God wants to be involved in our everyday life. We need to let God out of the Sunday morning box that we try to keep him in.
-Joyce Meyer
***
Don't regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.
-Unknown
***
For those who honour the majesty of the Lord, there are two gardens, each planted with trees which give shade. Which of the Lord's blessings would you deny? Each garden is watered by a spring which constantly flows. Which of the Lord’s blessings would you deny? Each garden contains a pair of every kind of tree; so there is every kind of fruit. Which of the Lord's blessings would you deny?
-Qur'an, Ar-Rahman, Surah 55:46-53
***
Love alone will abide thee.
-Tamil proverb
***
In Mahamudra all one’s sins are burned; in Mahamudra one is released from the prison of this world. This is the Dharma’s supreme torch. Those who disbelieve it are fools who ever wallow in misery and sorrow.
-"The Song of Mahamudra" by Tilopa, adapted from the translation by Garma C.C. Chang
Quote
Angels sometimes block our path because we are heading in the wrong direction.
-Ann Spangler,
"An Angel a Day"
***
I'm thankful, Lord, that all the darkness in the world has never put out Thy light.
-Unknown
***
There is no happiness in having or in getting, but only in giving.
-Henry Drummond
***
He is pure of heart,
He knows the whole world is only the Self.
So who can stop him
From doing as he wishes?
-Ashtavakra Gita 4:4
From "The Heart of Awareness
***
Those who do not love the Beloved shall not be able to see Him, for one cannot know and see the sun with a lamp.
-Al-Ghazzali, "Masters of the Path"
***
Due to having many parts there is no unity,
There is not anything without parts.
Further, without one, there is not many.
Also, without existence there is no non-existence.
-Nagarjuna, "Precious Garland 71"
-Ann Spangler,
"An Angel a Day"
***
I'm thankful, Lord, that all the darkness in the world has never put out Thy light.
-Unknown
***
There is no happiness in having or in getting, but only in giving.
-Henry Drummond
***
He is pure of heart,
He knows the whole world is only the Self.
So who can stop him
From doing as he wishes?
-Ashtavakra Gita 4:4
From "The Heart of Awareness
***
Those who do not love the Beloved shall not be able to see Him, for one cannot know and see the sun with a lamp.
-Al-Ghazzali, "Masters of the Path"
***
Due to having many parts there is no unity,
There is not anything without parts.
Further, without one, there is not many.
Also, without existence there is no non-existence.
-Nagarjuna, "Precious Garland 71"
Heaven is a gift, a gift that's given to you for your faith in Jesus. Faith at that level is a choice.
-Anne Graham Lotz
***
Generosity lies less in giving much than in giving at the right moment.
-Jean de la Bruyere
***
When we abandon acts that are contrary to God's law, we shed our carnal desires. When we shed our carnal desires, we become sincere in our intentions towards others, and in our worship of God.
-Qushayri: Risalah 3
***
One who meditates upon and realizes the
self discovers that everything in the cosmos--
energy and space, fire and water, name and
form, birth and death, mind and will, word
and deed, mantram and meditation--all come
from the Self.
-Chandogya Upanishad
***
Every minute you perform hundreds of karmic actions, yet you are hardly conscious of any of them. In the stillness of meditation, however, you can listen to your mind, the source of all this activity. You learn to be aware of your actions to a far greater extent than ever before. This self-awareness leads to self-control, enabling you to master your karma rather than be mastered by it.
-Lama Thubten Yeshe, "In Wisdom Energy"
-Anne Graham Lotz
***
Generosity lies less in giving much than in giving at the right moment.
-Jean de la Bruyere
***
When we abandon acts that are contrary to God's law, we shed our carnal desires. When we shed our carnal desires, we become sincere in our intentions towards others, and in our worship of God.
-Qushayri: Risalah 3
***
One who meditates upon and realizes the
self discovers that everything in the cosmos--
energy and space, fire and water, name and
form, birth and death, mind and will, word
and deed, mantram and meditation--all come
from the Self.
-Chandogya Upanishad
***
Every minute you perform hundreds of karmic actions, yet you are hardly conscious of any of them. In the stillness of meditation, however, you can listen to your mind, the source of all this activity. You learn to be aware of your actions to a far greater extent than ever before. This self-awareness leads to self-control, enabling you to master your karma rather than be mastered by it.
-Lama Thubten Yeshe, "In Wisdom Energy"
Angels, like parables and fine poetry, speak in many layers of meaning and mystery, trying to express the inexpressible. If we ignore them, our lives are the poorer.
-Archbishop Desmond Tutu
***
[J]ust having a pure heart and being a good person can bring you closer to God.
-Ishmael Beah
***
Each handicap is like a hurdle in a steeplechase, and when you ride up to it, if you throw your heart over, the horse will go along, too.
-Lawrence Bixby
***
Healed of their sins and conflicts, working for the good of all beings, the holy sages attain nirvana in Brahman. Free from anger and selfish desire, unified in mind, those who follow the path of yoga realize the Self and are established forever in that supreme state.
-Bhagavad Gita 5:25-26
***
In truth have We revealed the Qur'an, and with truth has it come down to you. We chose you only to be the herald of glad tidings and also to give warning. Therefore We revealed the Qur'an gradually that you may recite it to humankind in stages. Thus We disclosed it in sequential revelation.
-Qur'an, Al-Isra, Surah 17:105-6
***
If your mind becomes firm like a rock
And no longer shakes
In a world where everything is shaking,
Your mind will be your greatest friend
And suffering will not come your way.
-Theragatha
-Archbishop Desmond Tutu
***
[J]ust having a pure heart and being a good person can bring you closer to God.
-Ishmael Beah
***
Each handicap is like a hurdle in a steeplechase, and when you ride up to it, if you throw your heart over, the horse will go along, too.
-Lawrence Bixby
***
Healed of their sins and conflicts, working for the good of all beings, the holy sages attain nirvana in Brahman. Free from anger and selfish desire, unified in mind, those who follow the path of yoga realize the Self and are established forever in that supreme state.
-Bhagavad Gita 5:25-26
***
In truth have We revealed the Qur'an, and with truth has it come down to you. We chose you only to be the herald of glad tidings and also to give warning. Therefore We revealed the Qur'an gradually that you may recite it to humankind in stages. Thus We disclosed it in sequential revelation.
-Qur'an, Al-Isra, Surah 17:105-6
***
If your mind becomes firm like a rock
And no longer shakes
In a world where everything is shaking,
Your mind will be your greatest friend
And suffering will not come your way.
-Theragatha
You'll meet more angels on a winding path than on a straight one.
-Daisey Verlaef
***
Seek goodness in others.
-Henry Drummond
***
Silence is the sea, and speech is like the river.
The sea is seeking you: don't seek the river.
Don't turn your head away from the signs offered by the sea.
-Mathnawi [IV, 2062-2063]
***
All the religions of the world, while they may differ in other respects, unitedly proclaim that nothing lives in this world but Truth.
-Mahatma Gandhi, 1927
***
Responsibility does not only lie with the leaders of our countries or with those who have been appointed or elected to do a particular job. It lies with each of us individually. Peace, for example, starts within each one of us.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
-Daisey Verlaef
***
Seek goodness in others.
-Henry Drummond
***
Silence is the sea, and speech is like the river.
The sea is seeking you: don't seek the river.
Don't turn your head away from the signs offered by the sea.
-Mathnawi [IV, 2062-2063]
***
All the religions of the world, while they may differ in other respects, unitedly proclaim that nothing lives in this world but Truth.
-Mahatma Gandhi, 1927
***
Responsibility does not only lie with the leaders of our countries or with those who have been appointed or elected to do a particular job. It lies with each of us individually. Peace, for example, starts within each one of us.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Justice demands that we seek and find the stranger, the broken, the prisoner, and comfort them and offer them our help. Here lies the holy compassion of God.
-Mechtild of Magdeburg
***
In the hands of a benevolent man,
Wealth is like a medicinal tree whose healing gifts help all.
-Tirukkural 217
***
Humbly do I implore You, keep me in Your divine grace, and deprive me not of peace. Save me from sudden misfortunes; deliver me and sustain me. May I never displease You, my Lord.
-From the prayer book "Al-Hizbul-A'zam"
***
If you are confused, there are a thousand differentiations, ten thousand distinctions. If you are enlightened, everything is the same one family.
-Wu-chien
***
-Mechtild of Magdeburg
***
In the hands of a benevolent man,
Wealth is like a medicinal tree whose healing gifts help all.
-Tirukkural 217
***
Humbly do I implore You, keep me in Your divine grace, and deprive me not of peace. Save me from sudden misfortunes; deliver me and sustain me. May I never displease You, my Lord.
-From the prayer book "Al-Hizbul-A'zam"
***
If you are confused, there are a thousand differentiations, ten thousand distinctions. If you are enlightened, everything is the same one family.
-Wu-chien
***
We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.
-Marian Wright Edelman
***
Failure is a stepping-stone to greatness.
-Oprah Winfrey
***
Before you speak, ask yourself, is it kind, is it necessary, is it true, does it improve on the silence?
-Sai Baba
***
I heard the Prophet narrate the story of another Prophet [Jesus] before him, whose people beat him and caused him to bleed. Even as he wiped the blood off his face he said, "Lord, forgive them for they know not what they do!"
-Reported by Nayeem bin Mas'ud, Sahih al-Bukhari
***
Don't strain. Don't force anything or make grand, exaggerated efforts. Meditation is not aggressive. There is no place or need for violent striving. Just let your effort be relaxed and steady.
-Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, "Mindfulness in Plain English"
-Marian Wright Edelman
***
Failure is a stepping-stone to greatness.
-Oprah Winfrey
***
Before you speak, ask yourself, is it kind, is it necessary, is it true, does it improve on the silence?
-Sai Baba
***
I heard the Prophet narrate the story of another Prophet [Jesus] before him, whose people beat him and caused him to bleed. Even as he wiped the blood off his face he said, "Lord, forgive them for they know not what they do!"
-Reported by Nayeem bin Mas'ud, Sahih al-Bukhari
***
Don't strain. Don't force anything or make grand, exaggerated efforts. Meditation is not aggressive. There is no place or need for violent striving. Just let your effort be relaxed and steady.
-Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, "Mindfulness in Plain English"
Prayer opens the understanding to the brightness of Divine Light, and the will to the warmth of Heavenly Love...
-Francis de Sales
***
He who forgives ends the quarrel.
-African proverb
***
By nature my mind is empty.
Even in sleep, I am awake.
I think of things without thinking.
All my impressions of the world
Have dissolved.
My desires have melted away.
So what do I care for money
Or the thieving senses,
For friend or knowledge or holy books?
-Ashtavakra Gita 14:1-2
***
Allah enjoins justice and kindness, and in giving alms to kinsfolk, He forbids indecency and abomination and oppression. He exhorts you that you may take heed.
-Qur'an, An-Nahl, Surah 16:90
***
Even as a great rock is not shaken by the wind, the wise man is not shaken by praise or blame.
-Buddha
-Francis de Sales
***
He who forgives ends the quarrel.
-African proverb
***
By nature my mind is empty.
Even in sleep, I am awake.
I think of things without thinking.
All my impressions of the world
Have dissolved.
My desires have melted away.
So what do I care for money
Or the thieving senses,
For friend or knowledge or holy books?
-Ashtavakra Gita 14:1-2
***
Allah enjoins justice and kindness, and in giving alms to kinsfolk, He forbids indecency and abomination and oppression. He exhorts you that you may take heed.
-Qur'an, An-Nahl, Surah 16:90
***
Even as a great rock is not shaken by the wind, the wise man is not shaken by praise or blame.
-Buddha
Calling upon the angels to be your house guardians for protection and spiritual rejuvenation can bring a wonderful feeling of peace, harmony, and safety to your home.
-Denise Linn,
"Sacred Space"
***
Until the will and the affections are brought under the authority of Christ, we have not begun to understand, let alone to accept, His lordship.
-Elisabeth Elliot
***
Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me.
-Carol Burnett
***
One who has attained complete discrimination between the subtlest level of mind and the Self has no higher knowledge to acquire.
This is dharma megha samadhi--the state of the Unclouded Truth.
***
Enlightenment--that magnificent escape from anguish and ignorance--never happens by accident. It results from the brave and sometimes lonely battle of one person against his own weaknesses.
-Bhikkhu Nyanasobhano, "Landscapes of Wonder"
-Denise Linn,
"Sacred Space"
***
Until the will and the affections are brought under the authority of Christ, we have not begun to understand, let alone to accept, His lordship.
-Elisabeth Elliot
***
Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me.
-Carol Burnett
***
One who has attained complete discrimination between the subtlest level of mind and the Self has no higher knowledge to acquire.
This is dharma megha samadhi--the state of the Unclouded Truth.
***
Enlightenment--that magnificent escape from anguish and ignorance--never happens by accident. It results from the brave and sometimes lonely battle of one person against his own weaknesses.
-Bhikkhu Nyanasobhano, "Landscapes of Wonder"
The magnitude of life is overwhelming. Angels are here to help us take it peace by peace.
-Levende Waters
***
The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.
-Robert Flatt
***
The only way to find the limits of the possible is by going beyond them to the impossible.
-Arthur C. Clarke
***
Believers! You are accountable only for your own souls. Those who go astray can never harm you if you are on the right path. All shall return to Allah in the end, where He will make known to you all that you earned.
-Qur'an, Al-Ma'idah, Surah 5:105
***
A learned man's learning shines the brightest
among luminaries capable of critiquing his language.
Speaking to an audience of thinking men
is like watering a bed of growing plants.
-Tirukkural 72: 717-718
***
Even as a great rock is not shaken by the wind, the wise man is not shaken by praise or blame.
-Buddha
***
If there were any object, any doctrine, that could be given to you to hold on to or understand, it would reduce you to bewilderment and externalism. It’s just a spiritual openness, with nothing that can be grasped; it is pure everywhere, its light clearly penetrating, outwardly and inwardly luminous through and through.
-Te-shan
-Levende Waters
***
The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.
-Robert Flatt
***
The only way to find the limits of the possible is by going beyond them to the impossible.
-Arthur C. Clarke
***
Believers! You are accountable only for your own souls. Those who go astray can never harm you if you are on the right path. All shall return to Allah in the end, where He will make known to you all that you earned.
-Qur'an, Al-Ma'idah, Surah 5:105
***
A learned man's learning shines the brightest
among luminaries capable of critiquing his language.
Speaking to an audience of thinking men
is like watering a bed of growing plants.
-Tirukkural 72: 717-718
***
Even as a great rock is not shaken by the wind, the wise man is not shaken by praise or blame.
-Buddha
***
If there were any object, any doctrine, that could be given to you to hold on to or understand, it would reduce you to bewilderment and externalism. It’s just a spiritual openness, with nothing that can be grasped; it is pure everywhere, its light clearly penetrating, outwardly and inwardly luminous through and through.
-Te-shan
In Christ a new creation is coming to birth: renew yourselves.
-Gregory Nazianzen
****
Many of our fears are tissue-paper-thin, and a single courageous step would carry us clear through them.
-Brendan Francis
***
If you wish for light, be ready to receive light.
Nourish your ego and be deprived of light.
If you wish to find a way out of this prison,
do not turn away;
bow down in worship and draw near.
-Rumi, "Mathnawi"
***
A certain degree of physical harmony and comfort is necessary, but above a certain level it becomes a hindrance instead of a help. Therefore the ideal of creating an unlimited number of wants and satisfying them seems to be a delusion and a snare.
-Mahatma Gandhi
***
Genuine compassion is unbiased.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
***
-Gregory Nazianzen
****
Many of our fears are tissue-paper-thin, and a single courageous step would carry us clear through them.
-Brendan Francis
***
If you wish for light, be ready to receive light.
Nourish your ego and be deprived of light.
If you wish to find a way out of this prison,
do not turn away;
bow down in worship and draw near.
-Rumi, "Mathnawi"
***
A certain degree of physical harmony and comfort is necessary, but above a certain level it becomes a hindrance instead of a help. Therefore the ideal of creating an unlimited number of wants and satisfying them seems to be a delusion and a snare.
-Mahatma Gandhi
***
Genuine compassion is unbiased.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
***
The Lord can clear the darkest skies
Can give us day for night.
Make drops of sacred sorrow rise
To rivers of delight.
-Isaac Watts
***
A good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow.
-General George S. Patton
***
Do not become the candle that gives light to others but itself remains in darkness. Do not follow the desires of your lower self. Should the Lord wish, He himself will pick you out and prompt you to be a source of guidance. He Himself shall endow you with the inner strength to endure the changes of fortune and will instill within you infinite wisdom.
-Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jillani, "Fayuz E Yazdani"
***
Better indeed is knowledge than mechanical practice. Better than knowledge is meditation. But better still is surrender of attachment to results, because there follows immediate peace.
-Bhagavad Gita 12:12
***
Mind cannot see itself-
Subject and object cannot be dual;
Therefore, to see the mind
You must look and probe with the eye of wisdom.
When probed and examined analytically
With such analytic investigation
The mind is like the wick of a lamp
Illumined only through its own radiance.
-Milarepa, "Drinking the Mountain Stream: Songs of Tibet’s Beloved Saint"
From "365 Buddha: Daily
Can give us day for night.
Make drops of sacred sorrow rise
To rivers of delight.
-Isaac Watts
***
A good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow.
-General George S. Patton
***
Do not become the candle that gives light to others but itself remains in darkness. Do not follow the desires of your lower self. Should the Lord wish, He himself will pick you out and prompt you to be a source of guidance. He Himself shall endow you with the inner strength to endure the changes of fortune and will instill within you infinite wisdom.
-Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jillani, "Fayuz E Yazdani"
***
Better indeed is knowledge than mechanical practice. Better than knowledge is meditation. But better still is surrender of attachment to results, because there follows immediate peace.
-Bhagavad Gita 12:12
***
Mind cannot see itself-
Subject and object cannot be dual;
Therefore, to see the mind
You must look and probe with the eye of wisdom.
When probed and examined analytically
With such analytic investigation
The mind is like the wick of a lamp
Illumined only through its own radiance.
-Milarepa, "Drinking the Mountain Stream: Songs of Tibet’s Beloved Saint"
From "365 Buddha: Daily
Age is all imagination. Ignore years and they'll ignore you.
-Ella Wheeler-Wilcox
***
The moon is one, but on agitated water it produces many reflections. Similarly ultimate reality is one, yet it appears to be many in a mind agitated by thoughts.
-Maharamayana
***
Renewing peace between two aggrieved parties surpasses ritual praying, fasting, and almsgiving.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Abu Darda'a
***
The transcendental path is not masculine or feminine.
-Ying-an
***
-Ella Wheeler-Wilcox
***
The moon is one, but on agitated water it produces many reflections. Similarly ultimate reality is one, yet it appears to be many in a mind agitated by thoughts.
-Maharamayana
***
Renewing peace between two aggrieved parties surpasses ritual praying, fasting, and almsgiving.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Abu Darda'a
***
The transcendental path is not masculine or feminine.
-Ying-an
***
The Christian faith is meant to be lived moment by moment. It isn't some broad, general outline--it's a long walk with a real Person. Details count: passing thoughts, small sacrifices, a few encouraging words, little acts of kindness, brief victories over nagging sins.
-Joni Eareckson Tada
***
Middle age is when you have a choice of two temptations and choose the one that will get you home earlier.
-Anonymous
***
Establish worship, give in charity, and obey the messenger that you may find mercy.
-Qur'an, Al-Nour, Surah 24:56
***
All those who walk with God reach their destination.
-Sai Baba
***
Good friends, recite in unison what I say: ‘I vow to save all sentient beings everywhere. I vow to cut off all the passions everywhere. I vow to study all the Buddhist teachings everywhere. I vow to achieve the unsurpassed Buddha Way.
-The Sutra of Hui-Neng, adapted from the translations by Philip Yampolsky and A.F. Price
-Joni Eareckson Tada
***
Middle age is when you have a choice of two temptations and choose the one that will get you home earlier.
-Anonymous
***
Establish worship, give in charity, and obey the messenger that you may find mercy.
-Qur'an, Al-Nour, Surah 24:56
***
All those who walk with God reach their destination.
-Sai Baba
***
Good friends, recite in unison what I say: ‘I vow to save all sentient beings everywhere. I vow to cut off all the passions everywhere. I vow to study all the Buddhist teachings everywhere. I vow to achieve the unsurpassed Buddha Way.
-The Sutra of Hui-Neng, adapted from the translations by Philip Yampolsky and A.F. Price
..O God of life,
Be at my breast, be at my back,
You to me as a star, you to me as a guide,
From my life's beginning to my life's closing.
-Celtic Prayer
***
Life is too complicated not to be orderly.
-Martha Stewart
***
God made all things.
There is only God.
When you know this,
Desire melts away.
Clinging to nothing,
You become still.
-Ashtavakra Gita 11:2
***
Friendship takes many years to establish; so do not fall out with a friend over a single disagreement.
-Sadi, "Gulistan"
***
In meditation, don't expect anything. Just sit back and see what happens. Treat the whole thing as an experiment. Take an active interest in the test itself, but don't get distracted by your expectations about the results. For that matter, don't be anxious for any result whatsoever.
-Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, "Mindfulness in Plain English"
***
Inner refuge is refuge in ourselves, in our ultimate potential. When we recognize and nourish this potential, we have found the real meaning of refuge.
-Kathleen McDonald, "How to Meditate"
Be at my breast, be at my back,
You to me as a star, you to me as a guide,
From my life's beginning to my life's closing.
-Celtic Prayer
***
Life is too complicated not to be orderly.
-Martha Stewart
***
God made all things.
There is only God.
When you know this,
Desire melts away.
Clinging to nothing,
You become still.
-Ashtavakra Gita 11:2
***
Friendship takes many years to establish; so do not fall out with a friend over a single disagreement.
-Sadi, "Gulistan"
***
In meditation, don't expect anything. Just sit back and see what happens. Treat the whole thing as an experiment. Take an active interest in the test itself, but don't get distracted by your expectations about the results. For that matter, don't be anxious for any result whatsoever.
-Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, "Mindfulness in Plain English"
***
Inner refuge is refuge in ourselves, in our ultimate potential. When we recognize and nourish this potential, we have found the real meaning of refuge.
-Kathleen McDonald, "How to Meditate"
I feel that I am not to be mended, but transformed.
-Seneca
***
Food is our common ground, a universal experience.
-James Beard
***
As the sun lights up the world, the Self dwelling in the field is the source of all light in the field. Those who, with the eye of wisdom, distinguish the field from its Knower and the way to freedom from the bondage of prakriti, attain the supreme goal.
-Bhagavad Gita 13:33-34
***
God is the guardian of all who believe. He leads them from darkness to light. As for those who do not believe, their guardians are their false gods, who lead them from light to darkness. They are the heirs of hell, and will live there for ever.
-Qur'an, Al-Baqara, Surah 2:257
***
He who seeks happiness should withdraw the arrow; his own lamentations, longings and grief. With the arrow withdrawn, unattached, he would attain to peace of mind; and when all sorrow has been transcended he is sorrow-free and has realized Nibbana.
-Sutta Nipata
-Seneca
***
Food is our common ground, a universal experience.
-James Beard
***
As the sun lights up the world, the Self dwelling in the field is the source of all light in the field. Those who, with the eye of wisdom, distinguish the field from its Knower and the way to freedom from the bondage of prakriti, attain the supreme goal.
-Bhagavad Gita 13:33-34
***
God is the guardian of all who believe. He leads them from darkness to light. As for those who do not believe, their guardians are their false gods, who lead them from light to darkness. They are the heirs of hell, and will live there for ever.
-Qur'an, Al-Baqara, Surah 2:257
***
He who seeks happiness should withdraw the arrow; his own lamentations, longings and grief. With the arrow withdrawn, unattached, he would attain to peace of mind; and when all sorrow has been transcended he is sorrow-free and has realized Nibbana.
-Sutta Nipata
There is no faith in Jesus without understanding that on the cross we see into the heart of God and find it filled with mercy for the sinner whoever he or she may be.
-Robert G. Trache
***
Love is the flame which, when it blazes,
consumes everything other than the Beloved.
The lover wields the sword of Nothingness
in order to dispatch all but God:
consider what remains after Nothing.
There remains but God: all the rest is gone.
Praise to you, O mighty Love, destroyer of all other "gods."
-Mathnawi [V, 588-590]
***
Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one's weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.
-Mahatma Gandhi, 1930
***
It does not matter whether you are a theist or atheist, what matters is sincerity, forgiveness, and compassion.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
***
-Robert G. Trache
***
Love is the flame which, when it blazes,
consumes everything other than the Beloved.
The lover wields the sword of Nothingness
in order to dispatch all but God:
consider what remains after Nothing.
There remains but God: all the rest is gone.
Praise to you, O mighty Love, destroyer of all other "gods."
-Mathnawi [V, 588-590]
***
Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one's weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.
-Mahatma Gandhi, 1930
***
It does not matter whether you are a theist or atheist, what matters is sincerity, forgiveness, and compassion.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
***
Life was a lot simpler when what we honored was father and mother rather than all major credit cards.
-Robert Orben (submitted by Jillin2001)
***
Some only ride on paths, while others rise across trackless deserts. Those who ride on paths, are like those who can see the way to God. Those who ride across trackless deserts, are like those who have lost the way to God. Yet God reveals himself within the souls of both; he is the inner reality of all people.
-Ibn Arabi, “Fusus al-hikam”
***
Behold the man who shields his family from all suffering.
Has not his body become a willing vessel for affliction.
Without good men to hold it up,
The family house will fall when misfortune descends.
-Tirukkural 103: 1029-1030
***
If happiness hasn't been recognized when alone, a group of people will be a cause of distraction.
-Adept Godrakpa, "Hermit of Go Cliffs"
-Robert Orben (submitted by Jillin2001)
***
Some only ride on paths, while others rise across trackless deserts. Those who ride on paths, are like those who can see the way to God. Those who ride across trackless deserts, are like those who have lost the way to God. Yet God reveals himself within the souls of both; he is the inner reality of all people.
-Ibn Arabi, “Fusus al-hikam”
***
Behold the man who shields his family from all suffering.
Has not his body become a willing vessel for affliction.
Without good men to hold it up,
The family house will fall when misfortune descends.
-Tirukkural 103: 1029-1030
***
If happiness hasn't been recognized when alone, a group of people will be a cause of distraction.
-Adept Godrakpa, "Hermit of Go Cliffs"
It is necessary for us to suffer patiently the dark night of sorrow and death, if we are to enter the brilliant new light of Easter...
-Unknown
***
No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars or sailed to an uncharted land or opened a new heaven to the human spirit.
-Helen Keller
****
As an eagle, weary after soaring in the sky, folds its wings and flies down to rest in its nest, so does the shining Self enter the state of dreamless sleep, where one is freed from all desires.
-Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
***
The Merciful is kind to those who are merciful. If you show compassion to your fellow creatures in this world, then those in heaven shall be compassionate toward you.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as narrated by Abd'Allah bin Amr
***
A mind unshaken when touched
by the worldly states,
sorrowless, stainless, and secure,
this is the blessing supreme.
Those who have fulfilled all these
are everywhere invincible;
they find well-being everywhere,
theirs is the blessing supreme.
-(adapted from) Mangala Sutta
-Unknown
***
No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars or sailed to an uncharted land or opened a new heaven to the human spirit.
-Helen Keller
****
As an eagle, weary after soaring in the sky, folds its wings and flies down to rest in its nest, so does the shining Self enter the state of dreamless sleep, where one is freed from all desires.
-Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
***
The Merciful is kind to those who are merciful. If you show compassion to your fellow creatures in this world, then those in heaven shall be compassionate toward you.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as narrated by Abd'Allah bin Amr
***
A mind unshaken when touched
by the worldly states,
sorrowless, stainless, and secure,
this is the blessing supreme.
Those who have fulfilled all these
are everywhere invincible;
they find well-being everywhere,
theirs is the blessing supreme.
-(adapted from) Mangala Sutta
Rise heart; thy Lord is risen. Sing his praise,
Without delays…
-George Herbert, stanza from "Easter"
***
We never know how high we are till we are called to rise and then, if we are true to plan our statures touch the skies.
-Emily Dickinson
***
I say that I am mortal, as you are. It has been revealed to me that your Lord is one God. Let all those who hope to meet their Lord, do what is right, and worship only him.
-Qu'ran, Al-Kahf, Surah 18:110
***
A king asked a sage to explain the Truth. In response the sage asked the king how he would convey the taste of a mango to someone who had never eaten anything sweet. No matter how hard the king tried, he could not adequately describe the flavor of the fruit, and, in frustration, he demanded of the sage "Tell me then, how would you describe it?" The sage picked up a mango and handed it to the king saying "This is very sweet. Try eating it!"
-Hindu teaching story
***
Not recognizing that there's no connection between term and meaning, those who wander in endless jargon get so exhausted.
-Adept Godrakpa, "Hermit of Go Cliffs"
Without delays…
-George Herbert, stanza from "Easter"
***
We never know how high we are till we are called to rise and then, if we are true to plan our statures touch the skies.
-Emily Dickinson
***
I say that I am mortal, as you are. It has been revealed to me that your Lord is one God. Let all those who hope to meet their Lord, do what is right, and worship only him.
-Qu'ran, Al-Kahf, Surah 18:110
***
A king asked a sage to explain the Truth. In response the sage asked the king how he would convey the taste of a mango to someone who had never eaten anything sweet. No matter how hard the king tried, he could not adequately describe the flavor of the fruit, and, in frustration, he demanded of the sage "Tell me then, how would you describe it?" The sage picked up a mango and handed it to the king saying "This is very sweet. Try eating it!"
-Hindu teaching story
***
Not recognizing that there's no connection between term and meaning, those who wander in endless jargon get so exhausted.
-Adept Godrakpa, "Hermit of Go Cliffs"
If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow.
-Chinese Epigram
***
Once a rich merchant, seeing Rabi'a's house falling into disrepair, gave her a thousand pieces of gold and a new house. ...Immediately she returned the money to the merchant and said, "I fear I will become attached to this house and will no longer be able to occupy myself with the other world. My only desire is to be of service to God."
-Rabi'a, "Rabi'a the Mystic"
***
Perseverance generates prosperity,
and the lack of it engenders poverty.
They say the black ogress called Misfortune lurks in laziness,
while Goddess Fortune lingers in the laboring toils of active men.
-Tirukural 62: 616-617
***
One moon appears everywhere in all bodies of water; the moons in all bodies of water are contained in one moon. This is a metaphor for one mind producing myriad things and myriad things producing one mind. This refers to dream illusions, flowers in the sky, half-seeming, half empty.
-Hsueh-yen
***
-Chinese Epigram
***
Once a rich merchant, seeing Rabi'a's house falling into disrepair, gave her a thousand pieces of gold and a new house. ...Immediately she returned the money to the merchant and said, "I fear I will become attached to this house and will no longer be able to occupy myself with the other world. My only desire is to be of service to God."
-Rabi'a, "Rabi'a the Mystic"
***
Perseverance generates prosperity,
and the lack of it engenders poverty.
They say the black ogress called Misfortune lurks in laziness,
while Goddess Fortune lingers in the laboring toils of active men.
-Tirukural 62: 616-617
***
One moon appears everywhere in all bodies of water; the moons in all bodies of water are contained in one moon. This is a metaphor for one mind producing myriad things and myriad things producing one mind. This refers to dream illusions, flowers in the sky, half-seeming, half empty.
-Hsueh-yen
***
Our old history ends with the cross; our new history begins with the resurrection.
-Watchman Nee
***
One of the most valuable things we can do to heal one another is listen to each other's stories.
-Rebecca Falls
***
Those loved by God are held in contempt by the vulgar, and those who deem themselves virtuous may not be so in the eyes of God....Public ridicule is the very sustenance of the chosen of God. They rejoice in it, just as others rejoice in popularity, for they know that it is a sign that they are close to Him. As God said, "My chosen are hidden under My cloak. Besides Me, only the elect know who they are."
-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
***
He is dear to me who runs not after the pleasant or away from the painful, grieves not, lusts not, but lets things come and go as they happen.
-Bhagavad Gita 12:17
***
Neither from itself nor from another,
Nor from both,
Nor without a cause,
Does anything whatever, anywhere arise.
-Nagarjuna, Mulamadhyamaka-Karika
-Watchman Nee
***
One of the most valuable things we can do to heal one another is listen to each other's stories.
-Rebecca Falls
***
Those loved by God are held in contempt by the vulgar, and those who deem themselves virtuous may not be so in the eyes of God....Public ridicule is the very sustenance of the chosen of God. They rejoice in it, just as others rejoice in popularity, for they know that it is a sign that they are close to Him. As God said, "My chosen are hidden under My cloak. Besides Me, only the elect know who they are."
-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
***
He is dear to me who runs not after the pleasant or away from the painful, grieves not, lusts not, but lets things come and go as they happen.
-Bhagavad Gita 12:17
***
Neither from itself nor from another,
Nor from both,
Nor without a cause,
Does anything whatever, anywhere arise.
-Nagarjuna, Mulamadhyamaka-Karika
Unless he obeys, a man cannot believe.
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
***
Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold.
-Maurice Setter
***
If Allah is your protector, none can overcome you, and if He forsakes you, then who can help you? Trust Allah and have faith in His sovereign power.
-Qur'an, Al-Imran, Surah 3:160
***
Know you are one,
Pure awareness.
With the fire of this conviction
Burn down the forest of ignorance.
Free yourself from sorrow,
And be happy.
-Ashtavakra Gita 1:9
***
So much fear and desire come from that commitment to 'I am'--to being somebody. Eventually they take us to anxiety and despair; life seems much more difficult and painful than it really is.
But when we just observe life for what it is, then it's all right: the delights, the beauty, the pleasures are just that.
-Ajahn Sumedho, "Seeing the Way"
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
***
Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold.
-Maurice Setter
***
If Allah is your protector, none can overcome you, and if He forsakes you, then who can help you? Trust Allah and have faith in His sovereign power.
-Qur'an, Al-Imran, Surah 3:160
***
Know you are one,
Pure awareness.
With the fire of this conviction
Burn down the forest of ignorance.
Free yourself from sorrow,
And be happy.
-Ashtavakra Gita 1:9
***
So much fear and desire come from that commitment to 'I am'--to being somebody. Eventually they take us to anxiety and despair; life seems much more difficult and painful than it really is.
But when we just observe life for what it is, then it's all right: the delights, the beauty, the pleasures are just that.
-Ajahn Sumedho, "Seeing the Way"
Unblest is he who thinks himself unblest.
-Seneca
***
As long as you derive inner help and comfort from anything, keep it.
-Mahatma Gandhi
***
Since you are not a prophet, follow the way taught by prophets. Since you are not a king, be a loyal subject to the king. Since you are not a captain, do not take the helm of the ship. Since you do not possess every skill, have partners in your business. Be as pliant as dough in the hands of others, that you may rise well.
-Rumi, "Mathnawi"
***
Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
-Seneca
***
As long as you derive inner help and comfort from anything, keep it.
-Mahatma Gandhi
***
Since you are not a prophet, follow the way taught by prophets. Since you are not a king, be a loyal subject to the king. Since you are not a captain, do not take the helm of the ship. Since you do not possess every skill, have partners in your business. Be as pliant as dough in the hands of others, that you may rise well.
-Rumi, "Mathnawi"
***
Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
If man is man and God is God, to live without prayer is not merely an awful thing: it is an infinitely foolish thing.
-Phillips Brooks
***
Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.
-M. Kathleen Casey
***
I (God) am easily attained by the person who always remembers me and is attached to nothing else.
-Bhagavad Gita 8:14
***
We cannot do away with our daily nourishment, but let us not wallow in gluttony. Abu Yazid was once asked why he regarded fasting so supreme. He replied, "Had the Pharaoh known hunger he would not have declared himself God. And Korah would never have been so rebellious had he endured the pain of starvation."
-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
***
The pleasure and joy that arise in dependence on the eye: this is the gratification in the eye. That the eye is impermanent, suffering, and subject to change: this is the danger in the eye. The removal and abandonment of desire and lust from the eye: this is the escape from the eye.
-Buddha, "The Connected Discourses of the Buddha"
-Phillips Brooks
***
Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.
-M. Kathleen Casey
***
I (God) am easily attained by the person who always remembers me and is attached to nothing else.
-Bhagavad Gita 8:14
***
We cannot do away with our daily nourishment, but let us not wallow in gluttony. Abu Yazid was once asked why he regarded fasting so supreme. He replied, "Had the Pharaoh known hunger he would not have declared himself God. And Korah would never have been so rebellious had he endured the pain of starvation."
-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
***
The pleasure and joy that arise in dependence on the eye: this is the gratification in the eye. That the eye is impermanent, suffering, and subject to change: this is the danger in the eye. The removal and abandonment of desire and lust from the eye: this is the escape from the eye.
-Buddha, "The Connected Discourses of the Buddha"
I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting system though which God speaks to us every hour; if we still only tune in.
-George Washington Carver
***
Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!"
-Robin Williams
***
Bodies come and go like clothes.
-Sankara
***
What I fear most for my people are the hypocrites, who talk wisely, yet act unjustly.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Umar bin al-Khattab
***
It is better to spend one day contemplating the birth and death of all things than a hundred years never contemplating beginnings and endings.
-Buddha
***
-George Washington Carver
***
Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!"
-Robin Williams
***
Bodies come and go like clothes.
-Sankara
***
What I fear most for my people are the hypocrites, who talk wisely, yet act unjustly.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Umar bin al-Khattab
***
It is better to spend one day contemplating the birth and death of all things than a hundred years never contemplating beginnings and endings.
-Buddha
***
A Christian should always remember that the value of his good works is not based on their number and excellence, but on the love of God which prompts him to do these things.
-Juan De La Cruz (John of the Cross)
****
An optimist is the human personification of spring.
-Susan J. Bissonette
***
He runs without feet and holds without hands.
He sees without eyes and hears without ears.
He knows everyone, but no one knows him.
He is called the First, the Great, the Supreme.
-Shvetashvatara Upanishad 3:19
***
In the name of Allah,
The Most Gracious and Merciful.
Praise be to You, O Lord of the worlds,
The Beneficent, the Merciful.
Master of the day of Justice,
You alone we worship,
to You alone we appeal for help.
Show us the straight path,
the path of those You blessed,
not the path of those You condemned,
nor of those who go astray.
-Qur'an, Al-Fatiha, Surah 1:1-7
***
Another shortcoming of desire is that it leads to so much that is undesirable.
-Lama Zopa Rinpoche, "The Door to Satisfaction"
***
-Juan De La Cruz (John of the Cross)
****
An optimist is the human personification of spring.
-Susan J. Bissonette
***
He runs without feet and holds without hands.
He sees without eyes and hears without ears.
He knows everyone, but no one knows him.
He is called the First, the Great, the Supreme.
-Shvetashvatara Upanishad 3:19
***
In the name of Allah,
The Most Gracious and Merciful.
Praise be to You, O Lord of the worlds,
The Beneficent, the Merciful.
Master of the day of Justice,
You alone we worship,
to You alone we appeal for help.
Show us the straight path,
the path of those You blessed,
not the path of those You condemned,
nor of those who go astray.
-Qur'an, Al-Fatiha, Surah 1:1-7
***
Another shortcoming of desire is that it leads to so much that is undesirable.
-Lama Zopa Rinpoche, "The Door to Satisfaction"
***
It is a mistake to look to the Bible to close a discussion; the Bible seeks to open one.
-William Sloane Coffin
****
Kindness makes a fellow feel good, whether it’s being done to him or by him.
-Frank A. Clark
****
People sometimes justify their obsession with cleanliness on religous grounds; but true religion is not concerned with outward purity.
-Razi: Kitab al-Muluki
****
As great as the infinite space beyond is the space within the lotus of the heart. Both heaven and earth are contained in that inner space, both fire and air, sun and moon, lightning and stars. Whether we know it in this world or know it not, everything is contained in that inner space.
-Chandogya Upanishad
***
Pain is inevitable, suffering is not.
-Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, Mindfulness in Plain English
-William Sloane Coffin
****
Kindness makes a fellow feel good, whether it’s being done to him or by him.
-Frank A. Clark
****
People sometimes justify their obsession with cleanliness on religous grounds; but true religion is not concerned with outward purity.
-Razi: Kitab al-Muluki
****
As great as the infinite space beyond is the space within the lotus of the heart. Both heaven and earth are contained in that inner space, both fire and air, sun and moon, lightning and stars. Whether we know it in this world or know it not, everything is contained in that inner space.
-Chandogya Upanishad
***
Pain is inevitable, suffering is not.
-Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, Mindfulness in Plain English
Not to believe in the angels is to believe in a mindless, meaningless, and soulless universe.
-Harold Begbie,
"On The Side Of The Angels"
***
Help me today
to be a help and example to all;
to bring strength and encouragement wherever I am:
Through Jesus Christ my Lord, Amen
***
O Merciful, transform my fears into hope. In the name of Your glorious Qur'an relent toward me. Allow its light to illumine my way; endow me with the resolve to follow its dictates. Help me recite it night and day that its wisdom might blossom within my soul.
-Prayer upon finishing the Qu'ran
****
Love is selflessness
—self is lovelessness.
-Sai Baba
***
Sitting peacefully on a cushion day and night seeking to attain Buddhahood, rejecting life and death in hopes of realizing enlightenment, is all like a monkey grasping at the moon reflected in the water.
-Shoitsu
-Harold Begbie,
"On The Side Of The Angels"
***
Help me today
to be a help and example to all;
to bring strength and encouragement wherever I am:
Through Jesus Christ my Lord, Amen
***
O Merciful, transform my fears into hope. In the name of Your glorious Qur'an relent toward me. Allow its light to illumine my way; endow me with the resolve to follow its dictates. Help me recite it night and day that its wisdom might blossom within my soul.
-Prayer upon finishing the Qu'ran
****
Love is selflessness
—self is lovelessness.
-Sai Baba
***
Sitting peacefully on a cushion day and night seeking to attain Buddhahood, rejecting life and death in hopes of realizing enlightenment, is all like a monkey grasping at the moon reflected in the water.
-Shoitsu
Faith for my deliverance is not faith in God. Faith means, whether I am visibly delivered or not, I will stick to my belief that God is love.
-Oswald Chambers
****
I do believe it is possible to create, even without ever writing a word or painting a picture, by simply molding one’s inner life. And that too is a deed.
-Etty Hillesum
***
Among the wealthy, compassionate men claim the richest wealth,
For material wealth is possessed by even contemptible men.
Find and follow the good path and be ruled by compassion.
For if the various ways are examined, compassion will prove the means to liberation.
-Tirukkural 25: 241-242
***
It was He who created you from clay and decreed a term for you in this world and the next. Yet still you doubt. He is the only Lord of the heavens and the earth, completely aware of all that you conceal and all that you reveal. He knows what you deserve.
-Qur'an, Al-An'am, Surah 6:2-3
***
There is no specifiable difference whatever between nirvana and the everyday world; there is no specifiable difference whatever between the everyday world and nirvana.
-Nagarjuna, "Mulamadhyamaka-Karika"
***
Raphael is frequently associated with the color green. Through the greening of spring, Raphael brings humanity Divine impulses for consecration: healing, science, truth, and life in harmony with the beauty of nature. Raphael heals the soul and helps guide its development.
-Terry Lynn Taylor,
"Angel Days"
-Oswald Chambers
****
I do believe it is possible to create, even without ever writing a word or painting a picture, by simply molding one’s inner life. And that too is a deed.
-Etty Hillesum
***
Among the wealthy, compassionate men claim the richest wealth,
For material wealth is possessed by even contemptible men.
Find and follow the good path and be ruled by compassion.
For if the various ways are examined, compassion will prove the means to liberation.
-Tirukkural 25: 241-242
***
It was He who created you from clay and decreed a term for you in this world and the next. Yet still you doubt. He is the only Lord of the heavens and the earth, completely aware of all that you conceal and all that you reveal. He knows what you deserve.
-Qur'an, Al-An'am, Surah 6:2-3
***
There is no specifiable difference whatever between nirvana and the everyday world; there is no specifiable difference whatever between the everyday world and nirvana.
-Nagarjuna, "Mulamadhyamaka-Karika"
***
Raphael is frequently associated with the color green. Through the greening of spring, Raphael brings humanity Divine impulses for consecration: healing, science, truth, and life in harmony with the beauty of nature. Raphael heals the soul and helps guide its development.
-Terry Lynn Taylor,
"Angel Days"