I must take care, on the one hand, never to despise, or be unthankful for, these earthly blessings, and on the other, never to mistake them for the something else of which they are only a kind of copy, or echo, or mirage.
-C.S. Lewis
***
The most damaging phrase in the language is: 'It's always been done that way.'
-Grace Murray Hopper
***
I see people who talk about religion constantly quarreling with one another. Hindus, Mussulmans [Muslims], Brahmos, Shaktas, Vaishnavas, Shaivas all quarrel with one another. They haven't the intelligence to understand that He who is called Krishna is also Shiva and the Primal Shakti, and that it is He, again, who is called Jesus and Allah. "There is only one Rama and He has a thousand names."
-Ramakrishna
***
The branches' length depends on the trees' roots, and right speech on the man's sense.
- Ibn Gabirol, "Poems"
***
His burdens have made him double over, his moans before you are loud and clear. "Show me a prayer, a benediction," he cries, "that I may be delivered from these hidden chains."
-Rumi, "Mathnawi"
***
As from a large heap of flowers many garlands and wreaths are made, so by a mortal in this life there is much good work to be done.
-Buddha
***
Quote
When God is about to do something great, He starts with a difficulty. When He is about to do something truly magnificent, He starts with an impossibility.
-Armin Gesswein
***
The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.
-Kahlil Gibran
***
From the heart there radiate a hundred
And one vital tracks. One of them rises
To the crown of the head. This way leads
To immortality, the others to death.
-Katha Upanishad
***
To be intelligent is to be open-minded, active-memoried, and persistently experimental.
- Leo Stein, "Journey into the Self"
***
Trust in God is realization of one’s desperate needfulness.
-Jurayri in 'Attar: Tadhkirat
***
Here in the world
he takes nothing not-given
--long, short,
large, small,
attractive, not:
he's what I call
a brahmin.
His longing for this
& for the next world
can't be found;
free from longing, unshackled:
he's what I call a brahmin.
-Dhammapada, 26, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
-Armin Gesswein
***
The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.
-Kahlil Gibran
***
From the heart there radiate a hundred
And one vital tracks. One of them rises
To the crown of the head. This way leads
To immortality, the others to death.
-Katha Upanishad
***
To be intelligent is to be open-minded, active-memoried, and persistently experimental.
- Leo Stein, "Journey into the Self"
***
Trust in God is realization of one’s desperate needfulness.
-Jurayri in 'Attar: Tadhkirat
***
Here in the world
he takes nothing not-given
--long, short,
large, small,
attractive, not:
he's what I call
a brahmin.
His longing for this
& for the next world
can't be found;
free from longing, unshackled:
he's what I call a brahmin.
-Dhammapada, 26, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
Prayer--secret, fervent, believing prayer--lies at the root of all personal godliness.
-William Carey
***
Wisdom is the quality that keeps you from getting into situations where you need it.
-Doug Larson
***
It is but few who hear about the Self
Fewer still dedicate their lives to its
Realization. Wonderful is the one
Who speaks about the Self; rare are they
Who make it the supreme goal of their lives.
-Katha Upanishad
***
When you proclaim imminence alone you limit God. When you assert devotion alone you confine Him. But when you maintain both side by side, you follow the right path, and gain both inner merit and command of gnosis.
-Ibn 'Arabi, "Islamic Sufism"
***
All the faults of our mind – our selfishness, ignorance, anger, attachment, guilt, and other disturbing thoughts – are temporary, not permanent and everlasting. And since the cause of our suffering – our disturbing thoughts and obscurations – is temporary, our suffering is also temporary.
-Lama Zopa Rinpoche, "Ultimate Healing:
-William Carey
***
Wisdom is the quality that keeps you from getting into situations where you need it.
-Doug Larson
***
It is but few who hear about the Self
Fewer still dedicate their lives to its
Realization. Wonderful is the one
Who speaks about the Self; rare are they
Who make it the supreme goal of their lives.
-Katha Upanishad
***
When you proclaim imminence alone you limit God. When you assert devotion alone you confine Him. But when you maintain both side by side, you follow the right path, and gain both inner merit and command of gnosis.
-Ibn 'Arabi, "Islamic Sufism"
***
All the faults of our mind – our selfishness, ignorance, anger, attachment, guilt, and other disturbing thoughts – are temporary, not permanent and everlasting. And since the cause of our suffering – our disturbing thoughts and obscurations – is temporary, our suffering is also temporary.
-Lama Zopa Rinpoche, "Ultimate Healing:
Experience has taught me that the Shepherd is far more willing to show his sheep the path than the sheep are to follow. He is endlessly merciful, patient, tender, and loving.
-Elisabeth Elliot
***
When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.
-Ethiopian proverb
***
I am boundless space.
The world is a clay pot.
This is the truth.
There is nothing to accept,
Nothing to reject,
Nothing to dissolve.
-Ashtavakra Gita 6:1
***
Have we not given each person two eyes, a tongue, and two lips? Have we not shown them the two paths, the path of righteousness and the path of wickedness? Yet they refuse to scale the great height.
-Qur'an, Al-Balad, Surah 90:8-12
***
Happiness is a perfume which you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself.
- Louis Mann, "In Quest of the Bluebird"
***
Do not follow the ideas of others, but learn to listen to the voice within yourself. Your body and mind will become clear and you will realize the unity of all things.
The Buddha meditated for six years, Bodhidharma for nine. The practice of meditation is not a method for the attainment of realization—it is enlightenment itself.
-Zen Master Dogen, "The Practice of Meditation"
-Elisabeth Elliot
***
When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.
-Ethiopian proverb
***
I am boundless space.
The world is a clay pot.
This is the truth.
There is nothing to accept,
Nothing to reject,
Nothing to dissolve.
-Ashtavakra Gita 6:1
***
Have we not given each person two eyes, a tongue, and two lips? Have we not shown them the two paths, the path of righteousness and the path of wickedness? Yet they refuse to scale the great height.
-Qur'an, Al-Balad, Surah 90:8-12
***
Happiness is a perfume which you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself.
- Louis Mann, "In Quest of the Bluebird"
***
Do not follow the ideas of others, but learn to listen to the voice within yourself. Your body and mind will become clear and you will realize the unity of all things.
The Buddha meditated for six years, Bodhidharma for nine. The practice of meditation is not a method for the attainment of realization—it is enlightenment itself.
-Zen Master Dogen, "The Practice of Meditation"
God has wisely kept us in the dark concerning future events and reserved for himself the knowledge of them, that he may train us up in a dependence upon himself and a continued readiness for every event.
-Matthew Henry
***
Life is what we make it. Always has been, always will be.
-Grandma Moses
***
Instill in me abundantly that fragrance,
O Mother Earth, which emanates from you
and from your plants and waters, that sweet perfume
that all celestial beings are wont to emit,
and let no enemy ever wish us ill!
-Rig Veda
***
Renunciation of the world does not constitute wearing coarse clothes and eating stale bread. Real renunciation lies in curbing desires.
-Hadith reported by Sufyan Thawri
***
In other portions of Scripture God speaks to us, but in the Psalms men speak to God and to their own hearts.
- Matthew Henry, quoted in "Legacy of Israel"
***
He who knows that all things are his mind,
That all with which he meets are friendly,
Is ever joyful.
-Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa
-Matthew Henry
***
Life is what we make it. Always has been, always will be.
-Grandma Moses
***
Instill in me abundantly that fragrance,
O Mother Earth, which emanates from you
and from your plants and waters, that sweet perfume
that all celestial beings are wont to emit,
and let no enemy ever wish us ill!
-Rig Veda
***
Renunciation of the world does not constitute wearing coarse clothes and eating stale bread. Real renunciation lies in curbing desires.
-Hadith reported by Sufyan Thawri
***
In other portions of Scripture God speaks to us, but in the Psalms men speak to God and to their own hearts.
- Matthew Henry, quoted in "Legacy of Israel"
***
He who knows that all things are his mind,
That all with which he meets are friendly,
Is ever joyful.
-Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa
I arise today through the power of God:
God's might to comfort me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me...
-The Lorica of St. Patrick
***
I try to avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward.
-Charlotte Bronte
***
Man never acts in a manner more resembling God than when he bestows benefits.
- Philo, Special Laws
***
Keep praying, but be thankful that God's answers are wiser than your prayers!
-William Culbertson
***
Adversity is another way to measure the greatness of individuals. I never had a crisis that didn't make me stronger.
-Lou Holtz
***
The great teacher Prajapati said: “The Self is pure, free from decay and death, free from hunger and thirst, and free from sorrow. The Self desires nothing that is not good, wills nothing that is not good. Seek and realize the Self! Those who seek and realize the Self fulfill all their desires and attain the goal supreme.”
-Chandogya Upanishad
***
Do not form views in the world through either knowledge, virtuous conduct, or religious observances; likewise, avoid thinking of oneself as being either superior, inferior, or equal to others.
The wise let go of the “self” and being free of attachments they depend not on knowledge. Nor do they dispute opinions or settle into any view.
For those who have no wishes for either extremes of becoming or non-becoming, here or in another existence, there is no settling into the views held by others.
Nor do they form the least notion in regard to views seen, heard, or thought out. How could one influence those wise ones who do not grasp at any views.
-from the Sutta-nipata
God's might to comfort me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me...
-The Lorica of St. Patrick
***
I try to avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward.
-Charlotte Bronte
***
Man never acts in a manner more resembling God than when he bestows benefits.
- Philo, Special Laws
***
Keep praying, but be thankful that God's answers are wiser than your prayers!
-William Culbertson
***
Adversity is another way to measure the greatness of individuals. I never had a crisis that didn't make me stronger.
-Lou Holtz
***
The great teacher Prajapati said: “The Self is pure, free from decay and death, free from hunger and thirst, and free from sorrow. The Self desires nothing that is not good, wills nothing that is not good. Seek and realize the Self! Those who seek and realize the Self fulfill all their desires and attain the goal supreme.”
-Chandogya Upanishad
***
Do not form views in the world through either knowledge, virtuous conduct, or religious observances; likewise, avoid thinking of oneself as being either superior, inferior, or equal to others.
The wise let go of the “self” and being free of attachments they depend not on knowledge. Nor do they dispute opinions or settle into any view.
For those who have no wishes for either extremes of becoming or non-becoming, here or in another existence, there is no settling into the views held by others.
Nor do they form the least notion in regard to views seen, heard, or thought out. How could one influence those wise ones who do not grasp at any views.
-from the Sutta-nipata
The senses are tigers.
When a timid man catches sight of them,
He runs for safety to the nearest cave,
To practice control and meditation.
-Ashtavakra Gita 18:45
***
To show compassion to the wicked is to oppress the righteous; to pardon oppressors is to tyrannize the oppressed.
-Sadi, "Gulistan"
***
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
***
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
-Erin Majors
***
The general object of the Law is the well-being of the soul and of the body.
- Maimonides, "Guide for the Perplexed"
***
If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.
-Mother Teresa
***
"Just living isn't enough," said the butterfly, "one must also have freedom, sunshine, and a little flower."
-Hans Christian Anderson (submitted by vvivv)
When a timid man catches sight of them,
He runs for safety to the nearest cave,
To practice control and meditation.
-Ashtavakra Gita 18:45
***
To show compassion to the wicked is to oppress the righteous; to pardon oppressors is to tyrannize the oppressed.
-Sadi, "Gulistan"
***
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
***
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
-Erin Majors
***
The general object of the Law is the well-being of the soul and of the body.
- Maimonides, "Guide for the Perplexed"
***
If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.
-Mother Teresa
***
"Just living isn't enough," said the butterfly, "one must also have freedom, sunshine, and a little flower."
-Hans Christian Anderson (submitted by vvivv)
-
maheroonPradhan
- Posts: 75
- Joined: Mon Oct 10, 2005 2:54 pm
People come and go from our lives. And as we change and grow spiritually, we begin to notice that we draw people to us for special reasons. Maybe we have something to offer a friend that no one else can. Maybe a friend has a gift, or a lesson, for us that we wouldn’t have found on our own. There are no coincidences. It’s all part of our journey to experience these people and events at just the time when we are supposed to. Welcome them!
Navroz Mubarak to all.
Navroz Mubarak to all.
NAVROZ MUBARAK
God is always trying to give good things to us, but our hands are too full to receive them.
-Saint Augustine of Hippo
***
A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down.
-Arnold Glasgow
***
The love of people is at the same time a love for God. For when we love one, we necessarily love one's handiwork.
- Judah Low
***
The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved - loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.
-Victor Hugo
***
Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
-Howard Thurman
***
God is always trying to give good things to us, but our hands are too full to receive them.
-Saint Augustine of Hippo
***
A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down.
-Arnold Glasgow
***
The love of people is at the same time a love for God. For when we love one, we necessarily love one's handiwork.
- Judah Low
***
The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved - loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.
-Victor Hugo
***
Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
-Howard Thurman
***
-
maheroonPradhan
- Posts: 75
- Joined: Mon Oct 10, 2005 2:54 pm
The good die young that they may not degenerate; the wicked live on that they may have a chance to repent, or to produce a virtuous progeny.
- Zohar, Genesis, 56b
***
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
***
Always be nice to people on the way up; because you'll meet the same people on the way down.
-Wilson Mizner
***
The Divine Presence is everywhere.
- Hoshaia Rabba. Talmud: Baba Bathra
***
Some people think it's holding on that makes one strong; sometimes it's letting go.
-Sylvia Robinson
***
Man was created so that he might lift up the heavens.
- Mendel of Kotzk
***
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the Light of His glory and grace.
***
Fight for your opinions, but do not believe that they contain the whole truth, or the only truth.
-Charles A. Dana
***
- Zohar, Genesis, 56b
***
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
***
Always be nice to people on the way up; because you'll meet the same people on the way down.
-Wilson Mizner
***
The Divine Presence is everywhere.
- Hoshaia Rabba. Talmud: Baba Bathra
***
Some people think it's holding on that makes one strong; sometimes it's letting go.
-Sylvia Robinson
***
Man was created so that he might lift up the heavens.
- Mendel of Kotzk
***
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the Light of His glory and grace.
***
Fight for your opinions, but do not believe that they contain the whole truth, or the only truth.
-Charles A. Dana
***
-
maheroonPradhan
- Posts: 75
- Joined: Mon Oct 10, 2005 2:54 pm
Know the Self as lord of the chariot,
The body as the chariot itself,
The discriminating intellect as charioteer,
And the mind as reins.
The senses, say the wise, are the horses;
Selfish desires are the roads they travel.
When the Self is confused with the body,
Mind, and senses, they point out, he seems
To enjoy pleasure and suffer sorrow.
-Katha Upanishad
***
Grief clouds thought and reason, and harms both the soul and the body; so you should repel it, or reduce it as much as possible. This can be done in two ways: you can strive to prevent grief from occurring; and you can banish grief when it does occur.
-Razi: Kitab al-Muluki
***
The road through life is like the edge of a blade, with the netherworld on either side.
- Moshe Leib of Sasov
Reprinted
***
If he recites many teachings, but
--heedless man--
doesn't do what they say,
like a cowherd counting the cattle of
others,
he has no share in the contemplative life.
-Dhammapada, 1, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
***
You cannot go on being a good egg forever. You must either hatch or rot.
-C.S. Lewis
***
If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you'll never enjoy the sunshine.
-Morris West
The body as the chariot itself,
The discriminating intellect as charioteer,
And the mind as reins.
The senses, say the wise, are the horses;
Selfish desires are the roads they travel.
When the Self is confused with the body,
Mind, and senses, they point out, he seems
To enjoy pleasure and suffer sorrow.
-Katha Upanishad
***
Grief clouds thought and reason, and harms both the soul and the body; so you should repel it, or reduce it as much as possible. This can be done in two ways: you can strive to prevent grief from occurring; and you can banish grief when it does occur.
-Razi: Kitab al-Muluki
***
The road through life is like the edge of a blade, with the netherworld on either side.
- Moshe Leib of Sasov
Reprinted
***
If he recites many teachings, but
--heedless man--
doesn't do what they say,
like a cowherd counting the cattle of
others,
he has no share in the contemplative life.
-Dhammapada, 1, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
***
You cannot go on being a good egg forever. You must either hatch or rot.
-C.S. Lewis
***
If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you'll never enjoy the sunshine.
-Morris West
God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him.
-Jim Elliot
***
One cannot help being old, but one can resist being aged.
-Lord Samuel
***
It is improper to consider personal danger when the public welfare is at stake.
- Maimonides, "Iggeret Teman"
***
When a man is wrapped up in himself he makes a pretty small package.
-John Ruskin
***
The only difference between stumbling blocks and steppingstones is the way in which we use them.
-Unknown (submitted by Bambi 870)
-Jim Elliot
***
One cannot help being old, but one can resist being aged.
-Lord Samuel
***
It is improper to consider personal danger when the public welfare is at stake.
- Maimonides, "Iggeret Teman"
***
When a man is wrapped up in himself he makes a pretty small package.
-John Ruskin
***
The only difference between stumbling blocks and steppingstones is the way in which we use them.
-Unknown (submitted by Bambi 870)
-
maheroonPradhan
- Posts: 75
- Joined: Mon Oct 10, 2005 2:54 pm
Purpose
Purpose
“The purpose of life on earth is that the soul should grow –
So grow! By doing what is right.”
-Zelda Fitzgerald (1900-1948)
We know the importance of prayer, meditation, silence, and wisdom. And we have experienced the growth that comes with doing “what is right.”
“The purpose of life on earth is that the soul should grow –
So grow! By doing what is right.”
-Zelda Fitzgerald (1900-1948)
We know the importance of prayer, meditation, silence, and wisdom. And we have experienced the growth that comes with doing “what is right.”
In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart.
-John Bunyan
****
Disaster comes only because of ignorance.
- Judah HaNasi, Talmud: Baba Bathra
***
Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.
-Vernon Law
***
I believe that he is the true warrior who does not die killing but who has mastered the mantra of living by dying.
-Mohandas Gandhi
***
He who promotes his own honor at the expense of his neighbor's has no portion in the world to come.
- Judah b. Hanina, Genesis Rabbah
***
God brings men into deep waters not to drown them, but to cleanse them.
-Aughey
****
I believe there is nothing lovelier, deeper, more sympathetic, and more perfect than the Savior; there is in the world only one figure of absolute beauty: Christ.
-Fyodor Dostoevsky
***
-John Bunyan
****
Disaster comes only because of ignorance.
- Judah HaNasi, Talmud: Baba Bathra
***
Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.
-Vernon Law
***
I believe that he is the true warrior who does not die killing but who has mastered the mantra of living by dying.
-Mohandas Gandhi
***
He who promotes his own honor at the expense of his neighbor's has no portion in the world to come.
- Judah b. Hanina, Genesis Rabbah
***
God brings men into deep waters not to drown them, but to cleanse them.
-Aughey
****
I believe there is nothing lovelier, deeper, more sympathetic, and more perfect than the Savior; there is in the world only one figure of absolute beauty: Christ.
-Fyodor Dostoevsky
***
Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot.
-The Hausa of Nigeria
***
Each of us is enslaved inwardly in some way or another, and Passover helps us break out of our personal slavery and become free.
- Matisyahu, Hasidic reggae singer
***
Passover, with its message of hope, tells us that like the Egyptian slaves, we can escape from our straits.
- Lesli Koppelman Ross, "Celebrate! The Complete Jewish Holiday Handbook"
***
Prayer is not asking for what you think you want, but asking to be changed in ways you can't imagine.
-Kathleen Norris
***
It is the heart that is not yet sure of its God that is afraid to laugh in His presence.
-George MacDonald
***
If you fulfilled My commands joyfully, My divine attendants will come out to meet you, and I Myself will bid you welcome!
- Talmud: Derek Eretz
***
We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.
-Mother Teresa
***
God speaks to us through our desires. Then as we lay them at his feet, he helps us sort them out and quiets our hearts to accept what he has already prepared.
-Rosalind Rinker
-The Hausa of Nigeria
***
Each of us is enslaved inwardly in some way or another, and Passover helps us break out of our personal slavery and become free.
- Matisyahu, Hasidic reggae singer
***
Passover, with its message of hope, tells us that like the Egyptian slaves, we can escape from our straits.
- Lesli Koppelman Ross, "Celebrate! The Complete Jewish Holiday Handbook"
***
Prayer is not asking for what you think you want, but asking to be changed in ways you can't imagine.
-Kathleen Norris
***
It is the heart that is not yet sure of its God that is afraid to laugh in His presence.
-George MacDonald
***
If you fulfilled My commands joyfully, My divine attendants will come out to meet you, and I Myself will bid you welcome!
- Talmud: Derek Eretz
***
We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.
-Mother Teresa
***
God speaks to us through our desires. Then as we lay them at his feet, he helps us sort them out and quiets our hearts to accept what he has already prepared.
-Rosalind Rinker
-
maheroonPradhan
- Posts: 75
- Joined: Mon Oct 10, 2005 2:54 pm
praise
“My soul preached to me and said, “Do not be delighted because of praise, and do not be distressed because of blame.’”
-Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931)
There will always be some who appreciate what we do and others who disparage it. The ego is what gets caught up in this game of needing approval. The soul is wise, and knows that life is a balance of opposites. The soul itself can’t be affected by praise or blame.
“My soul preached to me and said, “Do not be delighted because of praise, and do not be distressed because of blame.’”
-Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931)
There will always be some who appreciate what we do and others who disparage it. The ego is what gets caught up in this game of needing approval. The soul is wise, and knows that life is a balance of opposites. The soul itself can’t be affected by praise or blame.
Good Friday is the mirror held up by Jesus...it turns us to that cross and to his eyes and we hear these words, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."
-Robert G. Trache
****
Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought.
-Albert von Szent-Gyorgyi
***
Men try to fix problems with duct tape. God did it with nails.
-Anonymous
***
The secret of getting ahead is getting started.
-Sally Berger
-Robert G. Trache
****
Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought.
-Albert von Szent-Gyorgyi
***
Men try to fix problems with duct tape. God did it with nails.
-Anonymous
***
The secret of getting ahead is getting started.
-Sally Berger
In deep meditation aspirants may
See forms like snow or smoke. They may feel
A strong wind blowing or a wave of heat.
They may see within them more and more light:
Fireflies, lightning, sun, or moon. These are signs
That one is far on the path to Brahman.
-Shvetashvatara Upanishad
***
Never, O wolf, play at being a fox,
performing service in order to gain power;
rush into the fire like a moth:
don't hoard service, play for love!
-Mathnawi [V, 472-473]
From "Jewels of Remembrance
***
Ever since Rabbi Akiba used the Passover seder to plan a revolutionary struggle against the Roman occupiers, the Jews have used the seder to begin concrete work on tikkun (healing and transformation).
- Rabbi Michael Lerner, the Tikkun Magazine Passover supplement 2006
***
Love yourself and be awake-
Today, tomorrow, always.
First establish yourself in the way,
Then teach others,
And so defeat sorrow.
To straighten the crooked
You must first do a harder thing-
Straighten yourself.
You are your only master.
Who else?
Subdue yourself,
And discover your master.
-from the Dhammapada
***
Keep the faculty of effort alive in you by a little gratuitous exercise every day.
-William James
See forms like snow or smoke. They may feel
A strong wind blowing or a wave of heat.
They may see within them more and more light:
Fireflies, lightning, sun, or moon. These are signs
That one is far on the path to Brahman.
-Shvetashvatara Upanishad
***
Never, O wolf, play at being a fox,
performing service in order to gain power;
rush into the fire like a moth:
don't hoard service, play for love!
-Mathnawi [V, 472-473]
From "Jewels of Remembrance
***
Ever since Rabbi Akiba used the Passover seder to plan a revolutionary struggle against the Roman occupiers, the Jews have used the seder to begin concrete work on tikkun (healing and transformation).
- Rabbi Michael Lerner, the Tikkun Magazine Passover supplement 2006
***
Love yourself and be awake-
Today, tomorrow, always.
First establish yourself in the way,
Then teach others,
And so defeat sorrow.
To straighten the crooked
You must first do a harder thing-
Straighten yourself.
You are your only master.
Who else?
Subdue yourself,
And discover your master.
-from the Dhammapada
***
Keep the faculty of effort alive in you by a little gratuitous exercise every day.
-William James
If you think you are free,
You are free.
If you think you are bound,
You are bound.
For the saying is true:
You are what you think.
-Ashtavakra Gita 1:11
***
The highest person is he who is of most use to humankind.
-'Ali bin Abi Talib, "Masters of the Path"
***
Don't cling to your own understanding. Even if you do understand something, you should ask yourself if there might be something you have not fully resolved, or if there may be some higher meaning yet.
-Dogen
***
Give, and it will be given to you.
-Jesus
You are free.
If you think you are bound,
You are bound.
For the saying is true:
You are what you think.
-Ashtavakra Gita 1:11
***
The highest person is he who is of most use to humankind.
-'Ali bin Abi Talib, "Masters of the Path"
***
Don't cling to your own understanding. Even if you do understand something, you should ask yourself if there might be something you have not fully resolved, or if there may be some higher meaning yet.
-Dogen
***
Give, and it will be given to you.
-Jesus
[Prayer] is as a healing water which causes the roots of our good desires to send forth fresh shoots, which washes away the soul's imperfections, and allays the thirst of passion.
-St. Francis de Sales
***
There is in the worst of fortune the best of chances for a happy change.
-Euripides
***
Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity.
-Henry Van Dyke
***
Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.
-Michael Jordan
***
Love is an act of endless forgiveness.
-Jean Vanier
***
Don't cut your conscience to fit this year's fashions.
-Lillian Hellman
-St. Francis de Sales
***
There is in the worst of fortune the best of chances for a happy change.
-Euripides
***
Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity.
-Henry Van Dyke
***
Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.
-Michael Jordan
***
Love is an act of endless forgiveness.
-Jean Vanier
***
Don't cut your conscience to fit this year's fashions.
-Lillian Hellman
Where the will of God leads you, the grace of God will keep you.
-Unknown
***
We look forward to the time when the Power of Love will replace the Love of Power. Then will our world know the blessings of peace.
-William Gladstone (submitted by amberphoenix)
***
In the world people think they can attain glory by having cows and horses, elephants and gold, family and servants, fields and mansions. But I do not call that glory, for here one thing depends on another. Utterly independent is the Infinite.
-Chandogya Upanishad
***
God does not predetermine whether a man shall be righteous or wicked; that He leaves to man himself.
- Tanhuma, Pikkude
Reprinted with permission from 'A Treasury of Jewish Quotations,' edited by Joseph L. Baron, Jason Aronson Inc.
***
By giving, merit grows, by restraint, hatred’s checked. He who’s skilled abandons evil things. As greed, hate and folly wane, Nibbana’s gained.
-Digha Nikaya
***
-Unknown
***
We look forward to the time when the Power of Love will replace the Love of Power. Then will our world know the blessings of peace.
-William Gladstone (submitted by amberphoenix)
***
In the world people think they can attain glory by having cows and horses, elephants and gold, family and servants, fields and mansions. But I do not call that glory, for here one thing depends on another. Utterly independent is the Infinite.
-Chandogya Upanishad
***
God does not predetermine whether a man shall be righteous or wicked; that He leaves to man himself.
- Tanhuma, Pikkude
Reprinted with permission from 'A Treasury of Jewish Quotations,' edited by Joseph L. Baron, Jason Aronson Inc.
***
By giving, merit grows, by restraint, hatred’s checked. He who’s skilled abandons evil things. As greed, hate and folly wane, Nibbana’s gained.
-Digha Nikaya
***
I know that the more I humble myself to others, the broader my understanding of God has actually become.
-Francis Frangipane
***
What is a friend? A single soul shared by two people.
-Aristotle (submitted by Monique)
***
If you gather not in youth, how will you find in old age?
- Apocrypha: Ben Sira 25:3
***
Darkness cannot drive our darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive our hate; only love can do that.
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
***
Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly.
-St. Francis de Sales
***
Happy is he who grew up with a good name, and departed this world with a good name.
- Rabbi Johanan (b. Nappaha), Talmud: Berakot
-Francis Frangipane
***
What is a friend? A single soul shared by two people.
-Aristotle (submitted by Monique)
***
If you gather not in youth, how will you find in old age?
- Apocrypha: Ben Sira 25:3
***
Darkness cannot drive our darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive our hate; only love can do that.
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
***
Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly.
-St. Francis de Sales
***
Happy is he who grew up with a good name, and departed this world with a good name.
- Rabbi Johanan (b. Nappaha), Talmud: Berakot
It is such a folly to pass one's time fretting, instead of resting quietly on the heart of Jesus.
-St. Therese of Lisieux
***
Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
-Unknown
***
Like strangers in an unfamiliar country
walking over a hidden treasure, day by day
we enter the world of Brahman while in deep
sleep but never find it, carried away by what
is false.
-Chandogya Upanishad
***
It is integrity that invests man with immortality, and bestows upon him the privilege of direct communion with God.
- Bahya b. Asher, Kad HaKemah
***
Sever the chains of the ego. Set yourself free and witness the bright essence of your inner being. Discover within your heart the wisdom of a prophet without books, without teachers, and without prudence.
-Rumi, "The Life and Thought of Rumi"
***
As a bee--without harming
the blossom,
its color
its fragrance--
takes its nectar & flies away:
so should the sage
go through a village.
-Dhammapada, 4, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
-St. Therese of Lisieux
***
Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
-Unknown
***
Like strangers in an unfamiliar country
walking over a hidden treasure, day by day
we enter the world of Brahman while in deep
sleep but never find it, carried away by what
is false.
-Chandogya Upanishad
***
It is integrity that invests man with immortality, and bestows upon him the privilege of direct communion with God.
- Bahya b. Asher, Kad HaKemah
***
Sever the chains of the ego. Set yourself free and witness the bright essence of your inner being. Discover within your heart the wisdom of a prophet without books, without teachers, and without prudence.
-Rumi, "The Life and Thought of Rumi"
***
As a bee--without harming
the blossom,
its color
its fragrance--
takes its nectar & flies away:
so should the sage
go through a village.
-Dhammapada, 4, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
Every person's deeds have been fastened to his own neck, and on the Day of Resurrection We shall bring them before him in the form of a book which he will find wide open. And he will be told, "Read your book. Your own soul is sufficient this day to call you to account."
-Qur'an, Al-Isra, Surah 17:13-14
***
What can be gained by thinking about the scriptures? What fools! They think themselves to death with information about the path, but never take the plunge!
-Ramakrishna
***
Maturity is the ability to do a job whether or not you are supervised, to carry money without spending it, and to bear an injustice without wanting to get even.
-Ann Landers
***
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
-Luke 6:27
***
God is madly in love with you and is longing to give you the things you need.
-Mark E. Thibodeaux, S.J.
***
-Qur'an, Al-Isra, Surah 17:13-14
***
What can be gained by thinking about the scriptures? What fools! They think themselves to death with information about the path, but never take the plunge!
-Ramakrishna
***
Maturity is the ability to do a job whether or not you are supervised, to carry money without spending it, and to bear an injustice without wanting to get even.
-Ann Landers
***
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
-Luke 6:27
***
God is madly in love with you and is longing to give you the things you need.
-Mark E. Thibodeaux, S.J.
***
Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.
-Chinese Proverb
***
The word of God hidden in the heart is a stubborn voice to suppress.
-Billy Graham
***
It is not sufficient for religious people to be involved with prayer. Rather, they are morally obliged to contribute all they can to solving the world’s problems.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
***
Two groups of people seek proximity of God, those who revere Him publicly and are held in high regard by the sacred law, and those who do not display their devotion. Secure in the knowledge that God alone bestows all that is good or bad in this world, they choose Him as their companion and are delivered of want. The former because of their own need remain veiled from divine guidance, while the latter transcend through selflessness.
-Abu'l-Sari Mansur bin Ammar
-Chinese Proverb
***
The word of God hidden in the heart is a stubborn voice to suppress.
-Billy Graham
***
It is not sufficient for religious people to be involved with prayer. Rather, they are morally obliged to contribute all they can to solving the world’s problems.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
***
Two groups of people seek proximity of God, those who revere Him publicly and are held in high regard by the sacred law, and those who do not display their devotion. Secure in the knowledge that God alone bestows all that is good or bad in this world, they choose Him as their companion and are delivered of want. The former because of their own need remain veiled from divine guidance, while the latter transcend through selflessness.
-Abu'l-Sari Mansur bin Ammar
Before undertaking a project, ponder what will be gained,
Lost and ultimately achieved.
There is nothing too difficult for a man who, before he acts,
Deliberates with chosen friends and reflects privately.
-Tirukkural 47: 461-462
***
God is the light of the heavens and the earth. His light is like a niche that holds a lamp; it is like a lamp which contains a crystal as bright as a star. It is kindled from a blessed tree, an olive tree that belongs neither to the east nor to the west. Its oil would almost shine, even with no fire touching it. It is light upon light. God guides towards his light all whom he chooses.
-Qur'an, Al-Nour, Surah 24:35a
***
What is trust? Tranquility of soul in the one who trusts.
- Bahya, Hobot HaLebabot
Reprinted from
***
It is crucial to know when it is appropriate to withdraw our attention from things that disturb our mind. However, if the only way we know how to deal with certain objects is to avoid them, there will be a severe limit as to how far our spiritual practice can take us.
-Lama Thubten Yeshe, "Introduction to Tantra"
***
Faith is not being sure where you’re going, but going anyway. A journey without maps.
-Frederick Buechner
***
If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.
-Mother Teresa
Lost and ultimately achieved.
There is nothing too difficult for a man who, before he acts,
Deliberates with chosen friends and reflects privately.
-Tirukkural 47: 461-462
***
God is the light of the heavens and the earth. His light is like a niche that holds a lamp; it is like a lamp which contains a crystal as bright as a star. It is kindled from a blessed tree, an olive tree that belongs neither to the east nor to the west. Its oil would almost shine, even with no fire touching it. It is light upon light. God guides towards his light all whom he chooses.
-Qur'an, Al-Nour, Surah 24:35a
***
What is trust? Tranquility of soul in the one who trusts.
- Bahya, Hobot HaLebabot
Reprinted from
***
It is crucial to know when it is appropriate to withdraw our attention from things that disturb our mind. However, if the only way we know how to deal with certain objects is to avoid them, there will be a severe limit as to how far our spiritual practice can take us.
-Lama Thubten Yeshe, "Introduction to Tantra"
***
Faith is not being sure where you’re going, but going anyway. A journey without maps.
-Frederick Buechner
***
If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.
-Mother Teresa
Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.
-Thich Nhat Hanh
***
God is the important fact, and Christ the moving force...I asked for strength and forgiveness and the air began to clear, and I could act again, but not in my own strength.
-Jane Tyson Clement
***
What is the cause of the cosmos? Is it Brahman?
From where do we come? By what live?
Where shall we find peace at last?
What power governs the duality
Of pleasure and pain by which we are driven?
Time, nature, necessity, accident,
Elements, energy, intelligence--
None of these can be the First Cause.
They are effects, whose only purpose is
To help the self rise above pleasure and pain.
-Shvetashvatara Upanishad
***
When you see handsome people or fine trees, pronounce the benediction: Praised be He who created beautiful things.
- Tosefta: Berakot
***
The speaker of the word
and the hearer of the word
and the words themselves—
all three become spirit in the end.
-Mathnawi [VI, 72]
***
Not by harming life
Does one become noble.
One is termed noble
For being gentle
To all living things.
-Dhammapada, 19, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
***
-Thich Nhat Hanh
***
God is the important fact, and Christ the moving force...I asked for strength and forgiveness and the air began to clear, and I could act again, but not in my own strength.
-Jane Tyson Clement
***
What is the cause of the cosmos? Is it Brahman?
From where do we come? By what live?
Where shall we find peace at last?
What power governs the duality
Of pleasure and pain by which we are driven?
Time, nature, necessity, accident,
Elements, energy, intelligence--
None of these can be the First Cause.
They are effects, whose only purpose is
To help the self rise above pleasure and pain.
-Shvetashvatara Upanishad
***
When you see handsome people or fine trees, pronounce the benediction: Praised be He who created beautiful things.
- Tosefta: Berakot
***
The speaker of the word
and the hearer of the word
and the words themselves—
all three become spirit in the end.
-Mathnawi [VI, 72]
***
Not by harming life
Does one become noble.
One is termed noble
For being gentle
To all living things.
-Dhammapada, 19, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
***
In order to think about God, you may compare him with other beings; but remember that he is incomparable. In this way you will live in the house of truth.
-Ibn Arabi, “Fusus al-hikam”
***
What is yours is not yours, then how can you regard what is not yours as yours?
- Talmud: Derek Eretz
***
As in a pile of rubbish
cast by the side of a highway
a lotus might grow
clean-smelling
pleasing the heart,
so in the midst of the rubbish-like,
people run-of-the-mill & blind,
there dazzles with discernment
the disciple of the Rightly
Self Awakened One.
-Dhammapada, 4, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
***
May you be praised, my Lord, for our sister, mother earth, who sustains us, producing good green plants.
-Saint Francis of Assisi
***
You are younger today than you ever will be again. Make use of it for the sake of tomorrow.
-Anonymous
-Ibn Arabi, “Fusus al-hikam”
***
What is yours is not yours, then how can you regard what is not yours as yours?
- Talmud: Derek Eretz
***
As in a pile of rubbish
cast by the side of a highway
a lotus might grow
clean-smelling
pleasing the heart,
so in the midst of the rubbish-like,
people run-of-the-mill & blind,
there dazzles with discernment
the disciple of the Rightly
Self Awakened One.
-Dhammapada, 4, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
***
May you be praised, my Lord, for our sister, mother earth, who sustains us, producing good green plants.
-Saint Francis of Assisi
***
You are younger today than you ever will be again. Make use of it for the sake of tomorrow.
-Anonymous