Nyanaponika Thera quotes - page 2

Attempts at eliminating the mind's main defilements-greed, hate and delusion-must fail as long as these defilements find refuge and support in the uncontrolled dim regions of the mind. (Nyanaponika Thera)
From a study of the discourses of the Buddha preserved in the Pali Canon, it will be seen that the idea of a personal deity, a creator god conceived to be eternal and omnipotent, is incompatible with the Buddha's teachings. ... Conceptions of an impersonal godhead of any description, such as world-soul, etc., are excluded by the Buddha's teachings on Anatta, non-self or unsubstantiality. View quote
Nyanaponika Thera
Hence a Buddhist meditator, while benefiting from the refinement of consciousness he has achieved, will be able to see these meditative experiences for what they are; and he will further know that they are without any abiding substance that could be attributed to a deity manifesting itself to his mind. View quote
Nyanaponika Thera
True wisdom is always young, and always near to the grasp of an open mind. View quote
Nyanaponika Thera
It is a significant fact and worth pondering upon that the Bible commences with the words: "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth....", while the Dhammapada ... opens with the words "Mind precedes things, dominates them, creates them". View quote
Nyanaponika Thera
The suttas relate the story of the monk Vakkali, who full of devotion and love for the Buddha, was ever desirous to behold him bodily. To him the Buddha said: "What shall it profit you to see this impure body? He who sees the Dhamma, sees me." View quote
Nyanaponika Thera