You have to do the work. Buddhas only point the way.

What it means

Even the best teacher can only show the road. The effort is yours and cannot be outsourced. Take the directions and start walking.

The source

"You have to do the work. Buddhas only point the way." The Buddha said it in Dhammapada 276. Translated from the original Pali by Spartan Surfers.

"Tumhehi kiccamātappaṁ, akkhātāro tathāgatā;"

Original Pali, Dhammapada 276. 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 "You have to do the work. Buddhas only point the way." mean?

Even the best teacher can only show the road. The effort is yours and cannot be outsourced. Take the directions and start walking.

Who said "You have to do the work. Buddhas only point the way."?

The Buddha (c. 5th century BC). Source: Dhammapada 276.

What is the original Pali?

Tumhehi kiccamātappaṁ, akkhātāro tathāgatā;. Translated from the original Pali by Spartan Surfers.

Is "You have to do the work. Buddhas only point the way." on a shirt?

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

"You have to do the work. Buddhas only point the way." (The Buddha, Dhammapada 276, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/you-have-to-do-the-work-buddhas-only