He is the only adorable one to me: I have none other.
My tongue has left off impure words, it sings His glory day and night: Whether I rise or sit down, I can never forget Him; for the rhythm of His music beats in my ears.
Kabir says: "My heart is frenzied, and I disclose in my soul what is hidden. I am immersed in that one great bliss which transcends all pleasure and pain."
-Kabir
***
Prayer is that which enables the soul to realize its divinity. Through prayer human beings worship absolute truth, and seek an eternal reward. Prayer is the foundation-stone of religion; and religion is the means by which the soul is purified of all that pollutes it. Prayer is the worship of the first cause of all things, the supreme ruler of all the world, the source of all strength. Prayer is the adoration of the one whose being is necessary.
-Ibn Sina, “Kitab al-Najat”
***
All the delightful things of the world--sweet sounds, lovely forms, all the pleasant tastes and touches and thoughts--these are all agreed to bring happiness if they are not grasped and possessed.
But if you regard them merely as pleasures for your own use and satisfaction and do not see them as passing wonders, they will bring suffering.
-Sutta Nipata
***
Some people pray just to pray and some people pray to know God.
-Andrew Murray
***
There are two kinds of people: those who do the work, and those who take the credit. Try to be in the first group; there is less competition there.
-Indira Gandhi
Quote
Patience is also a form of action.
-Auguste Rodin
****
I praise you for your success in being you; you praise me for my success in being me. In your purity you make me pure. In your wholeness you make me whole. In my service you serve me. I bow to all, because I bow to you.
-Hallaj: Tawasin
***
Never fear that old age will invade that
city; never fear that this inner treasure of all
reality will wither and decay. This knows no
age when the body ages; this knows no dying
when the body dies. This is the real city of
Brahman; this is the Self, free from old age,
from death and grief, hunger and thirst. In the
Self all desires are fulfilled.
-Chandogya Upanishad
***
Vain, boastful talk repels acts of kindness
and tears the branch of mercy from the trunk of the tree.
Speak honestly or else be silent,
and then behold grace and delight in it.
-Rumi, "Mathnawi" [III, 751-752]
***
Abandon wrongdoing. It can be done. If there were no likelihood, I would not ask you to do it. But since it is possible and since it brings blessing and happiness, I do ask of you: abandon wrongdoing.
Cultivate doing good. It can be done. If it brought deprivation and sorrow, I would not ask you to do it. But since it brings blessing and happiness, I do ask of you: cultivate doing good.
-Anguttara Nikaya
***
If a man string putrid fish
On a blade of kusa grass,
That same grass will putrid smell.
So with him who follows fools.
If a man wrap frankincense
In a leaf, that leaf smells sweet.
So with those who follow sages.
-Itivuttaka
****
A man's own envy is foe enough to forge his ruin,
Even though he has no other enemies.
He who begrudges another's bounty
Will behold the death of his naked and starving kindred.
Fortune's Goddess, intolerant of men who cannot tolerate other's success,
Introduces them to her sister Misfortune and goes away.
-Tirukkural 17: 165-167
***
The world is new to us every morning--this is the Holy One's gift and every person should believe they are reborn each day.
- Baal Shem Tov
***
God loves us not because of who we are, but because of who He is.
-Unknown
***
-Auguste Rodin
****
I praise you for your success in being you; you praise me for my success in being me. In your purity you make me pure. In your wholeness you make me whole. In my service you serve me. I bow to all, because I bow to you.
-Hallaj: Tawasin
***
Never fear that old age will invade that
city; never fear that this inner treasure of all
reality will wither and decay. This knows no
age when the body ages; this knows no dying
when the body dies. This is the real city of
Brahman; this is the Self, free from old age,
from death and grief, hunger and thirst. In the
Self all desires are fulfilled.
-Chandogya Upanishad
***
Vain, boastful talk repels acts of kindness
and tears the branch of mercy from the trunk of the tree.
Speak honestly or else be silent,
and then behold grace and delight in it.
-Rumi, "Mathnawi" [III, 751-752]
***
Abandon wrongdoing. It can be done. If there were no likelihood, I would not ask you to do it. But since it is possible and since it brings blessing and happiness, I do ask of you: abandon wrongdoing.
Cultivate doing good. It can be done. If it brought deprivation and sorrow, I would not ask you to do it. But since it brings blessing and happiness, I do ask of you: cultivate doing good.
-Anguttara Nikaya
***
If a man string putrid fish
On a blade of kusa grass,
That same grass will putrid smell.
So with him who follows fools.
If a man wrap frankincense
In a leaf, that leaf smells sweet.
So with those who follow sages.
-Itivuttaka
****
A man's own envy is foe enough to forge his ruin,
Even though he has no other enemies.
He who begrudges another's bounty
Will behold the death of his naked and starving kindred.
Fortune's Goddess, intolerant of men who cannot tolerate other's success,
Introduces them to her sister Misfortune and goes away.
-Tirukkural 17: 165-167
***
The world is new to us every morning--this is the Holy One's gift and every person should believe they are reborn each day.
- Baal Shem Tov
***
God loves us not because of who we are, but because of who He is.
-Unknown
***
We are called to play the good Samaritan on life's roadside...True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar.
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
****
You must first have a lot of patience to learn to have patience.
-Stanislaw J. Lec
***
Lord, bless us with amiable companions and children that may be a source of delight to our eyes. Allow us to be of the devout.
-From the prayer book "Al-Hizbul-A'zam"
***
Do not just memorize sayings, recite words, and discuss Zen and the way based on books. The Zen way is not in books.
Even if you can recite the teachings of the whole canon and all the masters and philosophers, they are just useless words of no avail when you are facing death.
-Chien-ju
****
If we can't face our losses, we can’t be present either fully to everything that is.
-Krista Tippett
***
I see all the different religious traditions as paths for the development of inner peace, which is the true foundation of world peace. These ancient traditions come to us as a gift from our common past. Will we continue to cherish it as a gift and hand it over the the future generations as a legacy of our shared desire for peace?
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
***
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
****
You must first have a lot of patience to learn to have patience.
-Stanislaw J. Lec
***
Lord, bless us with amiable companions and children that may be a source of delight to our eyes. Allow us to be of the devout.
-From the prayer book "Al-Hizbul-A'zam"
***
Do not just memorize sayings, recite words, and discuss Zen and the way based on books. The Zen way is not in books.
Even if you can recite the teachings of the whole canon and all the masters and philosophers, they are just useless words of no avail when you are facing death.
-Chien-ju
****
If we can't face our losses, we can’t be present either fully to everything that is.
-Krista Tippett
***
I see all the different religious traditions as paths for the development of inner peace, which is the true foundation of world peace. These ancient traditions come to us as a gift from our common past. Will we continue to cherish it as a gift and hand it over the the future generations as a legacy of our shared desire for peace?
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
***
Dismiss all anger and look into yourself a little. Remember that he of whom you are speaking is your brother, and as he is in the way of salvation, God can make him a saint, in spite of his present weakness.
-St. Thomas of Villanova
***
Piety does not consist in whether you face east or west during worship. True piety consists in this: believing in God and in his final judgement; believing in his angels, in the Book, and in the prophets; giving your wealth, for the sake of God, to your relatives, to orphans, to the needy, to wayfarers and to strangers; ransoming slaves; attending prayers and paying the poor-rate; being true to your promises; and being steadfast in times of distress, adversity and war. Those who show true piety, are genuine in their faith; they honour God.
-Qur'an, Al-Baqara, Surah 2:177
***
When you die you go alone, and the only light to accompany you derives from the spiritual practice or positive acts you have done.
-The Dalai Lama
***
Life is uncertain, change causes fear, and latent impressions bring pain--all is indeed suffering to one who has developed discrimination.
But the suffering yet to come should be averted. The cause of suffering is that the unbounded Self is overshadowed by the world.
-The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, 2:15-17
***
Since I understood four things, I have discarded all other knowledge. First, that my daily sustenance has already been apportioned to me and will neither increase nor decrease by my futile efforts, so I strive to increase it no more. Second, I alone and no one else can atone from my sins, so I devote myself to the Lord. Third, I know that I will never be able to escape death, which is in our pursuit, so I have prepared myself to meet him. Fourth, I know that God is observing me; therefore I refrain from doing what I must not do.
-Hatim al-Asamm, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
***
Do not say, "When I have leisure, I will study." Perhaps you will have no leisure.
- Pirkei Avot 2:4 (Ethics of the Fathers)
***
It is human to think wisely and act in an absurd fashion.
-Anatole France
-St. Thomas of Villanova
***
Piety does not consist in whether you face east or west during worship. True piety consists in this: believing in God and in his final judgement; believing in his angels, in the Book, and in the prophets; giving your wealth, for the sake of God, to your relatives, to orphans, to the needy, to wayfarers and to strangers; ransoming slaves; attending prayers and paying the poor-rate; being true to your promises; and being steadfast in times of distress, adversity and war. Those who show true piety, are genuine in their faith; they honour God.
-Qur'an, Al-Baqara, Surah 2:177
***
When you die you go alone, and the only light to accompany you derives from the spiritual practice or positive acts you have done.
-The Dalai Lama
***
Life is uncertain, change causes fear, and latent impressions bring pain--all is indeed suffering to one who has developed discrimination.
But the suffering yet to come should be averted. The cause of suffering is that the unbounded Self is overshadowed by the world.
-The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, 2:15-17
***
Since I understood four things, I have discarded all other knowledge. First, that my daily sustenance has already been apportioned to me and will neither increase nor decrease by my futile efforts, so I strive to increase it no more. Second, I alone and no one else can atone from my sins, so I devote myself to the Lord. Third, I know that I will never be able to escape death, which is in our pursuit, so I have prepared myself to meet him. Fourth, I know that God is observing me; therefore I refrain from doing what I must not do.
-Hatim al-Asamm, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
***
Do not say, "When I have leisure, I will study." Perhaps you will have no leisure.
- Pirkei Avot 2:4 (Ethics of the Fathers)
***
It is human to think wisely and act in an absurd fashion.
-Anatole France
There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience.
***
My Child,
Rare is he, and blessed,
Who observes the ways of men
And gives up desire
For pleasure and knowledge,
For life itself.
-Ashtavakra Gita 9:2
***
True charity remembers not only those in need who ask, but also those who are prevented by some reason from asking.
-Sura 51:19
***
How boundless and free is the sky of Awareness!
How bright the full moon of wisdom!
Truly, is anything missing now?
Nirvana is right here, before our eyes; this very place is the Lotus Land; this very body, the Buddha.
-Hakuin Zenji, “Song of Zazen”
***
Do not despise any person, and do not consider anything impossible, for there is no person who does not have an hour and no thing that does not have its place.
- Ethics of the Fathers (Pirkei Avot) 4:3
***
Let nothing trouble you
Let nothing frighten you
Everything passes
God never changes
Patience obtains all
Whoever has God
Wants nothing
God alone is enough.
-St. Teresa of Avila
***
Today is yesterday's pupil.
-Thomas Fuller
***
My Child,
Rare is he, and blessed,
Who observes the ways of men
And gives up desire
For pleasure and knowledge,
For life itself.
-Ashtavakra Gita 9:2
***
True charity remembers not only those in need who ask, but also those who are prevented by some reason from asking.
-Sura 51:19
***
How boundless and free is the sky of Awareness!
How bright the full moon of wisdom!
Truly, is anything missing now?
Nirvana is right here, before our eyes; this very place is the Lotus Land; this very body, the Buddha.
-Hakuin Zenji, “Song of Zazen”
***
Do not despise any person, and do not consider anything impossible, for there is no person who does not have an hour and no thing that does not have its place.
- Ethics of the Fathers (Pirkei Avot) 4:3
***
Let nothing trouble you
Let nothing frighten you
Everything passes
God never changes
Patience obtains all
Whoever has God
Wants nothing
God alone is enough.
-St. Teresa of Avila
***
Today is yesterday's pupil.
-Thomas Fuller
Christ said we could move mountains if we had faith. But He didn't say we wouldn't need a shovel.
-Joyce Vollmer Brown
***
It is vain to expect our prayers to be heard, if we do not strive as well as pray.
-Aesop
***
As long as you have not realized the great principle that permeates all, it is essential that speech and action should support each other. Do not hold to the intellectual understanding of others; turn the light of awareness back to the root, and it is not there at all.
-Pao-chih
***
Liberate yourself from the fetters of the ego and surrender yourself before God. Let the Lord be your shepherd, allow Him to attend to all your cares, and do not allow temptations to entice you. Aspirations of this world are the cause of all concern. Aspire to God and obtain freedom.
-Sheikh Abdul Qadier Jillani, "Futhul Ghaib"
***
A blessing in the world:
reverence to your mother.
A blessing: reverence to your father as well.
A blessing in the world:
reverence to a contemplative.
A blessing: reverence for a brahmin, too.
A blessing into old age is virtue.
A blessing: conviction established.
A blessing: discernment attained.
The non-doing of evil things is
a blessing.
-Dhammapada, 23, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
***
-Joyce Vollmer Brown
***
It is vain to expect our prayers to be heard, if we do not strive as well as pray.
-Aesop
***
As long as you have not realized the great principle that permeates all, it is essential that speech and action should support each other. Do not hold to the intellectual understanding of others; turn the light of awareness back to the root, and it is not there at all.
-Pao-chih
***
Liberate yourself from the fetters of the ego and surrender yourself before God. Let the Lord be your shepherd, allow Him to attend to all your cares, and do not allow temptations to entice you. Aspirations of this world are the cause of all concern. Aspire to God and obtain freedom.
-Sheikh Abdul Qadier Jillani, "Futhul Ghaib"
***
A blessing in the world:
reverence to your mother.
A blessing: reverence to your father as well.
A blessing in the world:
reverence to a contemplative.
A blessing: reverence for a brahmin, too.
A blessing into old age is virtue.
A blessing: conviction established.
A blessing: discernment attained.
The non-doing of evil things is
a blessing.
-Dhammapada, 23, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
***
[F]aith also has to be connected with how you treat your fellow human beings.
-Catherine Hicks
***
Even God doesn't plan to judge a man till the end of his days, why should you and I?
-Unknown
***
Having realized his own self as the Self a person becomes selfless.
-Maitrayana Upanishad
***
If you only understood the great height! It consists in purchasing the freedom of a slave. It consists in feeding, during famines, an orphaned relative, or anyone who is starving. It consists in having faith, in encouraging others, and in exercising mercy.
-Qur'an, Al-Balad, Surah 90:12-17
***
As a mother watches over her child, willing to risk her own life to protect her only child, so with a boundless heart should one cherish all living beings, suffusing the whole world with unobstructed loving kindness.
-Metta Sutta
***
How to cope with wavering thoughts?
Versatile are flying clouds,
Yet from the sky they’re not apart.
Mighty are the ocean’s waves,
Yet they are not separate from the sea.
Heavy and thick are banks of fog,
Yet from the air they’re not apart.
Frantic runs the mind in voidness,
Yet from the Void it never separates.
-Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa
***
Do not be wise in words - be wise in deeds.
- Jewish proverb
***
Truth does not become more true by virtue of the fact that the entire world agrees with it, nor less so even if the whole world disagrees with it.
-Maimonides
-Catherine Hicks
***
Even God doesn't plan to judge a man till the end of his days, why should you and I?
-Unknown
***
Having realized his own self as the Self a person becomes selfless.
-Maitrayana Upanishad
***
If you only understood the great height! It consists in purchasing the freedom of a slave. It consists in feeding, during famines, an orphaned relative, or anyone who is starving. It consists in having faith, in encouraging others, and in exercising mercy.
-Qur'an, Al-Balad, Surah 90:12-17
***
As a mother watches over her child, willing to risk her own life to protect her only child, so with a boundless heart should one cherish all living beings, suffusing the whole world with unobstructed loving kindness.
-Metta Sutta
***
How to cope with wavering thoughts?
Versatile are flying clouds,
Yet from the sky they’re not apart.
Mighty are the ocean’s waves,
Yet they are not separate from the sea.
Heavy and thick are banks of fog,
Yet from the air they’re not apart.
Frantic runs the mind in voidness,
Yet from the Void it never separates.
-Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa
***
Do not be wise in words - be wise in deeds.
- Jewish proverb
***
Truth does not become more true by virtue of the fact that the entire world agrees with it, nor less so even if the whole world disagrees with it.
-Maimonides
If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness and fear.
-Glenn Clark
***
O Master,
Tell me how to find
Detachment, wisdom, and freedom!
Child,
If you wish to be free,
Shun the poison of the senses.
Seek the nectar of truth,
Of love and forgiveness,
Simplicity and happiness.
-Ashtavakra Gita 1:1-2
***
Even if you seek tranquility, delight in goodness, and search for the source, if you don't meet someone with genuine true knowledge and understanding, it will turn instead into major error. The fault lies in false teachers.
-P'u-an
***
He is the One that sends down rain (even) after (men) have given up all hope, and scatters His Mercy (far and wide). And He is the Protector, Worthy of all Praise.
And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the living creatures that He has scattered through them: and He has power to gather them together when He wills.
Whatever misfortune happens to you, is because of the things your hands have wrought, and for many (of them) He grants forgiveness.
-Qur'an, Ash-Shura, Surah 42:28-30
***
Every time a problem arises, the essential thing is to immediately become aware that the problem comes from our selfish mind, that it is created by self-cherishing thoughts. As long as you put the blame outside yourself, there can be no happiness.
-Lama Zopa Rinpoche, "Transforming Problems into Happiness"
***
Discontent is the source of trouble, but also of progress.
- Berthold Auerbach, "On the Heights," 1865
***
There is only one person God cannot forgive. The person who refuses to come to Him for forgiveness.
-Unknown
***
-Glenn Clark
***
O Master,
Tell me how to find
Detachment, wisdom, and freedom!
Child,
If you wish to be free,
Shun the poison of the senses.
Seek the nectar of truth,
Of love and forgiveness,
Simplicity and happiness.
-Ashtavakra Gita 1:1-2
***
Even if you seek tranquility, delight in goodness, and search for the source, if you don't meet someone with genuine true knowledge and understanding, it will turn instead into major error. The fault lies in false teachers.
-P'u-an
***
He is the One that sends down rain (even) after (men) have given up all hope, and scatters His Mercy (far and wide). And He is the Protector, Worthy of all Praise.
And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the living creatures that He has scattered through them: and He has power to gather them together when He wills.
Whatever misfortune happens to you, is because of the things your hands have wrought, and for many (of them) He grants forgiveness.
-Qur'an, Ash-Shura, Surah 42:28-30
***
Every time a problem arises, the essential thing is to immediately become aware that the problem comes from our selfish mind, that it is created by self-cherishing thoughts. As long as you put the blame outside yourself, there can be no happiness.
-Lama Zopa Rinpoche, "Transforming Problems into Happiness"
***
Discontent is the source of trouble, but also of progress.
- Berthold Auerbach, "On the Heights," 1865
***
There is only one person God cannot forgive. The person who refuses to come to Him for forgiveness.
-Unknown
***
A name is imposed on what is thought to be a thing or a state and this divides it from other things and other states. But when you pursue what lies behind the name, you find a greater and greater subtlety that has no divisions. Atoms of dust are not really atoms of dust but are merely called that. In the same way, a world is not a world but is merely called that.
-Visuddhi Magga
****
You're like milk
in water: I cannot tell
what comes before,
what after,
which is the master,
which is the slave;
what's big,
what's small.
O lord white as jasmine
if an ant should love you
and praise you,
will he not grow
to demon powers?
-Mahadeviyakka
***
Knowledge is of three kinds: from God, with God, of God. Knowledge of God is disclosed to all prophets and saints; it is a divine guidance and cannot be acquired. Knowledge from God is the sacred law made obligatory upon us. Knowledge with God is the knowledge of the paths and stations and the development of saints.
-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
***
If a person does evil,
he shouldn't do it again & again,
shouldn't develop a penchant for it.
To accumulate evil
brings pain.
If a person makes merit,
he should do it again & again,
should develop a penchant for it.
To accumulate merit
brings ease.
-Dhammapada, 9, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
***
Fear not tomorrow, for God is already there.
-Unknown
***
Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.
-Dale Carnegie
-Visuddhi Magga
****
You're like milk
in water: I cannot tell
what comes before,
what after,
which is the master,
which is the slave;
what's big,
what's small.
O lord white as jasmine
if an ant should love you
and praise you,
will he not grow
to demon powers?
-Mahadeviyakka
***
Knowledge is of three kinds: from God, with God, of God. Knowledge of God is disclosed to all prophets and saints; it is a divine guidance and cannot be acquired. Knowledge from God is the sacred law made obligatory upon us. Knowledge with God is the knowledge of the paths and stations and the development of saints.
-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
***
If a person does evil,
he shouldn't do it again & again,
shouldn't develop a penchant for it.
To accumulate evil
brings pain.
If a person makes merit,
he should do it again & again,
should develop a penchant for it.
To accumulate merit
brings ease.
-Dhammapada, 9, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
***
Fear not tomorrow, for God is already there.
-Unknown
***
Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.
-Dale Carnegie
Cast yourself in the arms of God and be very sure that if He wants anything of you, He will fit you for the work and give you strength.
-St. Philip Neri
***
Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones.
-Proverbs 16:24 (submitted by moonstruck60)
***
There are many people who are shocked by mysticism, and they mock it, calling it nonsense. These people are blinded by ignorance. By following the mystical way I came to understand the true nature of God’s revelations to Muhammad.
-Ghazali, "al-Munqidh min ad-Dalal"
***
Explaining many profound dharmas is easy; living them yourself is hard.
-Adept Godrakpa, "Hermit of Go Cliffs"
***
The more we empty ourselves to make room for God’s love, the more he fills us with himself and the more united to him will we be.
-St. Alphonse Liguori
***
-St. Philip Neri
***
Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones.
-Proverbs 16:24 (submitted by moonstruck60)
***
There are many people who are shocked by mysticism, and they mock it, calling it nonsense. These people are blinded by ignorance. By following the mystical way I came to understand the true nature of God’s revelations to Muhammad.
-Ghazali, "al-Munqidh min ad-Dalal"
***
Explaining many profound dharmas is easy; living them yourself is hard.
-Adept Godrakpa, "Hermit of Go Cliffs"
***
The more we empty ourselves to make room for God’s love, the more he fills us with himself and the more united to him will we be.
-St. Alphonse Liguori
***
Truth is by nature self-evident, as soon as you remove the cobwebs of ignorance that surround it, it shines clear.
-Mahatma Gandhi
***
Behold, We revealed the Qur'an on the Night of Power. If only you knew what the Night of Power is. That one night surpasses a thousand months, for the angels and the Spirit [Gabriel] descend to the earth, bearing divine inspiration by the permission of their Lord. That night is the night of peace until the crack of dawn.
-Qur'an, Al-Qadr, Surah 97:1-5
***
Forming a new world religion is difficult and not particularly desirable. However, in that love is essential to all religions, one could speak of the universal religion of love.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
***
-Mahatma Gandhi
***
Behold, We revealed the Qur'an on the Night of Power. If only you knew what the Night of Power is. That one night surpasses a thousand months, for the angels and the Spirit [Gabriel] descend to the earth, bearing divine inspiration by the permission of their Lord. That night is the night of peace until the crack of dawn.
-Qur'an, Al-Qadr, Surah 97:1-5
***
Forming a new world religion is difficult and not particularly desirable. However, in that love is essential to all religions, one could speak of the universal religion of love.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
***
It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.
-Charles Spurgeon
***
Angels may not dress the part,
With robes and wings that soar,
Often angels come as friends
Knocking at your door.
-Unknown
***
Do not seek the fortune that greed gathers,
For its fruit is bitter in the day of enjoyment.
To protect his own prosperity from decline
One must not crave the property held by others.
-Tirukkural 18: 177-178
***
This religion is easy. Do not make it a rigor, or you shall be overcome. Be steadfast, seek the closeness of Allah, grow in virtue, and implore His appeasement day and night.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Abu Hurairah
***
Regard him as one who
points out
treasure,
the wise one who
seeing your faults
rebukes you.
Stay with this sort of sage.
For the one who stays
with a sage of this sort,
things get better,
not worse.
-Dhammapada, 6, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
***
By the reading of Scripture I am so renewed that all nature seems renewed around me and with me.
-Thomas Merton
-Charles Spurgeon
***
Angels may not dress the part,
With robes and wings that soar,
Often angels come as friends
Knocking at your door.
-Unknown
***
Do not seek the fortune that greed gathers,
For its fruit is bitter in the day of enjoyment.
To protect his own prosperity from decline
One must not crave the property held by others.
-Tirukkural 18: 177-178
***
This religion is easy. Do not make it a rigor, or you shall be overcome. Be steadfast, seek the closeness of Allah, grow in virtue, and implore His appeasement day and night.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Abu Hurairah
***
Regard him as one who
points out
treasure,
the wise one who
seeing your faults
rebukes you.
Stay with this sort of sage.
For the one who stays
with a sage of this sort,
things get better,
not worse.
-Dhammapada, 6, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
***
By the reading of Scripture I am so renewed that all nature seems renewed around me and with me.
-Thomas Merton
Salvation is joy in God which expresses itself in joy in and with one’s neighbor.
-Walter Kasper
***
Fashion your life as a garland of beautiful deeds.
-Buddha
***
The Self is hidden in the hearts of all,
As butter lies hidden in cream. Realize
The Self in the depths of meditation -
The Lord of Love, supreme Reality,
Who is the goal of all knowledge.
-Shvetashvatara Upanishad
***
The outward form of things passes away, but the essence remains forever. How long will you be besotted with the shape of the jug? Cast aside the jug, and seek the water. If you look too closely at the form, you miss the essence. If you are wise, you will always pick out the pearl from the shell.
-Rumi, "Mathnawi"
***
ndulge in lust a little, and like the child it grows apace.
The wise man hates it therefore; who would take poison for food? Every sorrow is increased and cherished by the offices of lust.
If there is no lustful desire, the risings of sorrow are not produced, the wise man seeing the bitterness of sorrow, stamps out and destroys the risings of desire;...
-Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King
***
-Walter Kasper
***
Fashion your life as a garland of beautiful deeds.
-Buddha
***
The Self is hidden in the hearts of all,
As butter lies hidden in cream. Realize
The Self in the depths of meditation -
The Lord of Love, supreme Reality,
Who is the goal of all knowledge.
-Shvetashvatara Upanishad
***
The outward form of things passes away, but the essence remains forever. How long will you be besotted with the shape of the jug? Cast aside the jug, and seek the water. If you look too closely at the form, you miss the essence. If you are wise, you will always pick out the pearl from the shell.
-Rumi, "Mathnawi"
***
ndulge in lust a little, and like the child it grows apace.
The wise man hates it therefore; who would take poison for food? Every sorrow is increased and cherished by the offices of lust.
If there is no lustful desire, the risings of sorrow are not produced, the wise man seeing the bitterness of sorrow, stamps out and destroys the risings of desire;...
-Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King
***
The greatest honor we can give Almighty God is to live gladly because of the knowledge of his love.
-Blessed Julian of Norwich
***
Daring ideas are like chessmen moved forward. They may be beaten, but they may start a winning game.
-Goethe
***
For pleasures come and go.
How often I have watched their inconstancy!
But I have forsaken good and bad,
And now I am happy.
-Ashtavakra Gita 13:7
***
Be faithful to the covenant you have made with God. Do not break an oath after you have sworn it—for by swearing in God's name you make God your surety. God knows all your actions.
-Qur'an, An-Nahl, 16:91
***
Fleeting is this world
Growth and decay its very nature
Things spring to being and again they cease
Happy the marvel of them and the peace.
-Nidana Vagga
-Blessed Julian of Norwich
***
Daring ideas are like chessmen moved forward. They may be beaten, but they may start a winning game.
-Goethe
***
For pleasures come and go.
How often I have watched their inconstancy!
But I have forsaken good and bad,
And now I am happy.
-Ashtavakra Gita 13:7
***
Be faithful to the covenant you have made with God. Do not break an oath after you have sworn it—for by swearing in God's name you make God your surety. God knows all your actions.
-Qur'an, An-Nahl, 16:91
***
Fleeting is this world
Growth and decay its very nature
Things spring to being and again they cease
Happy the marvel of them and the peace.
-Nidana Vagga
No human being escapes the necessity of conceiving some good outside himself towards which his thought turns in a movement of desire, supplication, and hope.
-Simone Weil
***
Go the extra mile. It's never crowded.
-Executive Speechwriter Newsletter
***
Be happy!
For you are joy, unbounded joy.
You are awareness itself.
Just as a coil of rope
Is mistaken for a snake,
So you are mistaken for the world.
-Ashtavakra Gita 1:10
***
The saints are My children in exile,
torn away from My dominion and glory.
Despised and alone they endure their trials;
in secret I am their intimate friend.
-Rumi, "Mathnawi"
***
Flow with whatever may happen
and let your mind be free;
Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing.
This is the ultimate.
-Chuang Tsu
***
-Simone Weil
***
Go the extra mile. It's never crowded.
-Executive Speechwriter Newsletter
***
Be happy!
For you are joy, unbounded joy.
You are awareness itself.
Just as a coil of rope
Is mistaken for a snake,
So you are mistaken for the world.
-Ashtavakra Gita 1:10
***
The saints are My children in exile,
torn away from My dominion and glory.
Despised and alone they endure their trials;
in secret I am their intimate friend.
-Rumi, "Mathnawi"
***
Flow with whatever may happen
and let your mind be free;
Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing.
This is the ultimate.
-Chuang Tsu
***
Lower your expectations of earth. This isn't heaven, so don't expect it to be.
-Max Lucado
***
Those who want much, are always much in need.
-Horace
***
Even a wise man acts within the limitations of his own nature...The senses have been conditioned by attraction to the pleasant and aversion to the unpleasant. Do not be ruled by them; they are obstacles in your path.
-Bhagavad Gita 3:33-34
***
Fools exult in life while the pious prepare for the journey ahead. A major portion of their wealth is spent in God's way, and they themselves suffice with the bare minimum, striving toward the hereafter. They even sacrifice fine victuals confident in the faith that they shall be blessed with better in the hereafter. Even God cherishes them because of their conviction and devotion.
-Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jillani
***
Friends, I know nothing which is as tractable as a tamed heart. The tamed heart is indeed tractable.
Friends I know nothing which tends toward loss as does an untamed heart. Indeed, the untamed heart tends toward loss.
-from the Anguttara Nikaya, translated by Gil Fronsdal
***
-Max Lucado
***
Those who want much, are always much in need.
-Horace
***
Even a wise man acts within the limitations of his own nature...The senses have been conditioned by attraction to the pleasant and aversion to the unpleasant. Do not be ruled by them; they are obstacles in your path.
-Bhagavad Gita 3:33-34
***
Fools exult in life while the pious prepare for the journey ahead. A major portion of their wealth is spent in God's way, and they themselves suffice with the bare minimum, striving toward the hereafter. They even sacrifice fine victuals confident in the faith that they shall be blessed with better in the hereafter. Even God cherishes them because of their conviction and devotion.
-Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jillani
***
Friends, I know nothing which is as tractable as a tamed heart. The tamed heart is indeed tractable.
Friends I know nothing which tends toward loss as does an untamed heart. Indeed, the untamed heart tends toward loss.
-from the Anguttara Nikaya, translated by Gil Fronsdal
***
There is a communion with God that asks for nothing, yet asks for everything...
-George McDonald
***
Amid accumulated millions a man remains poor
If he neither gives nor enjoys his wealth.
Vast wealth can be a wretched curse to one who neither
Gladdens himself in its worth nor gives to the worthy.
-Tirukkural 101:1005-1006
***
Practice what you have learned, for theory without practice is like a spirit without a body. One who is content with learning alone is not learned, for the truly learned seeks more than mere words. Divine guidance entails self-mortification, without which contemplation is unattainable.
-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
***
For one who is in the habit of constantly honoring and respecting the elders, four blessings increase—age, beauty, bliss, and strength.
-Dhammapada 109
-George McDonald
***
Amid accumulated millions a man remains poor
If he neither gives nor enjoys his wealth.
Vast wealth can be a wretched curse to one who neither
Gladdens himself in its worth nor gives to the worthy.
-Tirukkural 101:1005-1006
***
Practice what you have learned, for theory without practice is like a spirit without a body. One who is content with learning alone is not learned, for the truly learned seeks more than mere words. Divine guidance entails self-mortification, without which contemplation is unattainable.
-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
***
For one who is in the habit of constantly honoring and respecting the elders, four blessings increase—age, beauty, bliss, and strength.
-Dhammapada 109
God, as Truth, has been for me a treasure beyond price.
May He be so to every one of us.
-Mahatma Gandhi
***
By the declining day, humankind is at a great disadvantage, save those who do good works, admonish one another to be forthright, and inspire each other to endure hardship.
-Qur'an, Al-'Asr, Surah 103:1-3
***
Our first priority should be to prepare a long-term strategy for improving the state of the world that focuses on the coming generations.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
***
Always aim for achievement, and forget about success.
-Helen Hayes
***
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
-Mark 14:38 (Revised Standard Version)
May He be so to every one of us.
-Mahatma Gandhi
***
By the declining day, humankind is at a great disadvantage, save those who do good works, admonish one another to be forthright, and inspire each other to endure hardship.
-Qur'an, Al-'Asr, Surah 103:1-3
***
Our first priority should be to prepare a long-term strategy for improving the state of the world that focuses on the coming generations.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
***
Always aim for achievement, and forget about success.
-Helen Hayes
***
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
-Mark 14:38 (Revised Standard Version)
My big prayer is that I want to make sure that I’m walking in His will, and that He'll speak to me.
-Rebecca St. James
***
When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves.
-David Orr
***
When you see the misfortune of your brother, do not rejoice, for Allah may save him and afflict you with the same misfortune.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Wa'silah bin al-Asqa'a
From "The
***
Everywhere, truly,
those of integrity
stand apart.
They, the good,
don't chatter in hopes
of favor or gains.
When touched
now by pleasure,
now pain,
the wise give no sign
of high
or low.
-Dhammapada, 6, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
-Rebecca St. James
***
When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves.
-David Orr
***
When you see the misfortune of your brother, do not rejoice, for Allah may save him and afflict you with the same misfortune.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Wa'silah bin al-Asqa'a
From "The
***
Everywhere, truly,
those of integrity
stand apart.
They, the good,
don't chatter in hopes
of favor or gains.
When touched
now by pleasure,
now pain,
the wise give no sign
of high
or low.
-Dhammapada, 6, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
We may make the plans, but it's God who has the last word.
-from a church sign
***
The supreme happiness of life is the conviction of being loved for yourself, or, more correctly, being loved in spite of yourself.
-Victor Hugo
***
A superior being does not render evil for evil. Never harm the wicked or the good or even criminals meeting death. A noble soul is always compassionate, even toward those who enjoy injuring others or who are actually committing cruel deeds--for who is without fault?
-Ramayana
***
Your will be done, my Lord, my Messiah!
Your will be done, my desire, my aspiration!
O essence of my being, my goal, my religion!
O all of my all, my hearing, my sight!
-Al-Hallaj, Mansur, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
***
Every reality is eternal, every essence is as is: just don't seek outwardly. If you have a great root of faith, the buddhas are just states of your own experience; whether you are walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, never is it not this.
-Hsuan-sha
***
He who thinks most of heaven will do most for earth.
-Anonymous
-from a church sign
***
The supreme happiness of life is the conviction of being loved for yourself, or, more correctly, being loved in spite of yourself.
-Victor Hugo
***
A superior being does not render evil for evil. Never harm the wicked or the good or even criminals meeting death. A noble soul is always compassionate, even toward those who enjoy injuring others or who are actually committing cruel deeds--for who is without fault?
-Ramayana
***
Your will be done, my Lord, my Messiah!
Your will be done, my desire, my aspiration!
O essence of my being, my goal, my religion!
O all of my all, my hearing, my sight!
-Al-Hallaj, Mansur, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
***
Every reality is eternal, every essence is as is: just don't seek outwardly. If you have a great root of faith, the buddhas are just states of your own experience; whether you are walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, never is it not this.
-Hsuan-sha
***
He who thinks most of heaven will do most for earth.
-Anonymous
Without mistakes there is no forgiving. Without forgiving there is no love.
-Mother Teresa
***
For, Believers are those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a tremor in their hearts, and when they hear His signs rehearsed, find their faith strengthened, and put (all) their trust in their Lord.
-Qur'an, The Spoils of War, Surah 8:2
***
An act of meditation is actually an act of faith--of faith in your spirit, in your own potential. Faith is the basis of meditation. Not of faith in something outside you--a metaphysical buddha, an unattainable ideal, or someone else's words. The faith is in yourself, in your own "buddha-nature." You too can be a buddha, an awakened being that lives and responds in a wise, creative, and compassionate way.
-Martine Batchelor, "Meditation for Life"
***
-Mother Teresa
***
For, Believers are those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a tremor in their hearts, and when they hear His signs rehearsed, find their faith strengthened, and put (all) their trust in their Lord.
-Qur'an, The Spoils of War, Surah 8:2
***
An act of meditation is actually an act of faith--of faith in your spirit, in your own potential. Faith is the basis of meditation. Not of faith in something outside you--a metaphysical buddha, an unattainable ideal, or someone else's words. The faith is in yourself, in your own "buddha-nature." You too can be a buddha, an awakened being that lives and responds in a wise, creative, and compassionate way.
-Martine Batchelor, "Meditation for Life"
***
We must not only give what we have; we must also give what we are.
-Cardinal Mercia
***
Freedom is the oxygen of the soul.
***
My Guru told me;"Trust me. I tell you; you are divine. Take it as the absolute truth. Your joy is divine, your suffering is divine too. All comes from God. Remember it always. You are God, your will alone is done." I did believe him and soon realized how wonderfully true and accurate were his words.
-Nisargadatta Maharaj
***
When clutches of the "self" break away,
they clap their hands and break into dance
as their imperfections fade away.
The musicians within strike the tambourine,
and the seas burst into foam at their ecstasy.
-Rumi, "The Life and Thought of Rumi"
***
Develop a meditation that is like water. Doing this, you will find that the thoughts and impressions that possess you will flow away. Just as people wash away their body liquids, their sweat and spittle, pus and blood, and yet the water is not troubled or disgusted--so this water meditation will bring you peace.
-Majjhima Nikaya
***
-Cardinal Mercia
***
Freedom is the oxygen of the soul.
***
My Guru told me;"Trust me. I tell you; you are divine. Take it as the absolute truth. Your joy is divine, your suffering is divine too. All comes from God. Remember it always. You are God, your will alone is done." I did believe him and soon realized how wonderfully true and accurate were his words.
-Nisargadatta Maharaj
***
When clutches of the "self" break away,
they clap their hands and break into dance
as their imperfections fade away.
The musicians within strike the tambourine,
and the seas burst into foam at their ecstasy.
-Rumi, "The Life and Thought of Rumi"
***
Develop a meditation that is like water. Doing this, you will find that the thoughts and impressions that possess you will flow away. Just as people wash away their body liquids, their sweat and spittle, pus and blood, and yet the water is not troubled or disgusted--so this water meditation will bring you peace.
-Majjhima Nikaya
***
If God were small enough to be understood, He would not be big enough to be worshiped.
-Evelyn Underhill
****
Happiness does not come from doing what you want, but wanting what you do.
***
The world goes on because civilized men exist.
Without them it would collapse into mere dust.
Though their minds are as sharp as a rasp,
Men without human decency are as wooden as a tree.
-Tirukkural 100:997-8
***
A rough, uneducated boy in the village began to sing a hymn in a loud, raucous voice. The pious young men looked at the boy with contempt. Their camels ran off into the desert. The wise old Sufi asked the young men: "Why does this boy's praises move your camels, yet leave you unmoved?"
-Sadi, "The Gulistan (The Rose Garden)"
***
For there is suffering, but none who suffers;
Doing exists although there is no doer;
Extinction is but no extinguished person;
Although there is a path, there is no goer.
-Buddhaghosa; Visuddhimagga 513
****
The body is nothing.
The world is nothing.
When you understand this fully,
How can they be invented?
For the Self is pure awareness,
Nothing less.
-Ashtavakra Gita 2:19
***
Do not lose hope in Allah, for He is the Creator. He will create another way for you. Do not flee from your trials; patience in adversity is the foundation of all virtue, of compassion and sainthood. Patience is the foundation, and without a sound foundation you cannot build a monument.
-Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jillani, "Fayuz E Yazdani"
***
Do not underestimate your ability.
-Geshe Chekawa, in Advice From a Spiritual Friend
-Evelyn Underhill
****
Happiness does not come from doing what you want, but wanting what you do.
***
The world goes on because civilized men exist.
Without them it would collapse into mere dust.
Though their minds are as sharp as a rasp,
Men without human decency are as wooden as a tree.
-Tirukkural 100:997-8
***
A rough, uneducated boy in the village began to sing a hymn in a loud, raucous voice. The pious young men looked at the boy with contempt. Their camels ran off into the desert. The wise old Sufi asked the young men: "Why does this boy's praises move your camels, yet leave you unmoved?"
-Sadi, "The Gulistan (The Rose Garden)"
***
For there is suffering, but none who suffers;
Doing exists although there is no doer;
Extinction is but no extinguished person;
Although there is a path, there is no goer.
-Buddhaghosa; Visuddhimagga 513
****
The body is nothing.
The world is nothing.
When you understand this fully,
How can they be invented?
For the Self is pure awareness,
Nothing less.
-Ashtavakra Gita 2:19
***
Do not lose hope in Allah, for He is the Creator. He will create another way for you. Do not flee from your trials; patience in adversity is the foundation of all virtue, of compassion and sainthood. Patience is the foundation, and without a sound foundation you cannot build a monument.
-Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jillani, "Fayuz E Yazdani"
***
Do not underestimate your ability.
-Geshe Chekawa, in Advice From a Spiritual Friend
Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God.
-Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
***
All I am or hope to be I owe to my angel mother.
-Abraham Lincoln
***
The world is a theatre of love.
-Kashmiri proverb
***
I saw a man in Paradise for a deed as simple as cutting down a tree that stood in the middle of a road, causing wayfarers much distress.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Ibn Umar
***
The only people to get even with are those who have helped you.
-Anonymous
***
Where love is, there God is also.
-Gandhi
***
-Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
***
All I am or hope to be I owe to my angel mother.
-Abraham Lincoln
***
The world is a theatre of love.
-Kashmiri proverb
***
I saw a man in Paradise for a deed as simple as cutting down a tree that stood in the middle of a road, causing wayfarers much distress.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Ibn Umar
***
The only people to get even with are those who have helped you.
-Anonymous
***
Where love is, there God is also.
-Gandhi
***
We are not built for ourselves, but for God. Not for service for God, but for God.
-Oswald Chambers
***
When we ask for advice, we are usually looking for an accomplice.
-Charles Varlet Marquis de La Grange
***
By nature my mind is empty.
Even in sleep, I am awake.
I think of things without thinking.
All my impressions of the world
Have dissolved.
My desires have melted away.
So what do I care for money
Or the thieving senses,
For friend or knowledge or holy books?
-Ashtavakra Gita 14:1-2
***
Muhammad trusted God completely, and accepted without question, the truth of what he heard. He knew that in conveying God’s revelations to others, he would encounter varying reactions. Some would listen eagerly and treat him well, while others would be angry and hostile. Thus he was aware that God was laying a heavy and troublesome burden upon him. Yet he accepted it willingly, believing that God would give him the courage and determination to face every kind of opposition.
-Ibn Isaq, "The Life of Muhammad"
***
Desires achieved increase thirst like salt water.
-Milarepa, "Drinking the Mountain Stream"
***
It is critical to serve others, to contribute actively to others' well-being. I often tell practitioners that they should adopt the following principle: regarding one's own personal needs, there should be as little involvement or obligation as possible. But regarding service to others, there should be as many possible involvements and obligations as possible. This should be the ideal of a spiritual person.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
-Oswald Chambers
***
When we ask for advice, we are usually looking for an accomplice.
-Charles Varlet Marquis de La Grange
***
By nature my mind is empty.
Even in sleep, I am awake.
I think of things without thinking.
All my impressions of the world
Have dissolved.
My desires have melted away.
So what do I care for money
Or the thieving senses,
For friend or knowledge or holy books?
-Ashtavakra Gita 14:1-2
***
Muhammad trusted God completely, and accepted without question, the truth of what he heard. He knew that in conveying God’s revelations to others, he would encounter varying reactions. Some would listen eagerly and treat him well, while others would be angry and hostile. Thus he was aware that God was laying a heavy and troublesome burden upon him. Yet he accepted it willingly, believing that God would give him the courage and determination to face every kind of opposition.
-Ibn Isaq, "The Life of Muhammad"
***
Desires achieved increase thirst like salt water.
-Milarepa, "Drinking the Mountain Stream"
***
It is critical to serve others, to contribute actively to others' well-being. I often tell practitioners that they should adopt the following principle: regarding one's own personal needs, there should be as little involvement or obligation as possible. But regarding service to others, there should be as many possible involvements and obligations as possible. This should be the ideal of a spiritual person.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
By humble and faithful prayer, the soul acquires, with time and perseverance, every virtue.
-St. Catherine of Siena
***
The highest wisdom is loving kindness.
-The Talmud
***
For Brahmins confused those who regard them as separate from the Self. Kshatriyas confuse those who regard them as separate from the Self. The universe confuses those who regard it as separate from the Self. Gods and creatures confuse those who regard them as separate from the Self. Everything confuses those who regard things as separate from the Self.
-Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
***
It was Allah who raised the heavens without visible supports, and then established His glory on the Throne. He compelled the sun and the moon to be of service, each running an appointed term; He ordains the course of all things. He made those revelations manifest, that you may be certain of meeting your Lord.
-Qur'an, Ar-Ra'd, Surah 13:2
From "The Bounty of Allah," translated
***
Don't forget to bring the good experiences of meditation into your daily activities. Instead of acting and reacting impulsively and following your thoughts and feelings here and there, watch your mind carefully, be aware, and try to deal skillfully with problems as they arise. If you can do this each day, your meditation will have been successful.
-Kathleen McDonald, "How to Meditate"
-St. Catherine of Siena
***
The highest wisdom is loving kindness.
-The Talmud
***
For Brahmins confused those who regard them as separate from the Self. Kshatriyas confuse those who regard them as separate from the Self. The universe confuses those who regard it as separate from the Self. Gods and creatures confuse those who regard them as separate from the Self. Everything confuses those who regard things as separate from the Self.
-Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
***
It was Allah who raised the heavens without visible supports, and then established His glory on the Throne. He compelled the sun and the moon to be of service, each running an appointed term; He ordains the course of all things. He made those revelations manifest, that you may be certain of meeting your Lord.
-Qur'an, Ar-Ra'd, Surah 13:2
From "The Bounty of Allah," translated
***
Don't forget to bring the good experiences of meditation into your daily activities. Instead of acting and reacting impulsively and following your thoughts and feelings here and there, watch your mind carefully, be aware, and try to deal skillfully with problems as they arise. If you can do this each day, your meditation will have been successful.
-Kathleen McDonald, "How to Meditate"
Where others see but the dawn coming over the hill, I see the soul of God shouting for joy.
-William Blake
***
To be loved, be lovable.
-Ovid
***
I met a hundred men on the road to Delhi, and they all were my brothers.
-Indian proverb
***
I am neither Christian, nor Jewish, nor Muslim. Doing away with duality, I saw the two worlds as one. I seek One, I know One, I see One, and I call One.
-Rumi, "The Life and Thought"
***
For those who are ready, the door
To the deathless state is open.
You that have ears, give up
The conditions that bind you, and enter in.
-Majjhima Nikaya
-William Blake
***
To be loved, be lovable.
-Ovid
***
I met a hundred men on the road to Delhi, and they all were my brothers.
-Indian proverb
***
I am neither Christian, nor Jewish, nor Muslim. Doing away with duality, I saw the two worlds as one. I seek One, I know One, I see One, and I call One.
-Rumi, "The Life and Thought"
***
For those who are ready, the door
To the deathless state is open.
You that have ears, give up
The conditions that bind you, and enter in.
-Majjhima Nikaya
The will of God is never exactly what you expect it to be. It may seem to be much worse, but in the end it's going to be a lot better and a lot bigger.
-Elisabeth Elliot
***
If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.
-Unknown
***
If a man considers that he is born, he cannot avoid the fear of death. Let him find out if he has been born or if the Self has any birth. He will discover that the Self always exists, that the body that is born resolves itself into thought and that the emergence of thought is the root of all mischief. Find from where thoughts emerge. Then you will be able to abide in the ever-present inmost Self and be free from the idea of birth or the fear of death.
-Ramana Maharshi
***
God has the power to touch the heart of the sinner, to turn him away from his wicked ways.
-Rabi'a, "Rabi'a the Mystic"
***
How, monks, does the practitioner remain established in the observation of the Four Noble Truths?
A practitioner is aware, "This is suffering," as it arises. One is aware, "This is the cause of suffering," as it arises. One is aware, "This is the end of suffering," as it arises. One is aware, "This is the path which leads to the end of suffering," as it arises.
-Satipatthana-sutta, translated by Thich Nhat Hanh and Annabel Laity
-Elisabeth Elliot
***
If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.
-Unknown
***
If a man considers that he is born, he cannot avoid the fear of death. Let him find out if he has been born or if the Self has any birth. He will discover that the Self always exists, that the body that is born resolves itself into thought and that the emergence of thought is the root of all mischief. Find from where thoughts emerge. Then you will be able to abide in the ever-present inmost Self and be free from the idea of birth or the fear of death.
-Ramana Maharshi
***
God has the power to touch the heart of the sinner, to turn him away from his wicked ways.
-Rabi'a, "Rabi'a the Mystic"
***
How, monks, does the practitioner remain established in the observation of the Four Noble Truths?
A practitioner is aware, "This is suffering," as it arises. One is aware, "This is the cause of suffering," as it arises. One is aware, "This is the end of suffering," as it arises. One is aware, "This is the path which leads to the end of suffering," as it arises.
-Satipatthana-sutta, translated by Thich Nhat Hanh and Annabel Laity
As our body cannot live without nourishment, so our soul cannot spiritually be kept alive without prayer.
-St. Augustine
***
I thank You God for most this amazing day; for the leaping greenly spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything which is natural which is infinite which is yes.
-e.e. cummings
***
If all the land were turned to paper and all the seas turned to ink, and all the forests into pens to write with, they would still not suffice to describe the greatness of the guru.
-Kabir
***
Forgive us, our Lord. Overlook our transgressions and remit from us our evil deeds. Condemn us not for our corruption; save us from public scorn. O Merciful, You Yourself is decreed, “I alone and no other accept repentance of My servants and remit from them their evil deeds.” So absolve us of our sins, O Benevolent Lord.
-Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jillani, “Fayuz E Yazdani”
***
Meditation is like a single log of wood. Insight and investigation are one end of the log; calm and concentration are the other end. If you lift up the whole log, both sides come up at once. Which is concentration and which is insight? Just this mind.
-Ajahn Chah, "Still Forest Pool"
-St. Augustine
***
I thank You God for most this amazing day; for the leaping greenly spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything which is natural which is infinite which is yes.
-e.e. cummings
***
If all the land were turned to paper and all the seas turned to ink, and all the forests into pens to write with, they would still not suffice to describe the greatness of the guru.
-Kabir
***
Forgive us, our Lord. Overlook our transgressions and remit from us our evil deeds. Condemn us not for our corruption; save us from public scorn. O Merciful, You Yourself is decreed, “I alone and no other accept repentance of My servants and remit from them their evil deeds.” So absolve us of our sins, O Benevolent Lord.
-Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jillani, “Fayuz E Yazdani”
***
Meditation is like a single log of wood. Insight and investigation are one end of the log; calm and concentration are the other end. If you lift up the whole log, both sides come up at once. Which is concentration and which is insight? Just this mind.
-Ajahn Chah, "Still Forest Pool"
Simplicity towards God consists in seeking him only in all our actions.
-St. Jane Frances de Chantal
***
That they may have a little peace, even the best dogs are compelled to snarl occasionally.
-William Feather
***
I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence. But I believe that non-violence is infinitely superior to violence, forgiveness is more manly than punishment. Forgiveness adorns the soldier.
-Mahatma Gandhi
***
No kind of calamity can occur, except by the leave of Allah: and if any one believes in Allah, (Allah) guides his heart (aright): for Allah knows all things.
So obey Allah, and obey His Messenger, but if ye turn back, the duty of Our Messenger is but to proclaim (the Message) clearly and openly.
-Qur'an, At-Taghabun, "Surah" 64:11-12
***
I come from the East, most of you [here] are Westerners. If I look at you superficially, we are different, and if I put my emphasis on that level, we grow more distant. If I look on you as my own kind, as human beings like myself, with one nose, two eyes, and so forth, then automatically that distance is gone. We are the same human flesh. I want happiness; you also want happiness. From that mutual recognition, we can build respect and real trust of each other. From that can come cooperation and harmony.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
***
-St. Jane Frances de Chantal
***
That they may have a little peace, even the best dogs are compelled to snarl occasionally.
-William Feather
***
I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence. But I believe that non-violence is infinitely superior to violence, forgiveness is more manly than punishment. Forgiveness adorns the soldier.
-Mahatma Gandhi
***
No kind of calamity can occur, except by the leave of Allah: and if any one believes in Allah, (Allah) guides his heart (aright): for Allah knows all things.
So obey Allah, and obey His Messenger, but if ye turn back, the duty of Our Messenger is but to proclaim (the Message) clearly and openly.
-Qur'an, At-Taghabun, "Surah" 64:11-12
***
I come from the East, most of you [here] are Westerners. If I look at you superficially, we are different, and if I put my emphasis on that level, we grow more distant. If I look on you as my own kind, as human beings like myself, with one nose, two eyes, and so forth, then automatically that distance is gone. We are the same human flesh. I want happiness; you also want happiness. From that mutual recognition, we can build respect and real trust of each other. From that can come cooperation and harmony.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
***