In each generation, every person is obliged to feel as though he or she personally came out of Egypt.(The role of tradition)
- Mishna Pesachim
***
If we are to live unto God at any time, or in any place, we are to live unto Him at all times and all places. If we are to use anything as the gift of God, we are to use everything as His gift.
-William Law
***
Thus shall ye think of this fleeting world:
A star at dawn, a bubble in a stream;
A flash of lightning in a summer cloud;
A flickering lamp, a phantom, and a dream.
-Diamond Sutra
***
Repel evil with that which is best: We are well acquainted with the things they say.
-Qur'an, Surah 23:96
Quote
-
Guest
What we need is more people who specialize in the impossible.
-Theodore Roethke
***
Better indeed is knowledge than mechanical practice (of religious ritual). Better than knowledge is meditation. But better still is surrender of attachment to results (of one's actions), because there follows immediate peace.
-Bhagavad Gita 12:12
***
Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God.
-Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
***
The intelligent person sees with the heart
the result from the beginning;
the one lacking in knowledge
only discovers it at the end.
-Mathnawi [V, 2570]
***
All receive advice. Only the wise profit from it.
-Syrus
-Theodore Roethke
***
Better indeed is knowledge than mechanical practice (of religious ritual). Better than knowledge is meditation. But better still is surrender of attachment to results (of one's actions), because there follows immediate peace.
-Bhagavad Gita 12:12
***
Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God.
-Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
***
The intelligent person sees with the heart
the result from the beginning;
the one lacking in knowledge
only discovers it at the end.
-Mathnawi [V, 2570]
***
All receive advice. Only the wise profit from it.
-Syrus
All knowledge acquired through the five senses is worthless
To those without knowledge of truth.
In everything of every kind whatsoever,
Wisdom perceives Truth in that thing.
Those who find Divine Truth in this world
Follow a path which never comes back to this world.
Those who think with certitude and ponder well that which is,
Need never think of being born again.
-Tirukkural 36:354-357
***
Nothing is too great and nothing is too small to commit into the hands of the Lord.
-A.W. Pink
***
If one is lonely neither in a crowd nor in the deep mountains, one is an able person who knows how to enjoy absolute freedom.
-Jae Woong Kim, "Polishing The Diamond"
***
When a believer gives in to temptation, a black stain appears on his heart. If he repents and asks for forgiveness, that stain disappears. But if he continues to transgress, the stain continues to grow until it blackens the entire heart. That stain is the rust the Lord Almighty refers to: "Nay, rust has fallen upon their hearts for what they have earned."
-The Prophet Muhammad, as reported by Abu Hurairah
***
To those without knowledge of truth.
In everything of every kind whatsoever,
Wisdom perceives Truth in that thing.
Those who find Divine Truth in this world
Follow a path which never comes back to this world.
Those who think with certitude and ponder well that which is,
Need never think of being born again.
-Tirukkural 36:354-357
***
Nothing is too great and nothing is too small to commit into the hands of the Lord.
-A.W. Pink
***
If one is lonely neither in a crowd nor in the deep mountains, one is an able person who knows how to enjoy absolute freedom.
-Jae Woong Kim, "Polishing The Diamond"
***
When a believer gives in to temptation, a black stain appears on his heart. If he repents and asks for forgiveness, that stain disappears. But if he continues to transgress, the stain continues to grow until it blackens the entire heart. That stain is the rust the Lord Almighty refers to: "Nay, rust has fallen upon their hearts for what they have earned."
-The Prophet Muhammad, as reported by Abu Hurairah
***
-
Guest
When from ignorance
You see silver in mother-of-pearl,
Greed arises.
From ignorance of the Self
Desire arises
For the world where the senses whirl.
-Ashtavakra Gita 3:2
***
Standing or walking, sitting or lying down, during all these waking hours, let him establish mindfulness of good will, which men call the highest state!
-Buddha
From "Sayings of the Buddha: Reflections for Every Day",
***
Your worst enemy lies between your two ribs.
-Saying of the Prophet Muhammad in Khanaqahi: Guzida
***
Every exit is an entry somewhere else.
-Tom Stoppard
***
To live content with small means;
to seek elegance rather than luxury;
and refinement rather than fashion;
to be worthy, not respectable; and
wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think
quietly, talk gently, act frankly; to listen
to stars and birds, to babes and sages,
with open heart; to bear all cheerfully,
do all bravely, await occasion, hurry
never; in a word, to let the spiritual,
unbidden and unconscious grow up
through the common.
This is to be my symphony."
William Henry Channing
You see silver in mother-of-pearl,
Greed arises.
From ignorance of the Self
Desire arises
For the world where the senses whirl.
-Ashtavakra Gita 3:2
***
Standing or walking, sitting or lying down, during all these waking hours, let him establish mindfulness of good will, which men call the highest state!
-Buddha
From "Sayings of the Buddha: Reflections for Every Day",
***
Your worst enemy lies between your two ribs.
-Saying of the Prophet Muhammad in Khanaqahi: Guzida
***
Every exit is an entry somewhere else.
-Tom Stoppard
***
To live content with small means;
to seek elegance rather than luxury;
and refinement rather than fashion;
to be worthy, not respectable; and
wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think
quietly, talk gently, act frankly; to listen
to stars and birds, to babes and sages,
with open heart; to bear all cheerfully,
do all bravely, await occasion, hurry
never; in a word, to let the spiritual,
unbidden and unconscious grow up
through the common.
This is to be my symphony."
William Henry Channing
-
Guest
-
Guest
It is good to see ourselves as others see us. Try as we may, we are never able to know ourselves fully as we are, especially the evil side of us. This we can do only if we are not angry with our critics but will take in good heart whatever they might have to say.
-Mahatma Ghandi
***
Putting down all barriers, let your mind be full of love. Let it pervade all the quarters of the world so that the whole wide world, above, below, and around, is pervaded with love. Let it be sublime and beyond measure so that it abounds everywhere.
-Digha Nikaya
***
O you who believe! When you conspire together, conspire not for crime and wrongdoing and disobedience to the messenger, but conspire together for righteousness and piety and keep your duty toward Allah, unto Whom you will be gathered.
-Qur'an, Surah 58:9
***
-Mahatma Ghandi
***
Putting down all barriers, let your mind be full of love. Let it pervade all the quarters of the world so that the whole wide world, above, below, and around, is pervaded with love. Let it be sublime and beyond measure so that it abounds everywhere.
-Digha Nikaya
***
O you who believe! When you conspire together, conspire not for crime and wrongdoing and disobedience to the messenger, but conspire together for righteousness and piety and keep your duty toward Allah, unto Whom you will be gathered.
-Qur'an, Surah 58:9
***
-
Guest
Side by side, those who know the Self and those who know it not do the same thing; but it is not the same: the act done with knowledge, with inner awareness and faith, grows in power. That, in a word, tells the significance of OM, the indivisible.
-Chandogya Upanishad
Excerpted from The Upanishads, translated by Eknath Easwaran, copyright 1987.
***
And which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?
-Luke 12:25-26
***
Abruptness and haste is the Devil's wile;
patience and deliberation is God's grace.
-Mathnawi [V, 2570]
From "Jewels of Remembrance," by Rumi, selected and translated by Camille and Kabir Helminski, © 1996
***
It’s the things in common that make relationships enjoyable, but it’s the little differences that make them interesting.
-Todd Ruthman
***
-Chandogya Upanishad
Excerpted from The Upanishads, translated by Eknath Easwaran, copyright 1987.
***
And which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?
-Luke 12:25-26
***
Abruptness and haste is the Devil's wile;
patience and deliberation is God's grace.
-Mathnawi [V, 2570]
From "Jewels of Remembrance," by Rumi, selected and translated by Camille and Kabir Helminski, © 1996
***
It’s the things in common that make relationships enjoyable, but it’s the little differences that make them interesting.
-Todd Ruthman
***
-
Guest
Ingratitude to man is ingratitude to God.
- Samuel HaNagid, "Ben Mishle"
***
No one can die. None can be degraded forever. Life is but a playground, however gross the play may be. However we may receive blows and however knocked about we may be, the Soul is there and is never injured. We are that Infinite.
-Vivekananda
From "Teachings of the Hindu Mystics,"
***
One act of obedience is better than one hundred sermons.
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
***
The ultimate source of peace in the family, the country, and the world is altruism.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama, The Meaning of Life
Copyright Wisdom Publications 2001.
***
Beware of the pleas of the oppressed, because they will ask for justice from Allah, and Allah does not deny the rights of the deserving.
-The Prophet Muhammad, as reported by 'Ali bin Abi Talib
Hadith translated by Aneela Khalid Arshed.
- Samuel HaNagid, "Ben Mishle"
***
No one can die. None can be degraded forever. Life is but a playground, however gross the play may be. However we may receive blows and however knocked about we may be, the Soul is there and is never injured. We are that Infinite.
-Vivekananda
From "Teachings of the Hindu Mystics,"
***
One act of obedience is better than one hundred sermons.
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
***
The ultimate source of peace in the family, the country, and the world is altruism.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama, The Meaning of Life
Copyright Wisdom Publications 2001.
***
Beware of the pleas of the oppressed, because they will ask for justice from Allah, and Allah does not deny the rights of the deserving.
-The Prophet Muhammad, as reported by 'Ali bin Abi Talib
Hadith translated by Aneela Khalid Arshed.
-
Guest
There is no moving creature on earth but its sustenance dependeth on Allah. He knoweth the time and place of its definite abode and its temporary deposit: All is in a clear Record.
-Qur'an Hud, Surah 11:6
***
Mystery creates wonder and wonder is the basis of man's desire to understand.
-Neil Armstrong
***
All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence."
Dr. Martin Luther King
-Qur'an Hud, Surah 11:6
***
Mystery creates wonder and wonder is the basis of man's desire to understand.
-Neil Armstrong
***
All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence."
Dr. Martin Luther King
-
Guest
Remember the virtues you lack and the faults you have; forget the good you did and the wrong you received.
- Orhot Tzaddikim
***
As water changes according to the soil through which it flows,
so a man assimilates the character of his associates.
By knowing his thoughts, a man's mind is discovered.
By knowing his associates, his character is revealed.
-Tirukkural 46:452-453
Excerpted from the Tirukkural, translated by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami.
***
It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for only the pure in heart want to.
-C.S. Lewis
***
The matter of life and death is important; impermanence is swift. Aspirants to Zen all understand the path, but when you ask them why we live and why we die, ten out of ten are dumbstruck. If you do on this way, even if you journey throughout the whole world, what will it accomplish?
-Tuan-ch'iao
From "Teachings of Zen,"
***
Growth in wisdom may be exactly measured by decrease in bitterness.
-Friedrich Nietzsche
- Orhot Tzaddikim
***
As water changes according to the soil through which it flows,
so a man assimilates the character of his associates.
By knowing his thoughts, a man's mind is discovered.
By knowing his associates, his character is revealed.
-Tirukkural 46:452-453
Excerpted from the Tirukkural, translated by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami.
***
It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for only the pure in heart want to.
-C.S. Lewis
***
The matter of life and death is important; impermanence is swift. Aspirants to Zen all understand the path, but when you ask them why we live and why we die, ten out of ten are dumbstruck. If you do on this way, even if you journey throughout the whole world, what will it accomplish?
-Tuan-ch'iao
From "Teachings of Zen,"
***
Growth in wisdom may be exactly measured by decrease in bitterness.
-Friedrich Nietzsche
The Torah was given in the desert, teaching us that to merit Torah, a man must renounce himself like the desert.
- Pesikta de R. Kahana
***
Free from desire,
He neither praises the peaceful
Nor blames the wicked.
The same in joy and sorrow,
He is always happy.
He sees there is nothing to do.
-Ashtavakra Gita 18:82
From "The Heart of Awareness:
***
See in the meantime that your faith bringeth forth obedience, and God in due time will cause it to bring forth peace.
-John Owen
***
Compassion is the best healer.
-Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Ultimate Healing
Copyright Wisdom Publications 2001
***
A true believer loves for his brother what he loves for himself.
-The Prophet Muhammad, as reported by Anas bin Malik
***
I value the friend who for me finds time on his calendar, but I cherish the friend who for me does not consult his calendar.
-Robert Brault
***
Through heedfulness, Indra won
to lordship over the gods.
Heedfulness is praised,
heedlessness censured—
always.
-Dhammapada, 30, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
- Pesikta de R. Kahana
***
Free from desire,
He neither praises the peaceful
Nor blames the wicked.
The same in joy and sorrow,
He is always happy.
He sees there is nothing to do.
-Ashtavakra Gita 18:82
From "The Heart of Awareness:
***
See in the meantime that your faith bringeth forth obedience, and God in due time will cause it to bring forth peace.
-John Owen
***
Compassion is the best healer.
-Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Ultimate Healing
Copyright Wisdom Publications 2001
***
A true believer loves for his brother what he loves for himself.
-The Prophet Muhammad, as reported by Anas bin Malik
***
I value the friend who for me finds time on his calendar, but I cherish the friend who for me does not consult his calendar.
-Robert Brault
***
Through heedfulness, Indra won
to lordship over the gods.
Heedfulness is praised,
heedlessness censured—
always.
-Dhammapada, 30, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
-
Guest
He who postpones the hour of living rightly is like the rustic who waits for the river to run out before he crosses.
-Horace
***
Seek the good in everyone, and reveal it, bring it forth.
- Nahman of Bratslav, "Likute Moharan"
***
He insulted me, he hurt me, he defeated me, he robbed me.’
Those who think such things will not be free from hate.
-Buddha
From "Sayings of the Buddha: Reflections for Every Day",
***
I made peace with all the people in the world, resolving never to wage war on anyone, and I waged war against my self and have never since made peace with it.
-Kharaqani in Attar: Tadhkirat
From "The Wisdom of Sufism," compiled by Leonard Lewisohn.
***
-Horace
***
Seek the good in everyone, and reveal it, bring it forth.
- Nahman of Bratslav, "Likute Moharan"
***
He insulted me, he hurt me, he defeated me, he robbed me.’
Those who think such things will not be free from hate.
-Buddha
From "Sayings of the Buddha: Reflections for Every Day",
***
I made peace with all the people in the world, resolving never to wage war on anyone, and I waged war against my self and have never since made peace with it.
-Kharaqani in Attar: Tadhkirat
From "The Wisdom of Sufism," compiled by Leonard Lewisohn.
***
-
Guest
It is the Self who sees, hears, smells, touches,
And tastes, who thinks, acts, and is pure
consciousness.
The Self is Brahman, changeless and supreme.
Those who know the supreme Self as formless,
Without shadow, without impurity,
Know all, gentle friend, and live in all.
Those who know the Self, the seat of consciousness,
In whom the breath and all the senses live,
Know all, gentle friend, and live in all.
-Prashna Upanishad
Excerpted from The Upanishads, translated by Eknath Easwaran, copyright 1987
***
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
***
The Buddha was asked: "Is there only one summit of consciousness or are there several?"
He replied: "One and several. As one state of consciousness is realized, then the next is seen. Thus there are several and there is one."
He was then asked: "Which is first, awareness or knowledge?"
"Awareness arises first and then comes knowledge. One can then say, 'Because of my awareness, I know this as a fact.'"
-Digha Nikaya
From "Buddha Speaks," edited by Anne Bancroft, 2000
***
And tastes, who thinks, acts, and is pure
consciousness.
The Self is Brahman, changeless and supreme.
Those who know the supreme Self as formless,
Without shadow, without impurity,
Know all, gentle friend, and live in all.
Those who know the Self, the seat of consciousness,
In whom the breath and all the senses live,
Know all, gentle friend, and live in all.
-Prashna Upanishad
Excerpted from The Upanishads, translated by Eknath Easwaran, copyright 1987
***
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
***
The Buddha was asked: "Is there only one summit of consciousness or are there several?"
He replied: "One and several. As one state of consciousness is realized, then the next is seen. Thus there are several and there is one."
He was then asked: "Which is first, awareness or knowledge?"
"Awareness arises first and then comes knowledge. One can then say, 'Because of my awareness, I know this as a fact.'"
-Digha Nikaya
From "Buddha Speaks," edited by Anne Bancroft, 2000
***
-
Guest
Honor your mother at heart, in speech, and by action.
- Elijah b. Raphael, T'zavaah, 18C
***
This lover of love sings:
"Mother! Mother! Mother!
Who can fathom your mystery,
Your eternal play of love with love?
You are divine madness, O goddess,
Your love the brilliant crown of madness.
Please make this poor poet madly wealthy
with the infinite treasure of your love."
-Ramprasad
From "Teachings of the Hindu Mystics,"
***
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.
***
I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.
-Abraham Lincoln
***
We have ordained humankind to show kindness toward their parents, for in pain their mothers carry them and in pain do they give birth. In thirty months they bear and wean; thus when they attain maturity they may pray, "Lord, inspire us that we may be thankful for the blessings You bestowed upon us and our parents. Kindle within us the desire to do what is upright and pleasing to You. Grant us righteous offspring, Lord. Verily, we turn to You in repentance, surrendering ourselves in earnest."
-Qur'an, Al-Ahqaf, Surah 46:15
Translated by Aneela Khalid Arshed. Copyright 1999
- Elijah b. Raphael, T'zavaah, 18C
***
This lover of love sings:
"Mother! Mother! Mother!
Who can fathom your mystery,
Your eternal play of love with love?
You are divine madness, O goddess,
Your love the brilliant crown of madness.
Please make this poor poet madly wealthy
with the infinite treasure of your love."
-Ramprasad
From "Teachings of the Hindu Mystics,"
***
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.
***
I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.
-Abraham Lincoln
***
We have ordained humankind to show kindness toward their parents, for in pain their mothers carry them and in pain do they give birth. In thirty months they bear and wean; thus when they attain maturity they may pray, "Lord, inspire us that we may be thankful for the blessings You bestowed upon us and our parents. Kindle within us the desire to do what is upright and pleasing to You. Grant us righteous offspring, Lord. Verily, we turn to You in repentance, surrendering ourselves in earnest."
-Qur'an, Al-Ahqaf, Surah 46:15
Translated by Aneela Khalid Arshed. Copyright 1999
-
Guest
Climb up on some hill at sunrise. Everybody needs perspective once in a while, and you’ll find it there.
-Robb Sagendorph
***
There is a palace of light that opens only to him who occupies himself with the light of the Torah.(by extention all sacred literature)
- Tikkune Zohar
***
One should not imagine oneself to be one with the eye or independent of it or the owner of it. The same with the ear and all the other senses, including the mind. Nor should one imagine oneself to be identical with the world or contained in it or independent of it or the owner of it.
In this way, free from imagining, one no longer clings to the things of the world. When one no longer clings, there is no more agitation, insecurity, and worry. Being no longer worried, one can reach into the depths of oneself and understand that where there has been loss there is now fulfillment.
-Samyutta Nikaya
From "Buddha Speaks," edited by Anne Bancroft, 2000
***
As our body cannot live without nourishment, so our soul cannot spiritually be kept alive without prayer.
-St. Augustine
***
Allah says, "I am with My servant when he remembers Me and his lips move in My service."
-The Prophet Muhammad, as reported by Abu Hurairah
-Robb Sagendorph
***
There is a palace of light that opens only to him who occupies himself with the light of the Torah.(by extention all sacred literature)
- Tikkune Zohar
***
One should not imagine oneself to be one with the eye or independent of it or the owner of it. The same with the ear and all the other senses, including the mind. Nor should one imagine oneself to be identical with the world or contained in it or independent of it or the owner of it.
In this way, free from imagining, one no longer clings to the things of the world. When one no longer clings, there is no more agitation, insecurity, and worry. Being no longer worried, one can reach into the depths of oneself and understand that where there has been loss there is now fulfillment.
-Samyutta Nikaya
From "Buddha Speaks," edited by Anne Bancroft, 2000
***
As our body cannot live without nourishment, so our soul cannot spiritually be kept alive without prayer.
-St. Augustine
***
Allah says, "I am with My servant when he remembers Me and his lips move in My service."
-The Prophet Muhammad, as reported by Abu Hurairah
-
Guest
It is by attempting to reach the top at a single leap that so much misery is caused in the world.
-William Cobbett
***
Faith is something given, not achieved. It is created by God’s word in Christ.
-H.A. Williams
***
Take no pleasure in worldly talk;
Take delight in what passes beyond the world.
Cause good qualities to grow in others
In the same way (you wish them) for yourself.
-Nagarjuna, "Precious Garland"
From "365 Buddha: Daily Meditations," edited by Jeff Schmidt
***
Say: "Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us. He is our protector." And on Allah let the Believers put their trust.
-Qur'an, The Repentance, 9:51
***
-William Cobbett
***
Faith is something given, not achieved. It is created by God’s word in Christ.
-H.A. Williams
***
Take no pleasure in worldly talk;
Take delight in what passes beyond the world.
Cause good qualities to grow in others
In the same way (you wish them) for yourself.
-Nagarjuna, "Precious Garland"
From "365 Buddha: Daily Meditations," edited by Jeff Schmidt
***
Say: "Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us. He is our protector." And on Allah let the Believers put their trust.
-Qur'an, The Repentance, 9:51
***
Spiritual relationship is far more precious than physical. Physical relationship divorced from spiritual is body without soul.
Mohandas Gandhi
Take care of your body with steadfast fidelity. The soul must see through these eyes alone, and if they are dim, the whole world is clouded.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Mohandas Gandhi
Take care of your body with steadfast fidelity. The soul must see through these eyes alone, and if they are dim, the whole world is clouded.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
-
Guest
Each day we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.
-Charles Swindoll
***
Through ignorance
I once imagined I was bound.
But I am pure awareness.
I live beyond all distinctions,
In unbroken meditation.
-Ashtavakra Gita 2:17
From "The Heart of Awareness: A Translation of the Ashtavakra Gita,"
***
With all things, it is always what comes to us from outside, freely and by surprise as a gift from heaven, without our having sought it, that brings us pure joy.
-Simone Weil
***
Those who have spent ten or twenty years brushing aside the weeds looking for the way and yet have not seen the buddha nature often say they are trapped by oblivion and excitement. What they don't realize is that the substance of this very oblivion and excitement is itself buddha nature.
-Kao-feng
From "Teachings of Zen," edited by Thomas Cleary, © 1998
***
What is justice? Giving water to trees.
What is injustice? To give water to thorns.
Justice consists in bestowing bounty in its proper place,
not on every root that will absorb water.
-Mathnawi [V, 1089-1090]
From "Jewels of Remembrance," by Rumi,
-Charles Swindoll
***
Through ignorance
I once imagined I was bound.
But I am pure awareness.
I live beyond all distinctions,
In unbroken meditation.
-Ashtavakra Gita 2:17
From "The Heart of Awareness: A Translation of the Ashtavakra Gita,"
***
With all things, it is always what comes to us from outside, freely and by surprise as a gift from heaven, without our having sought it, that brings us pure joy.
-Simone Weil
***
Those who have spent ten or twenty years brushing aside the weeds looking for the way and yet have not seen the buddha nature often say they are trapped by oblivion and excitement. What they don't realize is that the substance of this very oblivion and excitement is itself buddha nature.
-Kao-feng
From "Teachings of Zen," edited by Thomas Cleary, © 1998
***
What is justice? Giving water to trees.
What is injustice? To give water to thorns.
Justice consists in bestowing bounty in its proper place,
not on every root that will absorb water.
-Mathnawi [V, 1089-1090]
From "Jewels of Remembrance," by Rumi,
You cannot step twice into the same river, for other waters are continually flowing on.
-Heraclitus
***
Mind is consciousness which has put on limitations. You are originally unlimited and perfect. Later you take on limitations and become the mind.
-Sri Ramana Maharshi
***
Perception can make whatever picture the mind desires to see. Remember this. In this lies either Heaven or hell, as you elect..
from
-Course in Miracles
***
It isn't the mountain ahead that wears you out - it's the grain of sand in your shoe.
Robert Service
-Heraclitus
***
Mind is consciousness which has put on limitations. You are originally unlimited and perfect. Later you take on limitations and become the mind.
-Sri Ramana Maharshi
***
Perception can make whatever picture the mind desires to see. Remember this. In this lies either Heaven or hell, as you elect..
from
-Course in Miracles
***
It isn't the mountain ahead that wears you out - it's the grain of sand in your shoe.
Robert Service
-
Guest
Happiness always looks small while you hold it in your hands, but let it go, and you learn at once how big and precious it is.
-Maxim Gorky
***
The Lord of Love is the one Self of all.
He is detached work, spiritual wisdom,
And immortality. Realize the Self
Hidden in the heart, and cut asunder
The knot of ignorance here and now.
-Mundaka Upanishad
From The Upanishads, translated by Eknath Easwaran
***
In darkness there is no choice. It is light that enables us to see the differences between things; and it is Christ (Pir) who gives us light.
-Mrs. C.T. Whitemell
***
He who for himself or others craves not for sons or power or wealth, who puts not his own success before the success of righteousness, he is virtuous, and righteous and wise.
-Buddha
From "Sayings of the Buddha: Reflections for Every Day",
-Maxim Gorky
***
The Lord of Love is the one Self of all.
He is detached work, spiritual wisdom,
And immortality. Realize the Self
Hidden in the heart, and cut asunder
The knot of ignorance here and now.
-Mundaka Upanishad
From The Upanishads, translated by Eknath Easwaran
***
In darkness there is no choice. It is light that enables us to see the differences between things; and it is Christ (Pir) who gives us light.
-Mrs. C.T. Whitemell
***
He who for himself or others craves not for sons or power or wealth, who puts not his own success before the success of righteousness, he is virtuous, and righteous and wise.
-Buddha
From "Sayings of the Buddha: Reflections for Every Day",
The man who regards life...as meaningless is not merely unfortunate but almost disqualified for life.
- Einstein, "The World As I See It"
Reprinted with
***
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
From "Teachings of the Hindu Mystics,"
***
The Buddha was asked: "To what extent can a person be a speaker of the way?"
He answered: "If a person teaches the way in order to transcend the tyranny of material things and to teach how to transcend feelings, perceptions, impulses, and consciousness--teaching nonattachment with regard to these--then that person can be called a speaker of the way. If he is himself trying to transcend the pull of the material world and to feel nonattachment toward it, then it is fitting to say he is living in accordance with the way. If he is liberated by this transcendence and nonattachment, then you can say he has found nirvana here and now.
-Samyutta Nikaya
From "Buddha Speaks," edited by Anne Bancroft, 2000.
***
The good deed and the evil deed are not alike. Repel the evil deed with one which is better, then lo! he, between whom and you was enmity will become as though he was a bosom friend. But none is granted it save those who are patiently enduring and none is granted it save the owner of great happiness. And if a whisper from satan reach you, then seek refuge in Allah. Lo! He is the Hearer, the Knower.
-Qur'an, Surah 41:34-36
- Einstein, "The World As I See It"
Reprinted with
***
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
From "Teachings of the Hindu Mystics,"
***
The Buddha was asked: "To what extent can a person be a speaker of the way?"
He answered: "If a person teaches the way in order to transcend the tyranny of material things and to teach how to transcend feelings, perceptions, impulses, and consciousness--teaching nonattachment with regard to these--then that person can be called a speaker of the way. If he is himself trying to transcend the pull of the material world and to feel nonattachment toward it, then it is fitting to say he is living in accordance with the way. If he is liberated by this transcendence and nonattachment, then you can say he has found nirvana here and now.
-Samyutta Nikaya
From "Buddha Speaks," edited by Anne Bancroft, 2000.
***
The good deed and the evil deed are not alike. Repel the evil deed with one which is better, then lo! he, between whom and you was enmity will become as though he was a bosom friend. But none is granted it save those who are patiently enduring and none is granted it save the owner of great happiness. And if a whisper from satan reach you, then seek refuge in Allah. Lo! He is the Hearer, the Knower.
-Qur'an, Surah 41:34-36
-
Guest
Only then is a man's service of God sincere when he wants no publicity for it.
- Nahman of Bratzlav, "Sefer HaMiddot
***
The foolish do not look beyond physical appearances to see my true nature as the Lord of all creation. The knowledge of such deluded people is empty; their lives are fraught with disaster and evil and their work and hopes are all in vain.
But truly great souls seek my divine nature. They worship me with a one-pointed mind, having realized that I am the eternal source of all. Constantly striving, they make firm their resolve and worship me without wavering. Full of devotion, they sing of my divine glory.
-Bhagavad Gita 9:11-14
Excerpted from The Bhagavad Gita, translated by Eknath Easwaran, copyright 1985.
***
Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them...when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men.
-Matthew 6:1-2 (Revised Standard Version)
***
"Here I'll stay for the rains.
Here, for the summer and winter."
So imagines the fool,
unaware of obstructions.
That drunk-on-his-sons-and-cattle man,
all tangled up in the mind:
death sweeps him away —
as a great flood,
a village asleep.
-Dhammapada, 286-287, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
***
The one who is ruled by mind,
without sleeping, puts her senses to sleep,
so that unseen things may emerge from the world of the soul.
Even in her waking state, she dreams dreams,
and opens thereby the gates of Heaven.
-Mathnawi [III, 1833-1834]
From "Jewels of Remembrance," by Rumi, selected and translated by Camille and Kabir Helminski, © 1996
***
Hope arouses, as nothing else can arouse, a passion for the possible.
-William Sloane Coffin, Jr.
- Nahman of Bratzlav, "Sefer HaMiddot
***
The foolish do not look beyond physical appearances to see my true nature as the Lord of all creation. The knowledge of such deluded people is empty; their lives are fraught with disaster and evil and their work and hopes are all in vain.
But truly great souls seek my divine nature. They worship me with a one-pointed mind, having realized that I am the eternal source of all. Constantly striving, they make firm their resolve and worship me without wavering. Full of devotion, they sing of my divine glory.
-Bhagavad Gita 9:11-14
Excerpted from The Bhagavad Gita, translated by Eknath Easwaran, copyright 1985.
***
Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them...when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men.
-Matthew 6:1-2 (Revised Standard Version)
***
"Here I'll stay for the rains.
Here, for the summer and winter."
So imagines the fool,
unaware of obstructions.
That drunk-on-his-sons-and-cattle man,
all tangled up in the mind:
death sweeps him away —
as a great flood,
a village asleep.
-Dhammapada, 286-287, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
***
The one who is ruled by mind,
without sleeping, puts her senses to sleep,
so that unseen things may emerge from the world of the soul.
Even in her waking state, she dreams dreams,
and opens thereby the gates of Heaven.
-Mathnawi [III, 1833-1834]
From "Jewels of Remembrance," by Rumi, selected and translated by Camille and Kabir Helminski, © 1996
***
Hope arouses, as nothing else can arouse, a passion for the possible.
-William Sloane Coffin, Jr.
-
Guest
Show me the man you honor, and I will know what kind of man you are.
-Thomas Carlyle
***
The first step towards the solution of any problem is optimism.
-John Baines
***
They are happy indeed who own nothing at all;
Those with highest knowledge own nothing at all.
See how people who own things are afflicted,
Bound to others by their obligations.
-Udana 2.6
From "365 Buddha: Daily Meditations," edited by Jeff Schmidt
***
When Allah desires the redemption of His People, He causes them to suffer in this world. But when He is averse, He leaves them to transgress until death overtakes.
-The Prophet Muhammad, as reported by Anas bin Malik
Hadith translated by Aneela Khalid Arshed. Copyright 1999
***
-Thomas Carlyle
***
The first step towards the solution of any problem is optimism.
-John Baines
***
They are happy indeed who own nothing at all;
Those with highest knowledge own nothing at all.
See how people who own things are afflicted,
Bound to others by their obligations.
-Udana 2.6
From "365 Buddha: Daily Meditations," edited by Jeff Schmidt
***
When Allah desires the redemption of His People, He causes them to suffer in this world. But when He is averse, He leaves them to transgress until death overtakes.
-The Prophet Muhammad, as reported by Anas bin Malik
Hadith translated by Aneela Khalid Arshed. Copyright 1999
***
-
Guest
Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.
-Robert Louis Stevenson
***
Respect is not the root from which love grows, but the elm on which it creeps up and brings forth its precious blossoms.
- Monty Jacobs
***
He does not see the world.
So what does he care for joy or sorrow,
Bondage or liberation?
He is infinite and shining.
Before the awakening of understanding
The illusion of the world prevails.
But the master is free of passion.
He has no "I,"
He has no "mine,"
And he shines!
-Ashtavakra Gita 18:72-73
From "The Heart of Awareness: A Translation of the Ashtavakra Gita," by Thomas Byrom, 1990
***
Those who try to hang on when God is trying to move on will always be miserable.
-Joyce Meyer
***
Abandoning false speech, he abstains from false speech; he speaks truth, adheres to truth, is trustworthy and reliable, one who is no deceiver of the world.
-Majjhima Nikaya
From "365 Buddha: Daily Meditations," edited by Jeff Schmidt
***
-Robert Louis Stevenson
***
Respect is not the root from which love grows, but the elm on which it creeps up and brings forth its precious blossoms.
- Monty Jacobs
***
He does not see the world.
So what does he care for joy or sorrow,
Bondage or liberation?
He is infinite and shining.
Before the awakening of understanding
The illusion of the world prevails.
But the master is free of passion.
He has no "I,"
He has no "mine,"
And he shines!
-Ashtavakra Gita 18:72-73
From "The Heart of Awareness: A Translation of the Ashtavakra Gita," by Thomas Byrom, 1990
***
Those who try to hang on when God is trying to move on will always be miserable.
-Joyce Meyer
***
Abandoning false speech, he abstains from false speech; he speaks truth, adheres to truth, is trustworthy and reliable, one who is no deceiver of the world.
-Majjhima Nikaya
From "365 Buddha: Daily Meditations," edited by Jeff Schmidt
***
-
Guest
What the sages sought they have found at last.
No more questions have they to ask of life.
With self-will extinguished, they are at peace.
Seeing the Lord of Love in all around,
Serving the Lord of Love in all around.
They are united with him forever.
They have attained the summit of wisdom
By the steep path of renunciation.
They have attained to immortality
And are united with the Lord of Love.
When they leave the body, the vital force
Returns to the cosmic womb, but their work
Becomes a beneficial force in life
To bring others together in the Self.
-Mundaka Upanishad
From The Upanishads, translated by Eknath Easwaran
***
Rest is a state of peace between man and nature....Work is a symbol of conflict and discord; rest is an expression of dignity, peace, and freedom.
- Erich Fromm, "Forgotten Language"
***
The sea enters the rivers before the rivers can run into the sea. In like manner, God comes to us before we go to Him; and heaven enters into our souls before we can enter into heaven.
-Peter Drelincourt
***
Our body is our veil in the world:
we are like a sear hidden beneath a straw.
-Mathnawi [IV, 823]
From "Jewels of Remembrance," by Rumi,
No more questions have they to ask of life.
With self-will extinguished, they are at peace.
Seeing the Lord of Love in all around,
Serving the Lord of Love in all around.
They are united with him forever.
They have attained the summit of wisdom
By the steep path of renunciation.
They have attained to immortality
And are united with the Lord of Love.
When they leave the body, the vital force
Returns to the cosmic womb, but their work
Becomes a beneficial force in life
To bring others together in the Self.
-Mundaka Upanishad
From The Upanishads, translated by Eknath Easwaran
***
Rest is a state of peace between man and nature....Work is a symbol of conflict and discord; rest is an expression of dignity, peace, and freedom.
- Erich Fromm, "Forgotten Language"
***
The sea enters the rivers before the rivers can run into the sea. In like manner, God comes to us before we go to Him; and heaven enters into our souls before we can enter into heaven.
-Peter Drelincourt
***
Our body is our veil in the world:
we are like a sear hidden beneath a straw.
-Mathnawi [IV, 823]
From "Jewels of Remembrance," by Rumi,
-
Guest
From poverty our own power can save us, from riches only divine grace.
- Ludwig Börne (1786-1837), "Der Narr im Weissen Schwan"
***
The awakened sages call a person wise when all his undertakings are free from anxiety about results; all his selfish desires have been consumed in the fire of knowledge. The wise, ever satisfied, have abandoned external supports.
-Bhagavad Gita
From "Teachings of the Hindu Mystics,"
***
I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.
-C.S. Lewis
***
It is often though that the Buddha's doctrine teaches us that suffering will disappear if one has meditated long enough, or if one sees everything differently. It is not that at all. Suffering isn't going to go away; the one who suffers is going to go away.
-Ayya Khema, "When the Iron Eagle Flies"
- Ludwig Börne (1786-1837), "Der Narr im Weissen Schwan"
***
The awakened sages call a person wise when all his undertakings are free from anxiety about results; all his selfish desires have been consumed in the fire of knowledge. The wise, ever satisfied, have abandoned external supports.
-Bhagavad Gita
From "Teachings of the Hindu Mystics,"
***
I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.
-C.S. Lewis
***
It is often though that the Buddha's doctrine teaches us that suffering will disappear if one has meditated long enough, or if one sees everything differently. It is not that at all. Suffering isn't going to go away; the one who suffers is going to go away.
-Ayya Khema, "When the Iron Eagle Flies"
-
Guest
Only he is righteous before God who is also good to man.
- Iddi. "T: Kiddushin," 40a
***
The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because they are generally the same people.
-G.K. Chesterton
***
Think not of the faults of others, of what they have done or not done. Think rather of your own sins, of the things you have done or not done.
-Buddha
From "Sayings of the Buddha:
***
The basic purpose of human existence is acquisition of knowledge of God; there is no relationship more true than this spiritual affiliation. All other types of relationships are but derivative and dependent upon that spiritual connection, and in themselves nothing to boast of.
-Lahiji: "Mafatih"
From "The Wisdom of Sufism," compiled by Leonard Lewisohn
***
When you dig another out of their troubles, you find a place to bury your own.
-Anonymous
- Iddi. "T: Kiddushin," 40a
***
The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because they are generally the same people.
-G.K. Chesterton
***
Think not of the faults of others, of what they have done or not done. Think rather of your own sins, of the things you have done or not done.
-Buddha
From "Sayings of the Buddha:
***
The basic purpose of human existence is acquisition of knowledge of God; there is no relationship more true than this spiritual affiliation. All other types of relationships are but derivative and dependent upon that spiritual connection, and in themselves nothing to boast of.
-Lahiji: "Mafatih"
From "The Wisdom of Sufism," compiled by Leonard Lewisohn
***
When you dig another out of their troubles, you find a place to bury your own.
-Anonymous
-
Guest
It is the same whether a man offers much or little, provided his heart is directed to Heaven.
- Mishna: Menahot
***
He who has realized by himself his souls' Self
Will be worshiped by all other souls.
So potent is the power acquired through austerity
That those who attain it may even stay the moment of death.
-Tirukkural 27: 268-269
Excerpted from the Tirukkural, translated by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami.
***
If you do a good job for others, you heal yourself at the same time, because a dose of joy is a spiritual cure.
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
***
Of all the medicines in the world
Myriad and various
There is none like the medicine of Truth
Therefore, O followers, drink of this.
-Dhammpada
From "Buddha Speaks," edited by Anne Bancroft, 2000.
***
The recompense of an ill-deed is an ill the like thereof. But whoever pardons and amends, his wage is the affair of Allah. Lo! He loves not wrong-doers.
-Qur'an, Surah 42.40
***
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
-Philo
- Mishna: Menahot
***
He who has realized by himself his souls' Self
Will be worshiped by all other souls.
So potent is the power acquired through austerity
That those who attain it may even stay the moment of death.
-Tirukkural 27: 268-269
Excerpted from the Tirukkural, translated by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami.
***
If you do a good job for others, you heal yourself at the same time, because a dose of joy is a spiritual cure.
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
***
Of all the medicines in the world
Myriad and various
There is none like the medicine of Truth
Therefore, O followers, drink of this.
-Dhammpada
From "Buddha Speaks," edited by Anne Bancroft, 2000.
***
The recompense of an ill-deed is an ill the like thereof. But whoever pardons and amends, his wage is the affair of Allah. Lo! He loves not wrong-doers.
-Qur'an, Surah 42.40
***
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
-Philo
-
Guest
An angel of Paradise, no less, is always beside me, wrapped in everlasting ecstasy on his Lord.
- Pope John XXIII
***
Hear me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a man which by going into him can defile him; but the things which come out of a man are what defile him.
-Mark 7:14-15
***
A shaven head
Doesn't mean a contemplative.
The liar observing no duties,
Filled with greed & desire:
What kind of contemplative's he?
But whoever tunes out
The dissonance
Of his evil qualities
--large or small--
in every way
by bringing evil to consonance;
he's called a contemplative.
-Dhammapada, 19, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
***
Although this reed pen is in fact sensible,
of a different substance than the writer,
yet it is an intimate friend.
Likewise, every tool of a craftsman, though lifeless,
is the familiar friend of the Human spirit.
-Mathnawi [IV, 875-876]
***
Hope is like a road in the country; there wasn’t ever a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence.
-Lin Yutang
- Pope John XXIII
***
Hear me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a man which by going into him can defile him; but the things which come out of a man are what defile him.
-Mark 7:14-15
***
A shaven head
Doesn't mean a contemplative.
The liar observing no duties,
Filled with greed & desire:
What kind of contemplative's he?
But whoever tunes out
The dissonance
Of his evil qualities
--large or small--
in every way
by bringing evil to consonance;
he's called a contemplative.
-Dhammapada, 19, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
***
Although this reed pen is in fact sensible,
of a different substance than the writer,
yet it is an intimate friend.
Likewise, every tool of a craftsman, though lifeless,
is the familiar friend of the Human spirit.
-Mathnawi [IV, 875-876]
***
Hope is like a road in the country; there wasn’t ever a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence.
-Lin Yutang