Know that there are three types of people:

Inferior, mediocre, and superior.

The inferior are said to be those
Who by any of the various means
Strive for their own benefit
To merely attain the pleasures of samsara.

The mediocre are said to be those
Who turn their back on samsara’s pleasures
And also refrain from evil deeds,
Yet pursue a personal peace.

The superior are said to be those
Who through understanding their own suffering
Deeply desire to completely end
The sufferings of all other beings.

Atisha

quoted in the book Jewels of Enlightenment: Wisdom Teachings from the Great Tibetan Masters

Read a random quote or see all quotes by Atisha.

Further quotes from the book Jewels of Enlightenment:

• Your life is running out
• The Unity of Shamatha and Vipashyana
• Dependent Origination
• Mind Essence
• The Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen
• Relying on someone who is better than you
• Just this