Make yourself an island no flood can overrun.

What it means

Through effort, care and self-control, the wise build solid ground inside themselves. When the flood of events rises, that ground stays above water. Build your island before the storm, not during it.

The source

"Make yourself an island no flood can overrun." The Buddha said it in Dhammapada 25. Translated from the original Pali by Spartan Surfers.

"Dīpaṁ kayirātha medhāvī, yaṁ ogho nābhikīrati."

Original Pali, Dhammapada 25. Text read at suttacentral.net.

Who said it

The Buddha (c. 5th century BC). Siddhattha Gotama, the teacher from northern India whose path of insight and practice became Buddhism. His sayings survive in the Pali Canon, including the Dhammapada.

Questions

What does "Make yourself an island no flood can overrun." mean?

Through effort, care and self-control, the wise build solid ground inside themselves. When the flood of events rises, that ground stays above water. Build your island before the storm, not during it.

Who said "Make yourself an island no flood can overrun."?

The Buddha (c. 5th century BC). Source: Dhammapada 25.

What is the original Pali?

Dīpaṁ kayirātha medhāvī, yaṁ ogho nābhikīrati. Translated from the original Pali by Spartan Surfers.

Is "Make yourself an island no flood can overrun." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"Make yourself an island no flood can overrun." (The Buddha, Dhammapada 25, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/make-yourself-an-island-no-flood-can-overrun