Truth is no theory, no speculative system of philosophy, no intellectual insight.
Truth is exact correspondence with reality.
For man, truth is the unshakeable knowledge of his real nature, the Self.
-Paramhansa Yogananda
***
There have always been, and there will always be, men of God.
-Kharaqani in Attar: Tadhkirat
****
The fool who thinks he is a fool is for that very reason a wise man;
But the fool who thinks he is a wise man is rightly called a fool.
-Dhammapada 63
***
Grace keeps us from worrying because worry deals with the past, while grace deals with the present and future.
-Joyce Meyer
***
The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.
-Dolly Parton
Quote
The content of worthy speech binds friends more closely,
And its eloquence draws even enemies to listen.
-Tirukkural 65:643
***
So eat of the sustenance which Allah has provided for you, lawful and good; and be grateful for the favors of Allah, if it is He Whom ye serve.
-Qur'an, The Bee, Surah 16:114
***
The Sabbath is a mirror of the world to come.
- Zohar, Genesis, 48a
***
Pride and indifference shroud this heart, too, as the sun is obscured by the piled-up clouds; supercilious thoughts root out all modesty of mind, and sorrow saps the strongest will.
-Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King
***
Never put a period where God has put a comma.
-Gracie Allen
***
And its eloquence draws even enemies to listen.
-Tirukkural 65:643
***
So eat of the sustenance which Allah has provided for you, lawful and good; and be grateful for the favors of Allah, if it is He Whom ye serve.
-Qur'an, The Bee, Surah 16:114
***
The Sabbath is a mirror of the world to come.
- Zohar, Genesis, 48a
***
Pride and indifference shroud this heart, too, as the sun is obscured by the piled-up clouds; supercilious thoughts root out all modesty of mind, and sorrow saps the strongest will.
-Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King
***
Never put a period where God has put a comma.
-Gracie Allen
***
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
***
Bitter is made sweet through love;
copper becomes gold through love.
Through love dregs become clear;
love heals all pain.
Through love the king becomes slave;
love brings the dead to life.
-Rumi, "Mathnawi"
***
You shall not hate your kinsfolk in your heart. Reprove your kinsman but incur no guilt because of him. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against your countrymen. Love your fellow as yourself: I am the Lord.
- Leviticus 19:17-18
***
One act of obedience is better than one hundred sermons.
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
****
People are like stained glass windows: they sparkle and shine when the sun's out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is light within.
-Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
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
***
Bitter is made sweet through love;
copper becomes gold through love.
Through love dregs become clear;
love heals all pain.
Through love the king becomes slave;
love brings the dead to life.
-Rumi, "Mathnawi"
***
You shall not hate your kinsfolk in your heart. Reprove your kinsman but incur no guilt because of him. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against your countrymen. Love your fellow as yourself: I am the Lord.
- Leviticus 19:17-18
***
One act of obedience is better than one hundred sermons.
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
****
People are like stained glass windows: they sparkle and shine when the sun's out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is light within.
-Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
Who could ever wish me to leave my loving,
I would rather eat poison than hear such words.
I have explored his beauty and found no shores,
But the god at last is standing by me.
I will fulfill my dream and let the rest go.
-Chandidas
***
Words which come from the heart enter the heart.
- Moses Ibn Ezra, "Shirat Yisrael"
***
Speech is a great blessing conferred on man by God, thereby distinguishing him from all other creatures. But speech like wine intoxicates the mind. Thus the Prophet said: "He who keeps silent shall be saved." For in silence are concealed many spiritual blessings and in speech many evils.
-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
***
The man immersed in
gathering blossoms,
his heart distracted:
death sweeps him away--
as a great flood,
a village asleep.
The man immersed in
gathering blossoms,
his heart distracted,
insatiable in sensual pleasures:
the End-Maker holds him
under his sway.
-Dhammapada, 4, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
***
A pharisee is hard on others and easy on himself, but a spiritual man is easy on others and hard on himself.
-A.W. Tozer
***
I'd rather be a failure at something I enjoy than a success at something I hate.
-George Burns
I would rather eat poison than hear such words.
I have explored his beauty and found no shores,
But the god at last is standing by me.
I will fulfill my dream and let the rest go.
-Chandidas
***
Words which come from the heart enter the heart.
- Moses Ibn Ezra, "Shirat Yisrael"
***
Speech is a great blessing conferred on man by God, thereby distinguishing him from all other creatures. But speech like wine intoxicates the mind. Thus the Prophet said: "He who keeps silent shall be saved." For in silence are concealed many spiritual blessings and in speech many evils.
-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
***
The man immersed in
gathering blossoms,
his heart distracted:
death sweeps him away--
as a great flood,
a village asleep.
The man immersed in
gathering blossoms,
his heart distracted,
insatiable in sensual pleasures:
the End-Maker holds him
under his sway.
-Dhammapada, 4, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
***
A pharisee is hard on others and easy on himself, but a spiritual man is easy on others and hard on himself.
-A.W. Tozer
***
I'd rather be a failure at something I enjoy than a success at something I hate.
-George Burns
You have no caste.
No duties bind you.
Formless and free,
Beyond the reach of the senses,
The witness of all things.
So be happy!
-Ashtavakra Gita 1:5
***
Theology: that madness gone systematic which tries to crowd God's fullness into a formula and a system!
- Rabbi Joel Blau, "My Uncertain God," Menorah Journal,
***
Anticipate your battles; fight them on your knees before temptation comes, and you will always have victory.
-R.A. Torrey
***
Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.
-General George S. Patton
No duties bind you.
Formless and free,
Beyond the reach of the senses,
The witness of all things.
So be happy!
-Ashtavakra Gita 1:5
***
Theology: that madness gone systematic which tries to crowd God's fullness into a formula and a system!
- Rabbi Joel Blau, "My Uncertain God," Menorah Journal,
***
Anticipate your battles; fight them on your knees before temptation comes, and you will always have victory.
-R.A. Torrey
***
Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.
-General George S. Patton
Truth is the "light" by which to find your way out of darkness. Turn it on.
- Rabbi Nachman of Breslov
***
The delusion which mistakes the unreal for the Real
Is the genesis of woeful births.
For those of undimmed perception, free from delusion,
Darkness departs and rapture rushes in.
To those who have dispelled all doubt and perceive Truth,
Heaven is nearer than earth.
-Tirukkural, 36:351-53
***
All living beings that dwell on the earth are doomed to die. Only your Lord's countenance will abide forever, powerful and glorious. Then which of your Lord's blessings will you deny? All those who dwell in the heavens and on the earth entreat Him for sustenance, and every day He executes universal power. Which then of your Lord's blessings will you deny?
-Qur'an, Ar-Rahman, Surah 55:26-30
***
Should we free our mind from attachment to all 'things,' the Path becomes clear; otherwise, we put ourselves under restraint.
-The Sutra of Hui Neng
***
The only wisdom we can hope to acquire is the wisdom of humility.
-T.S. Eliot
***
Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.
-Erma Bombeck
- Rabbi Nachman of Breslov
***
The delusion which mistakes the unreal for the Real
Is the genesis of woeful births.
For those of undimmed perception, free from delusion,
Darkness departs and rapture rushes in.
To those who have dispelled all doubt and perceive Truth,
Heaven is nearer than earth.
-Tirukkural, 36:351-53
***
All living beings that dwell on the earth are doomed to die. Only your Lord's countenance will abide forever, powerful and glorious. Then which of your Lord's blessings will you deny? All those who dwell in the heavens and on the earth entreat Him for sustenance, and every day He executes universal power. Which then of your Lord's blessings will you deny?
-Qur'an, Ar-Rahman, Surah 55:26-30
***
Should we free our mind from attachment to all 'things,' the Path becomes clear; otherwise, we put ourselves under restraint.
-The Sutra of Hui Neng
***
The only wisdom we can hope to acquire is the wisdom of humility.
-T.S. Eliot
***
Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.
-Erma Bombeck
My Child,
You may read or discuss scripture
As much as you like.
But until you forget everything,
You will never live in your heart.
-Ashtavakra Gita 16:1
***
Read the Qur'an as long as you are attentive, but when you feel your attention slip, put the Book away.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Jundub bin Adb'Allah
***
If a drop of ink fell at the same time on your book and on your coat, clean first the book and then the garment.
- Sefer Hasidim, 13C
***
All beings are by nature Buddha,
as ice by nature is water.
Apart from water there is no ice;
apart from beings, no Buddha.
-Hakuin Zenji, "Song of Zazen"
***
The fewer the words, the better the prayer.
-Martin Luther
***
Come out of the circle of time, and into the circle of love.
-Rumi
You may read or discuss scripture
As much as you like.
But until you forget everything,
You will never live in your heart.
-Ashtavakra Gita 16:1
***
Read the Qur'an as long as you are attentive, but when you feel your attention slip, put the Book away.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Jundub bin Adb'Allah
***
If a drop of ink fell at the same time on your book and on your coat, clean first the book and then the garment.
- Sefer Hasidim, 13C
***
All beings are by nature Buddha,
as ice by nature is water.
Apart from water there is no ice;
apart from beings, no Buddha.
-Hakuin Zenji, "Song of Zazen"
***
The fewer the words, the better the prayer.
-Martin Luther
***
Come out of the circle of time, and into the circle of love.
-Rumi
No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive.
-Mohandas Gandhi
***
God is knowledge; he is knowing; and he is being known. Since God has knowledge of his own essence, and since God is one, it follows that the essence of God is knowledge. And knowledge means that he knows himself, and is known by himself.
-Ibn Sina, "al-Risalat al-Arshiya"
***
The good shine from afar
Like the snowy Himalayas.
The bad don't appear
Even when near,
Like arrows shot into the night.
-Dhammapada, 21, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
***
Everyone wants to change, but change demands desire and discipline before it becomes delightful. There is always the agony of choice before the promise of change.
-Larry Lea
***
You have to do your own growing no matter how tall your grandfather was.
-Abraham Lincoln
-Mohandas Gandhi
***
God is knowledge; he is knowing; and he is being known. Since God has knowledge of his own essence, and since God is one, it follows that the essence of God is knowledge. And knowledge means that he knows himself, and is known by himself.
-Ibn Sina, "al-Risalat al-Arshiya"
***
The good shine from afar
Like the snowy Himalayas.
The bad don't appear
Even when near,
Like arrows shot into the night.
-Dhammapada, 21, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
***
Everyone wants to change, but change demands desire and discipline before it becomes delightful. There is always the agony of choice before the promise of change.
-Larry Lea
***
You have to do your own growing no matter how tall your grandfather was.
-Abraham Lincoln
As this world is not for the penniless,
So is that world not for the pitiless!
-Tirukkural 25:247
***
If an account were kept of what we owe the Creator, no man would ever receive reward in the world to come. He will receive it only by divine grace.
- Bahya, "Hobot HaLebabot"
***
Allah shall reward the truthful for standing by their word and may punish the hypocrites if that be His will or may relent toward them should they repent, for Allah is the Most Forgiving, Merciful.
-Qur'an, Al-Ahzab, Surah 33:24
***
For the one who has no inner, angry thoughts,
Who has gone past being a someone, a this or a that,
That one is free from fear and is blissful.
Even the gods cannot win such serenity.
-Udana Sutta
***
God does not work by only one method, paint in only one color, play in only one key, nor does He make only one star shine onto the earth.
-Eberhard Arnold
***
You have to do your own growing no matter how tall your grandfather was.
-Abraham Lincoln
So is that world not for the pitiless!
-Tirukkural 25:247
***
If an account were kept of what we owe the Creator, no man would ever receive reward in the world to come. He will receive it only by divine grace.
- Bahya, "Hobot HaLebabot"
***
Allah shall reward the truthful for standing by their word and may punish the hypocrites if that be His will or may relent toward them should they repent, for Allah is the Most Forgiving, Merciful.
-Qur'an, Al-Ahzab, Surah 33:24
***
For the one who has no inner, angry thoughts,
Who has gone past being a someone, a this or a that,
That one is free from fear and is blissful.
Even the gods cannot win such serenity.
-Udana Sutta
***
God does not work by only one method, paint in only one color, play in only one key, nor does He make only one star shine onto the earth.
-Eberhard Arnold
***
You have to do your own growing no matter how tall your grandfather was.
-Abraham Lincoln
"The formless Absolute is my Father, and God with form is my Mother." God reveals Himself in the form which His devotee loves most. His love for the devotee knows no bounds.
-Ramakrishna
***
Only then is a man's service of God sincere when he wants no publicity for it.
- Rabbi Nahman of Breslov
***
Adopting an attitude of universal responsibility is essentially a personal matter. The real test of compassion is not what we say in abstract discussions but how we conduct ourselves in daily life.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama, "Imagine All the People"
***
If my life is broken when given to Jesus, it is because pieces will feed a multitude, while a loaf will satisfy only a little lad.
-Ruth Stull
***
Look at everything as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time. Then your time on earth will be filled with glory.
-Betty Smith
-Ramakrishna
***
Only then is a man's service of God sincere when he wants no publicity for it.
- Rabbi Nahman of Breslov
***
Adopting an attitude of universal responsibility is essentially a personal matter. The real test of compassion is not what we say in abstract discussions but how we conduct ourselves in daily life.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama, "Imagine All the People"
***
If my life is broken when given to Jesus, it is because pieces will feed a multitude, while a loaf will satisfy only a little lad.
-Ruth Stull
***
Look at everything as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time. Then your time on earth will be filled with glory.
-Betty Smith
Worshipping this Self in the world of Brahman, the gods obtained all worlds and all desires. Those who know this Self and realize this Self obtain all worlds and all desires.
-Chandogya Upanishad
***
I belong to God, as has often been shown; yet I also belong to myself. He becomes himself through me. I live in him, and I live in myself. I have two aspects, he and I, divine and human. But he is not I, and I am not he. My actions are the theatre in which he expresses himself; to him I am a vessel.
-Ibn Arabi, “Fusus al-hikam”
***
There's no fire like passion,
no seizure like anger,
no snare like delusion,
no river like craving.
-Dhammapada, 18, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
****
If we want a love message to be heard, it has to be sent out. To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it.
-Mother Teresa
***
Self-discipline is when your conscience tells you to do something and you don't talk back.
-W.K. Hope
-Chandogya Upanishad
***
I belong to God, as has often been shown; yet I also belong to myself. He becomes himself through me. I live in him, and I live in myself. I have two aspects, he and I, divine and human. But he is not I, and I am not he. My actions are the theatre in which he expresses himself; to him I am a vessel.
-Ibn Arabi, “Fusus al-hikam”
***
There's no fire like passion,
no seizure like anger,
no snare like delusion,
no river like craving.
-Dhammapada, 18, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
****
If we want a love message to be heard, it has to be sent out. To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it.
-Mother Teresa
***
Self-discipline is when your conscience tells you to do something and you don't talk back.
-W.K. Hope
Love your true Self,
Which is naturally happy
And peaceful and bright!
Awaken to your own nature,
And all delusion melts like a dream.
-Ashtavakra Gita 18:1
***
You will not be able to give anyone happiness by means of your wealth, so do it by means of a cheerful countenance and good humor.
-The Prophet Muhammad in Qushayri: al-Risalat al-Qushayriyya
***
Praying only for oneself is like...refusing to assist fellow citizens in the repair of their walls...In a congregation, one makes up for the defects of the other.
- Judah Halevi, "Cuzari," 1135
Reprinted from 'A
***
Everywhere clinging to pleasure is destroyed, the great dark is torn apart, and Death, you too are destroyed.
-Therigatha, translated by Susan Murcott
***
Let’s not be afraid to look at everything that has brought us to where we are now and trust that we will soon see in it the guiding hand of a loving God.
-Henri Nouwen
***
If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain.
-Emily Dickinson
Which is naturally happy
And peaceful and bright!
Awaken to your own nature,
And all delusion melts like a dream.
-Ashtavakra Gita 18:1
***
You will not be able to give anyone happiness by means of your wealth, so do it by means of a cheerful countenance and good humor.
-The Prophet Muhammad in Qushayri: al-Risalat al-Qushayriyya
***
Praying only for oneself is like...refusing to assist fellow citizens in the repair of their walls...In a congregation, one makes up for the defects of the other.
- Judah Halevi, "Cuzari," 1135
Reprinted from 'A
***
Everywhere clinging to pleasure is destroyed, the great dark is torn apart, and Death, you too are destroyed.
-Therigatha, translated by Susan Murcott
***
Let’s not be afraid to look at everything that has brought us to where we are now and trust that we will soon see in it the guiding hand of a loving God.
-Henri Nouwen
***
If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain.
-Emily Dickinson
But if you know you are the Self, the Lord of Life, you will be free from suffering; the supreme source of light; the supreme source of love. You will transcend duality and live in a state of Oneness.
-Mundaka Upanishad
***
Behold, We bestowed abundance upon you. Therefore worship your Lord and sacrifice for Him. It is your enemy who will be severed from all good.
-Qur'an, Al-Kauthar, Surah 108:1-3
***
Anger or hatred is like a fisherman's hook. It is very important for us to ensure that we are not caught by it.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
***
Happiness depends on happenings, but joy depends on Christ.
-Unknown
***
Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold.
-Maurice Setter
-Mundaka Upanishad
***
Behold, We bestowed abundance upon you. Therefore worship your Lord and sacrifice for Him. It is your enemy who will be severed from all good.
-Qur'an, Al-Kauthar, Surah 108:1-3
***
Anger or hatred is like a fisherman's hook. It is very important for us to ensure that we are not caught by it.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
***
Happiness depends on happenings, but joy depends on Christ.
-Unknown
***
Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold.
-Maurice Setter
I am the infinite deep
In whom all the worlds
Appear to rise.
Beyond all form,
Forever still.
Even so am I.
I am not in the world.
The world is not in me.
I am pure.
I am unbounded.
Free from attachment,
Free from desire,
Still.
Even so am I.
-Ashtavakra Gita 7:3-4
****
If you adhere to the things that I am leaving behind, you shall never be misguided.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Ja'bir bin Abd'Allah
****
By day shines the sun;
by night, the moon;
in armor, the warrior;
in jhana, the Brahmin.
But all day & all night,
every day & every night,
the Awakened One shines
in splendor.
-Dhammapada, 26, translation by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
***
Get in touch with who you are. Lead with your own unique style. Be yourself and let God use you.
-Rick Warren
***
In whom all the worlds
Appear to rise.
Beyond all form,
Forever still.
Even so am I.
I am not in the world.
The world is not in me.
I am pure.
I am unbounded.
Free from attachment,
Free from desire,
Still.
Even so am I.
-Ashtavakra Gita 7:3-4
****
If you adhere to the things that I am leaving behind, you shall never be misguided.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Ja'bir bin Abd'Allah
****
By day shines the sun;
by night, the moon;
in armor, the warrior;
in jhana, the Brahmin.
But all day & all night,
every day & every night,
the Awakened One shines
in splendor.
-Dhammapada, 26, translation by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
***
Get in touch with who you are. Lead with your own unique style. Be yourself and let God use you.
-Rick Warren
***
Morality is the birthright of high families,
While immoral conduct's legacy is lowly birth.
-Tirukkural 14:133
****
On the basis of the belief that all human beings share the same divine nature, we have a very strong ground, a very powerful reason, to believe that it is possible for each of us to develop a genuine sense of equanimity toward all beings.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama, "The Good Heart"
****
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
***
Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it.
-Winston Churchill
While immoral conduct's legacy is lowly birth.
-Tirukkural 14:133
****
On the basis of the belief that all human beings share the same divine nature, we have a very strong ground, a very powerful reason, to believe that it is possible for each of us to develop a genuine sense of equanimity toward all beings.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama, "The Good Heart"
****
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
***
Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it.
-Winston Churchill
If you desire liberation,
But you still say "mine,"
If you feel you are the body,
You are not a wise man or a seeker.
You are simply a man who suffers.
-Ashtavakra Gita 16:10
****
To follow the straight path, choose a good colleague; to avoid the evil path, avoid a wicked colleague.
- Joshua b. Hanania, Mishna: Abot
***
God created you out of dust, which he formed into a tiny seed. He divided you into two sexes. No woman conceives or gives birth without his knowledge. No one grows old, or dies young, except in accordance with his decree. Every action is easy for God.
-Qur'an, Fatir, 35:11
****
It is the duty of every Christian to be Christ to his neighbor.
-Martin Luther
****
In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.
But you still say "mine,"
If you feel you are the body,
You are not a wise man or a seeker.
You are simply a man who suffers.
-Ashtavakra Gita 16:10
****
To follow the straight path, choose a good colleague; to avoid the evil path, avoid a wicked colleague.
- Joshua b. Hanania, Mishna: Abot
***
God created you out of dust, which he formed into a tiny seed. He divided you into two sexes. No woman conceives or gives birth without his knowledge. No one grows old, or dies young, except in accordance with his decree. Every action is easy for God.
-Qur'an, Fatir, 35:11
****
It is the duty of every Christian to be Christ to his neighbor.
-Martin Luther
****
In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.
The way of devotion is as good as the way of knowledge. But as long as God keeps the feeling of ego in us, it is easier to follow the path of devotion.
-Ramakrishna
***
The one who is ruled by intellect,
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]
***
Greater in battle
than the man who would conquer
a thousand-thousand men,
is he who would conquer
just one--
himself.
-Dhammapada, 8, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
***
Let me tell you this: Faith comes and goes. But if it is presumptuous to think that faith will stay forever, it is just as presumptuous to think that unbelief will.
-Flannery O'Connor
***
When the heart grieves over what it has lost, the spirit rejoices over what it has left.
-Sufi epigram
-Ramakrishna
***
The one who is ruled by intellect,
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]
***
Greater in battle
than the man who would conquer
a thousand-thousand men,
is he who would conquer
just one--
himself.
-Dhammapada, 8, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
***
Let me tell you this: Faith comes and goes. But if it is presumptuous to think that faith will stay forever, it is just as presumptuous to think that unbelief will.
-Flannery O'Connor
***
When the heart grieves over what it has lost, the spirit rejoices over what it has left.
-Sufi epigram
To know the unity of all life leads
To deathlessness; to know not leads to death.
Both are hidden in the infinity
Of Brahman, who is beyond both.
-Shvetashvatara Upanishad
Excerpted from The Upanishads
****
The miraculous quality of the Qur'an is that one never grows weary of reading or listening to it. The Quresh used to come secretly by night and listen in awe to the Prophet recite. One night Utba bin Rabi'a, an eloquent poet of the time, swooned upon hearing a chapter from the Qur'an. He later swore, "I am positive those are not the words of a mortal."
-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
***
On a certain day, month and year one should observe the ceremony of tree-planting. Thus, one fulfils one’s responsibilities, serves one’s fellow-beings which not only brings happiness but benefits all.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama, October 1993
***
Prayer that runs its course till the last day of life needs a strong and tranquil soul.
-Clement of Alexandria
****
When you cannot make up your mind between two evenly balanced courses of action, choose the bolder.
-W.J. Slim
To deathlessness; to know not leads to death.
Both are hidden in the infinity
Of Brahman, who is beyond both.
-Shvetashvatara Upanishad
Excerpted from The Upanishads
****
The miraculous quality of the Qur'an is that one never grows weary of reading or listening to it. The Quresh used to come secretly by night and listen in awe to the Prophet recite. One night Utba bin Rabi'a, an eloquent poet of the time, swooned upon hearing a chapter from the Qur'an. He later swore, "I am positive those are not the words of a mortal."
-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
***
On a certain day, month and year one should observe the ceremony of tree-planting. Thus, one fulfils one’s responsibilities, serves one’s fellow-beings which not only brings happiness but benefits all.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama, October 1993
***
Prayer that runs its course till the last day of life needs a strong and tranquil soul.
-Clement of Alexandria
****
When you cannot make up your mind between two evenly balanced courses of action, choose the bolder.
-W.J. Slim
The world calls me mad. I am mad. You are mad. The world is mad. Who is not mad? Still these madmen call me mad. Some are mad after name and fame. Some are mad after money. Some are mad after flesh. But blessed is he who is mad after God. Such a madman am I!
-Rang Avadhut
****
When Moses conversed with God, he asked, "Lord, where shall I seek You?"
God answered, "Among the brokenhearted."
Moses continued, "But, Lord, no heart could be more despairing than mine."
And God replied, "Then I am where you are."
-Abu’l-Fayd al-Misri, “The Kashf al-Mahjub”
***
Who ignores the time walks in darkness, and who explores it is illumined by a great light.
- Moses Ibn Ezra, "Shirat Yisrael"
***
To be attached to one's own happiness
is a barrier to the true and perfect path.
To cherish others is the source
of every admirable quality.
-Tsongkhapa, "The Splendor of an Autumn Moon"
***
Teach us to pray often,
that we may pray oftener.
-Jeremy Taylor
****
I'm looking forward to looking back on all this.
-Sandra Knell
-Rang Avadhut
****
When Moses conversed with God, he asked, "Lord, where shall I seek You?"
God answered, "Among the brokenhearted."
Moses continued, "But, Lord, no heart could be more despairing than mine."
And God replied, "Then I am where you are."
-Abu’l-Fayd al-Misri, “The Kashf al-Mahjub”
***
Who ignores the time walks in darkness, and who explores it is illumined by a great light.
- Moses Ibn Ezra, "Shirat Yisrael"
***
To be attached to one's own happiness
is a barrier to the true and perfect path.
To cherish others is the source
of every admirable quality.
-Tsongkhapa, "The Splendor of an Autumn Moon"
***
Teach us to pray often,
that we may pray oftener.
-Jeremy Taylor
****
I'm looking forward to looking back on all this.
-Sandra Knell
"I am the food of life, I am, I am;
I eat the food of life, I eat, I eat.
I link food and water, I link, I link.
I am the first-born in the universe;
Older than the gods, I am immortal.
Who shares food with the hungry protects me;
Who shares not with them is consumed by me.
I am this world and I consume this world.
They who understand this understand life."
-Taittiriya Upanishad
***
Be not like those who honor their gods in prosperity and curse them in adversity. In pleasure or pain, give thanks!
- Mekhilta on Exodus 20.20
Reprinted from
***
Do not barter away the covenant of God for a trifling price. His reward is better than any financial gain-if only you knew it. Worldly wealth is fleeting, but God's reward lasts for ever.
-Qur'an, An-Nahl, Surah 16:95
***
[A]ll manifestations (consist in) Mind, and Mind is the Illuminating-
Voidness without any shadow or impediment.
-Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa
***
Always seek peace between your heart and God, but in this world, always be careful to remain ever-restless, never satisfied, and always abounding in the work of the Lord.
-Jim Elliot
****
To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.
-Confucius
I eat the food of life, I eat, I eat.
I link food and water, I link, I link.
I am the first-born in the universe;
Older than the gods, I am immortal.
Who shares food with the hungry protects me;
Who shares not with them is consumed by me.
I am this world and I consume this world.
They who understand this understand life."
-Taittiriya Upanishad
***
Be not like those who honor their gods in prosperity and curse them in adversity. In pleasure or pain, give thanks!
- Mekhilta on Exodus 20.20
Reprinted from
***
Do not barter away the covenant of God for a trifling price. His reward is better than any financial gain-if only you knew it. Worldly wealth is fleeting, but God's reward lasts for ever.
-Qur'an, An-Nahl, Surah 16:95
***
[A]ll manifestations (consist in) Mind, and Mind is the Illuminating-
Voidness without any shadow or impediment.
-Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa
***
Always seek peace between your heart and God, but in this world, always be careful to remain ever-restless, never satisfied, and always abounding in the work of the Lord.
-Jim Elliot
****
To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.
-Confucius
A poor devotee points to the sky and says, "God is up there." An average devotee says, "God dwells in the heart as the Inner Master." The best devotee says, "God alone is and everything I perceive is a form of God."
-Ramakrishna
***
He who is given his share of kindness is given his share of good in this world and the hereafter.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by A'ishah bint Abi Bakr.
***
"I am breathing in and liberating my mind. I am breathing out and liberating my mind." One practices like this.
-The Sutra on Full Awareness of Breathing, translated by Thich Nhat Hanh
***
Christian life consists of faith and charity.
-Martin Luther
***
Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.
-Oscar Wilde
-Ramakrishna
***
He who is given his share of kindness is given his share of good in this world and the hereafter.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by A'ishah bint Abi Bakr.
***
"I am breathing in and liberating my mind. I am breathing out and liberating my mind." One practices like this.
-The Sutra on Full Awareness of Breathing, translated by Thich Nhat Hanh
***
Christian life consists of faith and charity.
-Martin Luther
***
Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.
-Oscar Wilde
As clouds are blown away by the wind, the thirst for material pleasures will be driven away by the utterance of the Lord's name.
-Sri Sarada Devi
***
He does not refuse sustenance to the one who speaks ill of Him. How then could He refuse sustenance to the one whose soul is overflowing with love for Him?
-Rabi'a, "Rabi'a the Mystic"
***
"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
***
A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers.
-Ruth Bell Graham
***
Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not.
-Oprah Winfrey
-Sri Sarada Devi
***
He does not refuse sustenance to the one who speaks ill of Him. How then could He refuse sustenance to the one whose soul is overflowing with love for Him?
-Rabi'a, "Rabi'a the Mystic"
***
"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
***
A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers.
-Ruth Bell Graham
***
Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not.
-Oprah Winfrey
Consider.
Wherever there is desire,
There is the world.
With resolute dispassion
Free yourself from desire,
And find happiness.
Desire binds you,
Nothing else.
Destroy it, and you are free.
Turn from the world.
Fulfill yourself,
And find lasting happiness.
-Ashtavakra Gita 10:3-4
****
God curses usury, and blesses acts of charity. God has no love for ungrateful sinners. The Lord will reward those who have faith and do good works, who say their prayers and pay the poor-rate. They have nothing to fear or regret.
-Qur'an, Al-Baqara, Surah 2:276
***
Good fortune--remember it's fickle; misfortune--remember it'll pass.
- Solomon Ibn Gabirol, "Mibhar HaPeninim"
***
A gold Buddha can't get through a furnace, a wood Buddha can't get through a fire, and a clay Buddha can't get through water. The real Buddha sits within: enlightenment, nirvana, suchness, and Buddha-nature are all clothes sticking to the body.
-Chao-chou
***
God commands you to pray, but he forbids you to worry.
-St. John Vianney
****
It's important the people should know what you stand for. It's equally important that they know what you won't stand for.
-Mary H. Waldrip
Wherever there is desire,
There is the world.
With resolute dispassion
Free yourself from desire,
And find happiness.
Desire binds you,
Nothing else.
Destroy it, and you are free.
Turn from the world.
Fulfill yourself,
And find lasting happiness.
-Ashtavakra Gita 10:3-4
****
God curses usury, and blesses acts of charity. God has no love for ungrateful sinners. The Lord will reward those who have faith and do good works, who say their prayers and pay the poor-rate. They have nothing to fear or regret.
-Qur'an, Al-Baqara, Surah 2:276
***
Good fortune--remember it's fickle; misfortune--remember it'll pass.
- Solomon Ibn Gabirol, "Mibhar HaPeninim"
***
A gold Buddha can't get through a furnace, a wood Buddha can't get through a fire, and a clay Buddha can't get through water. The real Buddha sits within: enlightenment, nirvana, suchness, and Buddha-nature are all clothes sticking to the body.
-Chao-chou
***
God commands you to pray, but he forbids you to worry.
-St. John Vianney
****
It's important the people should know what you stand for. It's equally important that they know what you won't stand for.
-Mary H. Waldrip
Cling to the feet of a master who can introduce you to yourself.
-Swami Veda Bharati
***
That which God said to the rose,
and caused it to laugh in full-blown beauty,
He said to my heart,
and made it a hundred times more beautiful.
-Mathnawi [III, 4129]
From "Jewels of Remembrance
***
He who created the day has also provided for it.
- Eliezer b. Hyrcanus, Mekilta, to Exodus 16:4
Reprinted with
***
A hundred thousand worlds are flowers in the sky,
a single mind and body is moonlight in the water;
once the cunning ends and information stops,
at that moment there is no place for thought.
-Han-Shan Te-Ch'ing in The Clouds Should Know Me By Now
***
God never promises to remove us from our struggles. He does promise, however, to change the way we look at them.
-Max Lucado
****
Always remember: Joy is not merely incidental to your spiritual quest. It is vital.
-Rebbe Nachman of Breslov
-Swami Veda Bharati
***
That which God said to the rose,
and caused it to laugh in full-blown beauty,
He said to my heart,
and made it a hundred times more beautiful.
-Mathnawi [III, 4129]
From "Jewels of Remembrance
***
He who created the day has also provided for it.
- Eliezer b. Hyrcanus, Mekilta, to Exodus 16:4
Reprinted with
***
A hundred thousand worlds are flowers in the sky,
a single mind and body is moonlight in the water;
once the cunning ends and information stops,
at that moment there is no place for thought.
-Han-Shan Te-Ch'ing in The Clouds Should Know Me By Now
***
God never promises to remove us from our struggles. He does promise, however, to change the way we look at them.
-Max Lucado
****
Always remember: Joy is not merely incidental to your spiritual quest. It is vital.
-Rebbe Nachman of Breslov
The more one suffers, the more one helps. The purer the suffering, the greater is the gain.
-Mohandas Gandhi
***
When people address God in words – in the form of intimate conversation, petition and pleading, gratitude, remorse and repentance, and so on – they are in a position of separateness from God. When they address God directly through the heart, and when they listen to him in the heart, they are in a position of union with God.
-Qushayri, "Risalah"
***
Him who pelts you with stones, you pelt with bread.
- Yiddish proverb
Reprinted from 'A Treasury of Jewish Quotations,' edited by Joseph L. Baron, Jason Aronson Inc.
****
Abandon anger,
Be done with conceit,
Get beyond every fetter.
When for name & form
You have no attachment
--have nothing at all--
no sufferings, no stresses, invade.
-Dhammapada 17, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
***
If one is without kindness, how can one be called a human being?
-Sarada Devi
-Mohandas Gandhi
***
When people address God in words – in the form of intimate conversation, petition and pleading, gratitude, remorse and repentance, and so on – they are in a position of separateness from God. When they address God directly through the heart, and when they listen to him in the heart, they are in a position of union with God.
-Qushayri, "Risalah"
***
Him who pelts you with stones, you pelt with bread.
- Yiddish proverb
Reprinted from 'A Treasury of Jewish Quotations,' edited by Joseph L. Baron, Jason Aronson Inc.
****
Abandon anger,
Be done with conceit,
Get beyond every fetter.
When for name & form
You have no attachment
--have nothing at all--
no sufferings, no stresses, invade.
-Dhammapada 17, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
***
If one is without kindness, how can one be called a human being?
-Sarada Devi
A mantra is not like a prayer to a divine being. Rather, the mantra is the deity, is enlightenment, immediately manifest.
-Lorne Ladner, "Wheel of Great Compassion"
***
In its deepest sense, love is the life, the energy, of God in us.
-Kallistos Ware
***
You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
-Lorne Ladner, "Wheel of Great Compassion"
***
In its deepest sense, love is the life, the energy, of God in us.
-Kallistos Ware
***
You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
If you desire the world,
You may try to renounce it
In order to escape sorrow.
Instead, renounce desire!
Then you will be free of sorrow,
And the world will not trouble you.
-Ashtavakra Gita 16:9
****
Allah sees all that is in the hearts of His servants, those who say, "Our Lord! We believe in You, forgive us our sins and save us from the doom of the Fire," those who are steadfast, truthful, and devout, who give in charity and pray for forgiveness in the depths of the night.
-Qur'an, Al-Imran, Surah 3:15-17
***
"I am not, I will not be.
I have not, I will not have."
That frightens all the childish
And extinguishes fear in the wise.
-Nagarjuna, "Precious Garland"
***
Dignity does not float down from heaven...It is a reward reserved for those who labor with diligence.
-Bill Hybels
***
strong positive mental attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug.
-Patricia Neal
You may try to renounce it
In order to escape sorrow.
Instead, renounce desire!
Then you will be free of sorrow,
And the world will not trouble you.
-Ashtavakra Gita 16:9
****
Allah sees all that is in the hearts of His servants, those who say, "Our Lord! We believe in You, forgive us our sins and save us from the doom of the Fire," those who are steadfast, truthful, and devout, who give in charity and pray for forgiveness in the depths of the night.
-Qur'an, Al-Imran, Surah 3:15-17
***
"I am not, I will not be.
I have not, I will not have."
That frightens all the childish
And extinguishes fear in the wise.
-Nagarjuna, "Precious Garland"
***
Dignity does not float down from heaven...It is a reward reserved for those who labor with diligence.
-Bill Hybels
***
strong positive mental attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug.
-Patricia Neal
If you would swim on the bosom of the ocean of Truth, you must reduce yourself to a zero.
-Mahatma Gandhi
***
Like the corn fields that yield before the ferocious winds, the believers endure trials with fortitude. The hypocrites like cypress trees stand arrogantly until they are knocked down.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Abu Hurairah
***
A person should be more concerned with spiritual than with material matters, but another person's material welfare is his own spiritual concern.
- Rabbi Israel Salanter
***
Calmed in body,
calmed in speech,
well-centered & calm,
having disgorged the baits of the world,
a monk is called
thoroughly
calmed.
-Dhammapada, 25, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
***
We may sing beforehand, even in our winter storm, in the expectation of a summer sun at the turn of the year...Let us then be glad and rejoice in the salvation of our Lord...
-Samuel Rutherford
***
To fear is one thing. To let fear grab you by the tail and swing you around is another.
-Katherine Paterson
-Mahatma Gandhi
***
Like the corn fields that yield before the ferocious winds, the believers endure trials with fortitude. The hypocrites like cypress trees stand arrogantly until they are knocked down.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Abu Hurairah
***
A person should be more concerned with spiritual than with material matters, but another person's material welfare is his own spiritual concern.
- Rabbi Israel Salanter
***
Calmed in body,
calmed in speech,
well-centered & calm,
having disgorged the baits of the world,
a monk is called
thoroughly
calmed.
-Dhammapada, 25, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
***
We may sing beforehand, even in our winter storm, in the expectation of a summer sun at the turn of the year...Let us then be glad and rejoice in the salvation of our Lord...
-Samuel Rutherford
***
To fear is one thing. To let fear grab you by the tail and swing you around is another.
-Katherine Paterson
The spiritual weapon of self-purification, intangible as it seems, is the most potent means of revolutionizing one’s environment and loosening the external shackles. It works subtly and invisibly; it is an intense process though it might often seem a weary and long-drawn process. It is the straightest way to liberation, the surest and the quickest, and no effort can be too great for it. What it requires is faith—an unshakable mountainlike faith that flinches from nothing.
-Mohandas Gandhi
****
All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded to the individual.
- Albert Einstein
***
Even as a great rock is not shaken by the wind, the wise man is not shaken by praise or blame.
-Buddha
****
Fear is like a candle whose flame helps a person distinguish goodness from evil; and fear of God allows a person to turn away from evil. Those who fear mere creatures flee from them; but those who fear God flee to Him.
-Rabi'a, in "Rabi'a the Mystic"
***
Better
than if there were thousands
of meaningless verses is
one
meaningful
verse
that on hearing
brings peace.
And better than chanting hundreds
of meaningless verses is
one Dhamma-saying
that on hearing
brings peace.
-Dhammapada, 8, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
****
Understand that the right to choose your own path is a sacred privilege. Use it. Dwell in possiblity.
-Oprah Winfrey
-Mohandas Gandhi
****
All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded to the individual.
- Albert Einstein
***
Even as a great rock is not shaken by the wind, the wise man is not shaken by praise or blame.
-Buddha
****
Fear is like a candle whose flame helps a person distinguish goodness from evil; and fear of God allows a person to turn away from evil. Those who fear mere creatures flee from them; but those who fear God flee to Him.
-Rabi'a, in "Rabi'a the Mystic"
***
Better
than if there were thousands
of meaningless verses is
one
meaningful
verse
that on hearing
brings peace.
And better than chanting hundreds
of meaningless verses is
one Dhamma-saying
that on hearing
brings peace.
-Dhammapada, 8, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
****
Understand that the right to choose your own path is a sacred privilege. Use it. Dwell in possiblity.
-Oprah Winfrey
When you are with someone you love very much, you can talk and it is pleasant, but the reality is not in the conversation. It is in simply being together. Meditation is the highest form of prayer. In it you are so close to God that you don't need to say a thing--it is just great to be together.
-Swami Chetananda
****
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 fly cannot be driven away by getting angry at it.
-African proverb
****
Live in such a way that those who know you but don't know God will come to know God because they know you.
-Unknown
***
Gluttony feeds on itself. The more that the appetite is indulged, the stronger it becomes - and the harder it is to control. But if the appetite is restrained, then it soon grows weak and feeble, and finally disappears altogether.
-Razi, "Kitab al-Muluki"
****
The world sets the agenda for the professional man; God sets the agenda of the spiritual man.
-John Piper
****
Angels fly because they take themselves lightly.
-Jean Cocteau
-Swami Chetananda
****
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 fly cannot be driven away by getting angry at it.
-African proverb
****
Live in such a way that those who know you but don't know God will come to know God because they know you.
-Unknown
***
Gluttony feeds on itself. The more that the appetite is indulged, the stronger it becomes - and the harder it is to control. But if the appetite is restrained, then it soon grows weak and feeble, and finally disappears altogether.
-Razi, "Kitab al-Muluki"
****
The world sets the agenda for the professional man; God sets the agenda of the spiritual man.
-John Piper
****
Angels fly because they take themselves lightly.
-Jean Cocteau