradition, do not accept a statement because it is found in our books, nor because it is in accord with your belief, nor because it is the saying of your teacher. Be lamps unto yourselves. Those who, either now or after I am dead, shall rely upon themselves only and not look for assistance to anyone besides themselves, it is they who shall reach the topmost height.
Do not accept what you hear by report, do not accept tradition, do not accept a statement because it is found in our books, nor because it is in accord with your belief, nor because it is the saying of your teacher. Be lamps unto yourselves. Those who, either now or after I am dead, shall rely upon themselves only and not look for assistance to anyone besides themselves, it is they who shall reach the topmost height.
 Gautama Buddha

Quotes from the same author

Those who attempt to conquer hatred by hatred are like warriors who take weapons to overcome others who bear arms. This does not end hatred, but gives it room to grow. But, ancient wisdom has advocated a different timeless strategy to overcome hatred. This eternal wisdom is to meet hatred with non-hatred. The method of trying to conquer hatred through hatred never succeeds in overcoming hatred. But, the method of overcoming hatred through non-hatred is eternally effective. That is why that method is described as eternal wisdom.
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 Gautama Buddha
If one man kills a hundred men, and another man masters himself, the second man is the much greater warrior.
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 Gautama Buddha
The no-mind not-thinks no-thoughts about no-things.
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 Gautama Buddha
A wise man, recognizing that the world is but an illusion, does not act as if it is real, so he escapes the suffering.
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 Gautama Buddha
Like the mother of the world, touch each being as your beloved child.
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 Gautama Buddha