In short: the Buddha taught that "from meditation springs wisdom, without meditation, wisdom ends" (Dhammapada 282), and that even a moment of practice counts: developing a mind of love "even as long as a finger-snap" is worthwhile (AN 1.53). Here are seven genuine quotes on meditation, each with its source.
1. Dhammapada 282
"From meditation springs wisdom, without meditation, wisdom ends. Knowing these two paths— of progress and decline— you should conduct yourself so that wisdom grows."
2. AN 1.53
"If, mendicants, a mendicant cultivates a mind of love even as long as a finger-snap, they're called a mendicant who does not lack absorption, who follows the Teacher's instructions… How much more so those who make much of it!"
3. Dhammapada 301
"The disciples of Gotama always wake up refreshed, whose minds day and night delight in meditation."
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4. Dhammapada 373
"A mendicant who enters an empty hut with mind at peace finds a superhuman delight as they rightly discern the Dhamma."
5. Dhammapada 23
"They who regularly meditate, always staunchly vigorous; the attentive realize extinguishment, the supreme sanctuary from the yoke."
6. Dhammapada 372
"No absorption for one without wisdom, no wisdom for one without absorption. But one with absorption and wisdom— they have truly drawn near to extinguishment."
7. MN 118
"Just mindful, they breathe in. Mindful, they breathe out."
The beginning of the Buddha's own meditation.
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All quotes are from the early Buddhist texts in Bhikkhu Sujato's translation on SuttaCentral, copied exactly. Last checked: 17 October 2026.
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Questions people ask
What did the Buddha say about meditation?
'From meditation springs wisdom, without meditation, wisdom ends' (Dhammapada 282).