Other people can hurt you, they can even kill you, but the results go only as far as this lifetime. But through your actions you can do yourself a lot of damage that goes beyond just this lifetime.

"You bring the qualities of the Buddha inside yourself. That’s when you can really depend on them, and that’s where they’re really safe. They’re your safe space inside to protect you, not only from dangers outside but also from dangers in your own mind. Ultimately, those are the ones that are really dangerous. Other people can hurt you, they can even kill you, but the results go only as far as this lifetime. But through your actions — your thoughts, your words, and your deeds — you can do yourself a lot of damage that goes beyond just this lifetime, so you need a source of safety that’s nearby."

~ Thanissaro Bhikkhu "Near to the Buddha"

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