If you don't have the time to do something right, where are you going to find the time to fix it?
-Stephen King (submitted by ivyb2000)
***
Man's good deeds are single acts in the long drama of redemption.
- Abraham Joshua Heschel, "The Earth Is the Lord's"
***
The Pupil asks: 'At whose wish does the mind sent forth proceed on its errand? At whose command does the first breath go forth? At whose wish do we utter this speech? What god directs the eye, or the ear?'
The Teacher replies: 'It is the ear of the ear, the mind of the mind, the speech of speech, the breath of breath, and the eye of the eye. When freed (from the senses) the wise, on departing from this world, become immortal.'
-Kena Upanishad
***
God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.
-St. Augustine
***
Without realizing the unity of Bliss and Void,
Even though on the Void you meditate,
You practice only Nihilism.
-Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa
From "365 Buddha: Daily Meditations,"
***
Before He created life, the Almighty Allah declared, "My Mercy shall surpass My Wrath." Thus was it written.
-The Prophet Muhammad, as reported by Abu Hurairah
***
[Some people] have a wonderful capacity to appreciate again and again, freshly and naively, the basic goods of life, with awe, pleasure, wonder, and even ecstasy.
-A.H. Maslow
Quote
-
Guest
Each night, before retiring, forgive whomever offended you.
- Asher b. Yehiel, "Hanhaga
***
If a man is unkind and speaks cruelly,
his vast wealth will not last long before perishing.
Harsh language and overly severe punishment,
like a keen file, grind down a king's conquering powers.
A king's wealth wanes when, without thoughtful involvement,
he lets ministers work, then furiously faults their efforts.
-Tirukkural 57: 566-568
Excerpted from the Tirukkural,
***
If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth--only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair.
-C.S. Lewis
***
When we say, "I take refuge in the Buddha," we should also understand that "The Buddha takes refuge in me," because without the second part the first part is not complete. The Buddha needs us for awakening, understanding, and love to be real things and not just concepts. They must be real things that have real effects on life. Whenever I say, "I take refuge in the Buddha," I hear "the Buddha takes refuge in me."
-Thich Nhat Hanh, "Being Peace"
From "365 Buddha: Daily Meditations,"
***
O ye who believe! If ye fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion (to judge between right and wrong), remove from you (all) evil (that may afflict) you, and forgive you: for Allah is the Lord of grace unbounded.
-Qur'an, Al-Anfal, Surah 8:29
- Asher b. Yehiel, "Hanhaga
***
If a man is unkind and speaks cruelly,
his vast wealth will not last long before perishing.
Harsh language and overly severe punishment,
like a keen file, grind down a king's conquering powers.
A king's wealth wanes when, without thoughtful involvement,
he lets ministers work, then furiously faults their efforts.
-Tirukkural 57: 566-568
Excerpted from the Tirukkural,
***
If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth--only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair.
-C.S. Lewis
***
When we say, "I take refuge in the Buddha," we should also understand that "The Buddha takes refuge in me," because without the second part the first part is not complete. The Buddha needs us for awakening, understanding, and love to be real things and not just concepts. They must be real things that have real effects on life. Whenever I say, "I take refuge in the Buddha," I hear "the Buddha takes refuge in me."
-Thich Nhat Hanh, "Being Peace"
From "365 Buddha: Daily Meditations,"
***
O ye who believe! If ye fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion (to judge between right and wrong), remove from you (all) evil (that may afflict) you, and forgive you: for Allah is the Lord of grace unbounded.
-Qur'an, Al-Anfal, Surah 8:29
-
Guest
-
Guest
Every one entrusted with a mission is an angel...All forces that reside in the body are angels.
- Maimonides, "Guide for the Perplexed"
***
Delusion arises from the duality of attraction and aversion, Arjuna; every creature is deluded by these from birth. But those who have freed themselves from all wrongdoing are firmly established in worship of me. Their actions are pure, and they are free from the delusion caused by the pairs of opposites.
-Bhagavad Gita 7:27-28
Excerpted from The Bhagavad Gita, translated by Eknath
***
Men of affairs who are in positions of wealth and rank yet are not trapped by wealth and rank, and are also able to break through the iron face of the mortal being and focus their minds on this path, must already have the seed of wisdom; otherwise, how could they reach this?
-Hsi-sou
From "Teachings of Zen," edited by Thomas Cleary, © 1998.
***
When the wind blows hard on a tree, the roots stretch and grow the stronger. Let it be so with us. Let us not be weaklings, yielding to every wind that blows, but strong in spirit to resist.
-Amy Carmichael
***
Whatever you are, be a good one.
-Abraham Lincoln
- Maimonides, "Guide for the Perplexed"
***
Delusion arises from the duality of attraction and aversion, Arjuna; every creature is deluded by these from birth. But those who have freed themselves from all wrongdoing are firmly established in worship of me. Their actions are pure, and they are free from the delusion caused by the pairs of opposites.
-Bhagavad Gita 7:27-28
Excerpted from The Bhagavad Gita, translated by Eknath
***
Men of affairs who are in positions of wealth and rank yet are not trapped by wealth and rank, and are also able to break through the iron face of the mortal being and focus their minds on this path, must already have the seed of wisdom; otherwise, how could they reach this?
-Hsi-sou
From "Teachings of Zen," edited by Thomas Cleary, © 1998.
***
When the wind blows hard on a tree, the roots stretch and grow the stronger. Let it be so with us. Let us not be weaklings, yielding to every wind that blows, but strong in spirit to resist.
-Amy Carmichael
***
Whatever you are, be a good one.
-Abraham Lincoln
-
Guest
Vision looks inward and becomes duty. Vision looks outward and becomes aspiration. Vision looks upward and becomes faith.
- Rabbi Stephen S. Wise
***
Industriousness comes to men whom Fortune favors,
But laziness approaches those whom Misfortune has chosen.
That destiny which decreases prosperity, increases ignorance.
That destiny which diminishes loss, expands knowledge.
-Tirukkural 38: 371-372
Excerpted from the Tirukkural, translated by Satguru Sivaya
***
Love wholeheartedly,
be surprised,
give thanks and praise--
then you will
discover
the fullness
of your life.
-Brother David Steindl-Rast
***
We should surrender our intention to selfishly seek merit and recognition for our merit, and instead simply plant merit and cultivate wisdom.
-Jae Woong Kim, "Polishing the Diamond"
Copyright Wisdom Publications 2001.
***
- Rabbi Stephen S. Wise
***
Industriousness comes to men whom Fortune favors,
But laziness approaches those whom Misfortune has chosen.
That destiny which decreases prosperity, increases ignorance.
That destiny which diminishes loss, expands knowledge.
-Tirukkural 38: 371-372
Excerpted from the Tirukkural, translated by Satguru Sivaya
***
Love wholeheartedly,
be surprised,
give thanks and praise--
then you will
discover
the fullness
of your life.
-Brother David Steindl-Rast
***
We should surrender our intention to selfishly seek merit and recognition for our merit, and instead simply plant merit and cultivate wisdom.
-Jae Woong Kim, "Polishing the Diamond"
Copyright Wisdom Publications 2001.
***
-
Guest
Getting angry is like worshipping idols.
- Midrash LeOlam
***
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
From "The Heart of Awareness:
***
Even as a great rock is not shaken by the wind, the wise man is not shaken by praise or blame.
-Buddha
From "Sayings of the Buddha: Reflections for Every Day",
***
All knowledge is but a branch of worship and all worship is but a branch of abstinence, and all abstinence is but a branch of trust in God and trust in God has neither limit nor finite end.
-Makki, "Qut al-qulub"
From "The Wisdom of Sufism,"
- Midrash LeOlam
***
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
From "The Heart of Awareness:
***
Even as a great rock is not shaken by the wind, the wise man is not shaken by praise or blame.
-Buddha
From "Sayings of the Buddha: Reflections for Every Day",
***
All knowledge is but a branch of worship and all worship is but a branch of abstinence, and all abstinence is but a branch of trust in God and trust in God has neither limit nor finite end.
-Makki, "Qut al-qulub"
From "The Wisdom of Sufism,"
-
Guest
Anyone who repudiates idolatry is a Jew.
- Johanan b. Nappaha, Talmud: Megilla, 13a
***
The soul is infinite, universal, detached.
When one discovers this triad, that is God.
What is perishable is the material.
What is immortal and imperishable is the bearer.
Over both the perishable and the soul the divine one rules.
-Shvetashvatara Upanishad
***
Shariputra asked: "When a follower attains the great insight of perfect wisdom, does that follower then covet and cultivate omniscience, infinite knowledge?"
The Buddha answered: "Such a follower never covets or cultivates infinite knowledge. That very attitude of not coveting and not cultivating reveals everything to him and he sees all possible structures--from objects of the senses to buddhas--to be transparent in their nature. This radiant transparency is, in fact, simply the total awakeness of a buddha. The now-awakened follower becomes, in this way, immersed in infinite wisdom and blossoms spontaneously as omniscience itself."
-Prajnaparmita
From "Buddha Speaks,"
***
You change your life by changing your heart.
-Max Lucado
***
On no soul do We place a burden greater than it can bear: before Us is a record which clearly shows the truth: they will never be wronged.
-Qur'an, The Believers, Surah 23:62
***
A gentle hand may lead an elephant with a single hair.
-Persian proverb
- Johanan b. Nappaha, Talmud: Megilla, 13a
***
The soul is infinite, universal, detached.
When one discovers this triad, that is God.
What is perishable is the material.
What is immortal and imperishable is the bearer.
Over both the perishable and the soul the divine one rules.
-Shvetashvatara Upanishad
***
Shariputra asked: "When a follower attains the great insight of perfect wisdom, does that follower then covet and cultivate omniscience, infinite knowledge?"
The Buddha answered: "Such a follower never covets or cultivates infinite knowledge. That very attitude of not coveting and not cultivating reveals everything to him and he sees all possible structures--from objects of the senses to buddhas--to be transparent in their nature. This radiant transparency is, in fact, simply the total awakeness of a buddha. The now-awakened follower becomes, in this way, immersed in infinite wisdom and blossoms spontaneously as omniscience itself."
-Prajnaparmita
From "Buddha Speaks,"
***
You change your life by changing your heart.
-Max Lucado
***
On no soul do We place a burden greater than it can bear: before Us is a record which clearly shows the truth: they will never be wronged.
-Qur'an, The Believers, Surah 23:62
***
A gentle hand may lead an elephant with a single hair.
-Persian proverb
-
Guest
There is something higher than modernity, and that is eternity.
- Solomon Schechter, in "Menorah Journal," 1924
***
Yesterday I lived bewildered, in illusion. But now I am awake, flawless and serene, beyond the world. From my light the body and the world arise. So all things are mine, or nothing is.
-Ashtavakra Gita
From "Teachings of the Hindu Mystics,"
***
But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine desires new; for he says, 'The old is good.'
-Luke 5:38-39 (Revised Standard Version)
***
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]
From "Jewels of Remembrance," by Rumi
- Solomon Schechter, in "Menorah Journal," 1924
***
Yesterday I lived bewildered, in illusion. But now I am awake, flawless and serene, beyond the world. From my light the body and the world arise. So all things are mine, or nothing is.
-Ashtavakra Gita
From "Teachings of the Hindu Mystics,"
***
But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine desires new; for he says, 'The old is good.'
-Luke 5:38-39 (Revised Standard Version)
***
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]
From "Jewels of Remembrance," by Rumi
-
Guest
The aim of man is to be the Temple of God.
- Rabbi Jacob Joseph Katz, "Toldot Jacob Joseph," 1780
***
I rejoice in seeing you as you have never been seen before, yet I am filled with fear by this vision of you as the abode of the universe. Please let me see you again as the shining God of gods.
-Bhagavad Gita 11:45
Excerpted from The Bhagavad Gita,
***
Having drunk the sweetness of solitude and also the sweetness of tranquility, one becomes free from fear and wrongdoing while drinking the sweetness of the joy of truth.
-Sutta Nipata
From "365 Buddha: Daily Meditations,"
***
Grace strikes us when we are in great pain and restlessness…Sometimes at that moment a wave of light breaks into our darkness, and it is as though a voice were saying: 'You are accepted'.
-Paul Tillich
***
The Almighty Allah judges you neither by your countenance nor your wealth, but by the purity of your hearts and your deeds.
-The Prophet Muhammad, as reported by Abu Hurairah
Hadith translated by Aneela Khalid Arshed.
***
- Rabbi Jacob Joseph Katz, "Toldot Jacob Joseph," 1780
***
I rejoice in seeing you as you have never been seen before, yet I am filled with fear by this vision of you as the abode of the universe. Please let me see you again as the shining God of gods.
-Bhagavad Gita 11:45
Excerpted from The Bhagavad Gita,
***
Having drunk the sweetness of solitude and also the sweetness of tranquility, one becomes free from fear and wrongdoing while drinking the sweetness of the joy of truth.
-Sutta Nipata
From "365 Buddha: Daily Meditations,"
***
Grace strikes us when we are in great pain and restlessness…Sometimes at that moment a wave of light breaks into our darkness, and it is as though a voice were saying: 'You are accepted'.
-Paul Tillich
***
The Almighty Allah judges you neither by your countenance nor your wealth, but by the purity of your hearts and your deeds.
-The Prophet Muhammad, as reported by Abu Hurairah
Hadith translated by Aneela Khalid Arshed.
***
-
Guest
God is of no importance unless He is of supreme importance.
- Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, "Man is Not Alone"
***
It is said that all good things are natural to those
Who know their duty and walk the path of perfect goodness.
Perfect men hold as good their own good character.
No other goodness is so perfectly good.
Love, modesty, propriety, kindly look, and truthfulness--
These are the five pillars on which perfect goodness rests.
-Tirukkural 99: 981-83
Excerpted from the Tirukkural,
***
The more we empty ourselves to make room for God’s love, the more he fills us with himself and the more united to him will we be.
-St. Alphonse Liguori
***
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"
From "365 Buddha: Daily Meditations,"
***
What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.
-Dwight D. Eisenhower
- Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, "Man is Not Alone"
***
It is said that all good things are natural to those
Who know their duty and walk the path of perfect goodness.
Perfect men hold as good their own good character.
No other goodness is so perfectly good.
Love, modesty, propriety, kindly look, and truthfulness--
These are the five pillars on which perfect goodness rests.
-Tirukkural 99: 981-83
Excerpted from the Tirukkural,
***
The more we empty ourselves to make room for God’s love, the more he fills us with himself and the more united to him will we be.
-St. Alphonse Liguori
***
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"
From "365 Buddha: Daily Meditations,"
***
What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.
-Dwight D. Eisenhower
-
Guest
Your future depends on many things, but mostly on you.
-Frank Tyger
***
We cannot achieve self-respect if we are afraid of self-knowledge.
- M.R. Cohen, "A Dreamer's Journey"
***
The fool will never find freedom
By practicing concentration.
But the master never fails.
Just by knowing how things are,
He is free and constant.
Because the fool wants to become God,
He never finds him.
The master is already God,
Without ever wishing to be.
-Ashtavakra Gita 18:36-37
From "The Heart of Awareness
***
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
***
Within tears, find a hidden laughter;
seek treasure amid ruins, sincere one.
-Mathnawi [VI, 1586]
-Frank Tyger
***
We cannot achieve self-respect if we are afraid of self-knowledge.
- M.R. Cohen, "A Dreamer's Journey"
***
The fool will never find freedom
By practicing concentration.
But the master never fails.
Just by knowing how things are,
He is free and constant.
Because the fool wants to become God,
He never finds him.
The master is already God,
Without ever wishing to be.
-Ashtavakra Gita 18:36-37
From "The Heart of Awareness
***
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
***
Within tears, find a hidden laughter;
seek treasure amid ruins, sincere one.
-Mathnawi [VI, 1586]
-
Guest
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
***
Rather a short prayer recited slowly and with devotion, than a long prayer recited hurriedly and without devotion.
- Sefer Hasidim
***
I will give you the Word all the scriptures
Glorify, all spiritual disciplines
Express, to attain which aspirants lead
A life of sense-restraint and self-naughting.
It is OM. This symbol of the Godhead
Is the highest. Realizing it one finds
Complete fulfillment of all one's longings.
It is of the greatest support to all seekers.
Those in whose hearts OM reverberates
Unceasingly are indeed blessed
And deeply loved as one who is the Self.
-Katha Upanishad
Excerpted from The Upanishads
***
If happiness hasn't been recognized when alone, a group of people will be a cause of distraction.
-Adept Godrakpa, "Hermit of Go Cliffs"
***
Hasten with your charity, because disaster does not trample it.
-The Prophet Muhammad, as reported by 'Ali bin Abi Talib
Hadith translated by Aneela Khalid Arshed.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
***
Rather a short prayer recited slowly and with devotion, than a long prayer recited hurriedly and without devotion.
- Sefer Hasidim
***
I will give you the Word all the scriptures
Glorify, all spiritual disciplines
Express, to attain which aspirants lead
A life of sense-restraint and self-naughting.
It is OM. This symbol of the Godhead
Is the highest. Realizing it one finds
Complete fulfillment of all one's longings.
It is of the greatest support to all seekers.
Those in whose hearts OM reverberates
Unceasingly are indeed blessed
And deeply loved as one who is the Self.
-Katha Upanishad
Excerpted from The Upanishads
***
If happiness hasn't been recognized when alone, a group of people will be a cause of distraction.
-Adept Godrakpa, "Hermit of Go Cliffs"
***
Hasten with your charity, because disaster does not trample it.
-The Prophet Muhammad, as reported by 'Ali bin Abi Talib
Hadith translated by Aneela Khalid Arshed.
-
Guest
"Know thyself" means: devote time each day to studying yourself....ferreting out your weakness, working at self-improvement, purifying your immortal soul.
- Rabbi Yisrael Lipkin, quoted in J. Meisl, "Haskalah"
***
I'm the one who has the body,
you're the one who holds the breath.
You know the secret of my body,
I know the secret of your breath.
That's why your body
is in mine.
You know
and I know, Ramanatha,
the miracle
of your breath
in my body.
-Devara Dasimayya
From "Teachings of the Hindu Mystics," © 2001
***
Live not a low life; remember and forget not; follow not wrong ideas; sink not into the world.
-The Buddha
From "Sayings of the Buddha
***
Salvation is joy in God which expresses itself in joy in and with one’s neighbor.
-Walter Kasper
***
- Rabbi Yisrael Lipkin, quoted in J. Meisl, "Haskalah"
***
I'm the one who has the body,
you're the one who holds the breath.
You know the secret of my body,
I know the secret of your breath.
That's why your body
is in mine.
You know
and I know, Ramanatha,
the miracle
of your breath
in my body.
-Devara Dasimayya
From "Teachings of the Hindu Mystics," © 2001
***
Live not a low life; remember and forget not; follow not wrong ideas; sink not into the world.
-The Buddha
From "Sayings of the Buddha
***
Salvation is joy in God which expresses itself in joy in and with one’s neighbor.
-Walter Kasper
***
-
Guest
While Judaism in its entirety is for the Jew, its creed and its ethics are for mankind.
- Morris Joseph, "Judaism as Creed and Life"
***
The ignorant work for their own profit, Arjuna; the wise work for the welfare of the world, without thought for themselves. By abstaining from work you will confuse the ignorant, who are engrossed in their actions. Perform all work carefully, guided by compassion.
-Bhagavad Gita 3:25-26
***
Just as a cow with a young calf keeps an eye on it even when it is eating the grass, so it's proper for a person to keep an eye on all that can be done for others who are following the path.
-Majjhima Nikaya
***
The root choice is to trust at all times that God is with you and will give you what you most need.
-Henri Nouwen
***
Of the good that they do, nothing will be rejected of them; for Allah knoweth well those that do right.
-Qur'an, Al-Imran, Surah 3:115
***
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.
-Anais Nin
- Morris Joseph, "Judaism as Creed and Life"
***
The ignorant work for their own profit, Arjuna; the wise work for the welfare of the world, without thought for themselves. By abstaining from work you will confuse the ignorant, who are engrossed in their actions. Perform all work carefully, guided by compassion.
-Bhagavad Gita 3:25-26
***
Just as a cow with a young calf keeps an eye on it even when it is eating the grass, so it's proper for a person to keep an eye on all that can be done for others who are following the path.
-Majjhima Nikaya
***
The root choice is to trust at all times that God is with you and will give you what you most need.
-Henri Nouwen
***
Of the good that they do, nothing will be rejected of them; for Allah knoweth well those that do right.
-Qur'an, Al-Imran, Surah 3:115
***
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.
-Anais Nin
What’s constant?
Everything changes and one thing is constant that everything changes.
-
Guest
Great indeed is the power acquired through austerity to endure hunger.
But greater still is the power of those who relieve the hunger of others.
-Tirukkural 23:225
Excerpted from the Tirukkural, translated by Satguru Sivaya
***
Better
than if there were thousands
of meaningless verses is
one
meaningful
verse
that on hearing
brings peace.
And better than chanting hundreds
of meaningless verses is
one Dhamma-saying
that on hearing
brings peace.
-Dhammapada, 8, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
***
No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it upon an old garment; if he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old.
-Luke 5:36 (Revised Standard Version)
***
In the sight of Love, fear isn't even as great as a single hair:
in the law of Love, everything is offered as a sacrifice.
-Mathnawi [V, 2184]
From "Jewels of Remembrance," by Rumi,
***
A handful of patience is worth more than a bushel of brains.
-Dutch proverb
But greater still is the power of those who relieve the hunger of others.
-Tirukkural 23:225
Excerpted from the Tirukkural, translated by Satguru Sivaya
***
Better
than if there were thousands
of meaningless verses is
one
meaningful
verse
that on hearing
brings peace.
And better than chanting hundreds
of meaningless verses is
one Dhamma-saying
that on hearing
brings peace.
-Dhammapada, 8, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
***
No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it upon an old garment; if he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old.
-Luke 5:36 (Revised Standard Version)
***
In the sight of Love, fear isn't even as great as a single hair:
in the law of Love, everything is offered as a sacrifice.
-Mathnawi [V, 2184]
From "Jewels of Remembrance," by Rumi,
***
A handful of patience is worth more than a bushel of brains.
-Dutch proverb
-
Guest
We should study; Judaism has always insisted that knowledge has the power not only to make people smart but to make them good...
- Rabbi Harold Kushner
***
Even when he is still,
The selfish man is busy.
Even when he is busy,
The selfless man is still.
-Ashtavakra Gita 18:29
***
From passion arises sorrow and from passion arises fear. If a man is free from passion, he is free from fear and sorrow.
-The Buddha
From "Sayings of the Buddha:
- Rabbi Harold Kushner
***
Even when he is still,
The selfish man is busy.
Even when he is busy,
The selfless man is still.
-Ashtavakra Gita 18:29
***
From passion arises sorrow and from passion arises fear. If a man is free from passion, he is free from fear and sorrow.
-The Buddha
From "Sayings of the Buddha:
After a year Kabandhi asked the sage:
"Master, who created the universe?"
The sage replied:
"The Lord meditated and brought forth prana
With rayi, the giver of name and form:
Male and female, so that they would bring forth
Innumerable creatures for him.
"Prana is the sun; rayi is the moon.
Matter is solid, matter is subtle;
Rayi therefore is present everywhere.
"The sun gives light and life to all who live,
East and west, north and south, above, below;
It is the prana of the universe."
-Prashna Upanishad
Excerpted from The Upanishads,
***
Snuggle in God's arms. When you are hurting, when you feel lonely, left out...let him cradle you, comfort you, reassure you of His all-sufficient power and love.
-Kay Arthur
***
Men are afraid to forget their minds, fearing to fall through the Void with nothing to stay their fall. They do not know that the Void is not really void, but the realm of the real Dharma.
-Huang Po, "Zen Teaching of Huang Po"
From "365 Buddha: Daily Meditations,"
***
And when they listen to the revelation received by the Messenger, thou wilt see their eyes overflowing with tears, for they recognise the truth: they pray: "Our Lord! we believe; write us down among the witnesses."
-Qur'an, Al-Ma'idah, Surah 5:83
***
The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.
-William James
"Master, who created the universe?"
The sage replied:
"The Lord meditated and brought forth prana
With rayi, the giver of name and form:
Male and female, so that they would bring forth
Innumerable creatures for him.
"Prana is the sun; rayi is the moon.
Matter is solid, matter is subtle;
Rayi therefore is present everywhere.
"The sun gives light and life to all who live,
East and west, north and south, above, below;
It is the prana of the universe."
-Prashna Upanishad
Excerpted from The Upanishads,
***
Snuggle in God's arms. When you are hurting, when you feel lonely, left out...let him cradle you, comfort you, reassure you of His all-sufficient power and love.
-Kay Arthur
***
Men are afraid to forget their minds, fearing to fall through the Void with nothing to stay their fall. They do not know that the Void is not really void, but the realm of the real Dharma.
-Huang Po, "Zen Teaching of Huang Po"
From "365 Buddha: Daily Meditations,"
***
And when they listen to the revelation received by the Messenger, thou wilt see their eyes overflowing with tears, for they recognise the truth: they pray: "Our Lord! we believe; write us down among the witnesses."
-Qur'an, Al-Ma'idah, Surah 5:83
***
The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.
-William James
-
Guest
-
Guest
The height of the intellect is distinguishing between the real and the impossible, and submission to what is beyond one's power.
- Ibn Gabirol, "Mibhar Hal'eninim"
***
I am ever present to those who have realized me in every creature. Seeing all life as my manifestation, they are never separated from me. They worship me in the hearts of all, and all their actions proceed from me. Wherever they may live, they abide in me.
-Bhagavad Gita 6:30-31
***
Learn to know Christ and him crucified. Learn to sing to him, and say, "Lord Jesus, you are my righteousness, I am your sin. You have taken upon yourself what is mine and given me what is yours. You have become what you were not so that I might become what I was not."
-Martin Luther
***
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"
Copyright Wisdom Publications 2001
***
- Ibn Gabirol, "Mibhar Hal'eninim"
***
I am ever present to those who have realized me in every creature. Seeing all life as my manifestation, they are never separated from me. They worship me in the hearts of all, and all their actions proceed from me. Wherever they may live, they abide in me.
-Bhagavad Gita 6:30-31
***
Learn to know Christ and him crucified. Learn to sing to him, and say, "Lord Jesus, you are my righteousness, I am your sin. You have taken upon yourself what is mine and given me what is yours. You have become what you were not so that I might become what I was not."
-Martin Luther
***
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"
Copyright Wisdom Publications 2001
***
-
Guest
By honest conduct one achieves honorable eminence,
While corrupt conduct brings one nothing but blame.
Good conduct is the seed in virtue's field;
Wicked conduct's harvest is never-ending sorrow.
-Tirukkural 14:137-138
Excerpted from the Tirukkural, translated
***
Dhu'l-Nun was asked: "What causes a devotee to be worthy of entrance to paradise?" He said: "One merits entrance to paradise by five things: unwavering constancy, unflagging effort, meditation on God in solitude and society, anticipating death by preparing provision for the hereafter, and bringing oneself to account before one is brought to judgment."
-'Attar, "Tadhkirat"
From "The Wisdom of Sufism,"
***
Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought.
-Albert von Szent-Gyorgyi
While corrupt conduct brings one nothing but blame.
Good conduct is the seed in virtue's field;
Wicked conduct's harvest is never-ending sorrow.
-Tirukkural 14:137-138
Excerpted from the Tirukkural, translated
***
Dhu'l-Nun was asked: "What causes a devotee to be worthy of entrance to paradise?" He said: "One merits entrance to paradise by five things: unwavering constancy, unflagging effort, meditation on God in solitude and society, anticipating death by preparing provision for the hereafter, and bringing oneself to account before one is brought to judgment."
-'Attar, "Tadhkirat"
From "The Wisdom of Sufism,"
***
Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought.
-Albert von Szent-Gyorgyi
-
Guest
Keep God’s word in this way. Let it enter into your very being, let it take possession of your desires and your whole way of life. Feed on goodness, and your soul will delight in its richness.
-St. Bernard of Clarivaux
***
Take to compassion and abstain from oppression and obscenity. Compassion is grace and the lack of it a disgrace.
-The Prophet Muhammad, as reported by A'ishah bint Abi Bakr
***
All problems become smaller if you don’t dodge them, but confront them. Touch a thistle timidly, and it pricks you; grasp it boldly, and its spines crumble.
-William S. Halsey
***
The Self is realized in a higher state
Of consciousness when you have broken through
The wrong identification that you are
The body, subject to birth and death.
To be the Self is to go beyond death.
Realize the Self, the shining goal of life!
If you do not, there is only darkness.
See the Self in all, and go beyond death.
-Kena Upanishad
Excerpted from The Upanishads
***
Cut through five,
let go of five,
& develop five about all.
A monk gone past five attachments
is said to have crossed the flood.
Practice jhana, monk,
and don't be heedless.
Don't take your mind roaming
in sensual strands.
Don't swallow--heedless--
the ball of iron aflame.
Don't burn & complain: 'This is pain.'
-Dhammpada, 25, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
***
You can be committed to church but not committed to Christ, but you cannot be committed to Christ and not committed to church.
-Joel Osteen
***
Reality as it is becomes the right view of the meditator. Thinking of it as it is becomes the right thought. Awareness of it as it is becomes the right awareness. Concentration on it as it is becomes the right concentration. Actions of the body and speech are then aligned to reality as it is. In this way the meditator develops and is fulfilled.
-Majjhima Nikaya
From "Buddha Speaks,"
***
Nothing would remain stable in human society if we determined to believe only what can be held with absolute certainty.
-St. Augustine
***
Call on your Lord with humility and in private: for Allah loveth not those who trespass beyond bounds. Do no mischief on the earth, after it hath been set in order, but call on Him with fear and longing (in your hearts): for the Mercy of Allah is (always) near to those who do good.
-Qur'an, Al-A'raf, Surah 7:55-56
***
-St. Bernard of Clarivaux
***
Take to compassion and abstain from oppression and obscenity. Compassion is grace and the lack of it a disgrace.
-The Prophet Muhammad, as reported by A'ishah bint Abi Bakr
***
All problems become smaller if you don’t dodge them, but confront them. Touch a thistle timidly, and it pricks you; grasp it boldly, and its spines crumble.
-William S. Halsey
***
The Self is realized in a higher state
Of consciousness when you have broken through
The wrong identification that you are
The body, subject to birth and death.
To be the Self is to go beyond death.
Realize the Self, the shining goal of life!
If you do not, there is only darkness.
See the Self in all, and go beyond death.
-Kena Upanishad
Excerpted from The Upanishads
***
Cut through five,
let go of five,
& develop five about all.
A monk gone past five attachments
is said to have crossed the flood.
Practice jhana, monk,
and don't be heedless.
Don't take your mind roaming
in sensual strands.
Don't swallow--heedless--
the ball of iron aflame.
Don't burn & complain: 'This is pain.'
-Dhammpada, 25, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
***
You can be committed to church but not committed to Christ, but you cannot be committed to Christ and not committed to church.
-Joel Osteen
***
Reality as it is becomes the right view of the meditator. Thinking of it as it is becomes the right thought. Awareness of it as it is becomes the right awareness. Concentration on it as it is becomes the right concentration. Actions of the body and speech are then aligned to reality as it is. In this way the meditator develops and is fulfilled.
-Majjhima Nikaya
From "Buddha Speaks,"
***
Nothing would remain stable in human society if we determined to believe only what can be held with absolute certainty.
-St. Augustine
***
Call on your Lord with humility and in private: for Allah loveth not those who trespass beyond bounds. Do no mischief on the earth, after it hath been set in order, but call on Him with fear and longing (in your hearts): for the Mercy of Allah is (always) near to those who do good.
-Qur'an, Al-A'raf, Surah 7:55-56
***
-
Guest
The world is a great book; he who never stirs from home, reads only a page.
-Saint Augustine
***
A free man thinks of death least of all things; and his wisdom is a meditation not of death but of life.
- Baruch Spinoza,
"Ethics"
***
Virochana, quite sure that the Self is the body, went back to the godless and began to teach them that the body alone is to be saved, the body alone is to be adored. He taught them that whoever lives for indulging the senses will find joy in this world and the next. Even today people are called godless when they lack faith, love, and charity, because that is the way of the godless. They dress even dead bodies in fine clothes and adorn them with ornaments so that they may enjoy their life in the next world.
-Chandogya Upanishad
***
Negligence produces a lot of dirt. As in a house, so in the mind, only a very little dirt collects in a day or two, but if it goes on for many years, it will grow into a vast heap of refuse.
-Commentary to Sutta Nipata
From "365 Buddha: Daily Meditations
***
Our wisdom will come not out of books but from living in the presence of God, and the earth will glow brighter than the sun, and there will be no sadness, no sighs will be heard. The whole world will be paradise.
-Fyodor Dostoevsky, "The Adolescent"
***
If ye would count up the favours of Allah, never would ye be able to number them: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
-Qur'an, An-Nahl, Surah 16:18
-Saint Augustine
***
A free man thinks of death least of all things; and his wisdom is a meditation not of death but of life.
- Baruch Spinoza,
"Ethics"
***
Virochana, quite sure that the Self is the body, went back to the godless and began to teach them that the body alone is to be saved, the body alone is to be adored. He taught them that whoever lives for indulging the senses will find joy in this world and the next. Even today people are called godless when they lack faith, love, and charity, because that is the way of the godless. They dress even dead bodies in fine clothes and adorn them with ornaments so that they may enjoy their life in the next world.
-Chandogya Upanishad
***
Negligence produces a lot of dirt. As in a house, so in the mind, only a very little dirt collects in a day or two, but if it goes on for many years, it will grow into a vast heap of refuse.
-Commentary to Sutta Nipata
From "365 Buddha: Daily Meditations
***
Our wisdom will come not out of books but from living in the presence of God, and the earth will glow brighter than the sun, and there will be no sadness, no sighs will be heard. The whole world will be paradise.
-Fyodor Dostoevsky, "The Adolescent"
***
If ye would count up the favours of Allah, never would ye be able to number them: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
-Qur'an, An-Nahl, Surah 16:18
-
Guest
Peaceful be heaven, peaceful the earth, peaceful the broad space between. Peaceful for us be the running waters, peaceful the plants and herbs! Peaceful to us be the signs of the future, peaceful what is done and undone, peaceful to us be what is and what will be. May all to us be gracious!
-Atharva Veda 19.9
From "Teachings of the Hindu Mystics
***
You seek knowledge from books, ridiculous!
You seek pleasure from sweets, ridiculous!
You are the sea of knowledge hidden in a dewdrop;
you are the universe hidden in a body three yards long.
-Mathnawi [V, 3578-3579]
From "The Heart of Awareness
***
-Atharva Veda 19.9
From "Teachings of the Hindu Mystics
***
You seek knowledge from books, ridiculous!
You seek pleasure from sweets, ridiculous!
You are the sea of knowledge hidden in a dewdrop;
you are the universe hidden in a body three yards long.
-Mathnawi [V, 3578-3579]
From "The Heart of Awareness
***
-
Guest
Desires must be purified and idealized, not exterminated.
- Rav Eliyahu of Vilna (The Vilma Gaon)
***
If we can reach the understanding of what we actually are, there is no better remedy for eliminating all suffering. This is the heart of all spiritual practices.
-Kalu Rinpoche, "Luminous Mind"
Copyright Wisdom Publications 2001.
***
Authentic Christianity should lead to maturity, personality, and reality. It should fashion whole men and women living lives of love and communion.
-Brennan Manning, "The Ragamuffin Gospel"
***
If you are dependable, honest, virtuous, and content in Allah’s will, no harm shall come your way.
-The Prophet Muhammad, as reported by Abd’Allah bin Amr
Hadith translated by Aneela Khalid Arshed.
***
In taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy; but in passing it over, he is superior.
-Sir Francis Bacon
- Rav Eliyahu of Vilna (The Vilma Gaon)
***
If we can reach the understanding of what we actually are, there is no better remedy for eliminating all suffering. This is the heart of all spiritual practices.
-Kalu Rinpoche, "Luminous Mind"
Copyright Wisdom Publications 2001.
***
Authentic Christianity should lead to maturity, personality, and reality. It should fashion whole men and women living lives of love and communion.
-Brennan Manning, "The Ragamuffin Gospel"
***
If you are dependable, honest, virtuous, and content in Allah’s will, no harm shall come your way.
-The Prophet Muhammad, as reported by Abd’Allah bin Amr
Hadith translated by Aneela Khalid Arshed.
***
In taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy; but in passing it over, he is superior.
-Sir Francis Bacon
-
Guest
Fortune and love befriend the bold.
-Ovid
***
Whoever lives a godly life may become, not alone his own redeemer, but also in some degree the redeemer of the world.
- Hyman Enelow, Selected Works, 1935
***
As a crystal reflects objects that are nearby,
So does the face reflect what is foremost in the heart.
What is more perceptive than the face? For whether the heart
Is angry or glad, it is the face that expresses it first.
-Tirukkural 71:706-707
Excerpted from the Tirukkural
***
The moment we are enlightened within, we go beyond the voidness of a world confronting us.
-The Buddha
From "Sayings of the Buddha: Reflections for Every Day
***
Father! - to God himself we cannot give a holier name.
-William Wordsworth
***
You will not be able to give anyone happiness by means of your wealth, so do it by means of a cheerful countenance and good humor.
-The Prophet Muhammad in Qushayri: al-Risalat al-Qushayriyya
From "The Wisdom of Sufism,"
***
-Ovid
***
Whoever lives a godly life may become, not alone his own redeemer, but also in some degree the redeemer of the world.
- Hyman Enelow, Selected Works, 1935
***
As a crystal reflects objects that are nearby,
So does the face reflect what is foremost in the heart.
What is more perceptive than the face? For whether the heart
Is angry or glad, it is the face that expresses it first.
-Tirukkural 71:706-707
Excerpted from the Tirukkural
***
The moment we are enlightened within, we go beyond the voidness of a world confronting us.
-The Buddha
From "Sayings of the Buddha: Reflections for Every Day
***
Father! - to God himself we cannot give a holier name.
-William Wordsworth
***
You will not be able to give anyone happiness by means of your wealth, so do it by means of a cheerful countenance and good humor.
-The Prophet Muhammad in Qushayri: al-Risalat al-Qushayriyya
From "The Wisdom of Sufism,"
***
-
Guest
Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them.
-Lady Bird Johnson
***
It is an honor for children and father to be with one another.
- Midrash, Exodus Rabbah 34.3
***
The moment a fool gives up concentration
And his other spiritual practices,
He falls prey to fancies and desires.
Even after hearing the truth,
The fool clings to his folly.
He tries hard to look calm and composed,
But inside he is full of cravings.
-Ashtavakra Gita 18:75-76
***
Living in forests far away from other people is not true seclusion. True seclusion is to be free from the power of likes and dislikes. It is also to be free from the mental attitude that one must be special because one is treading the path.
Those who remove themselves to far forests often feel superior to others. They think that because they are solitary they are being guided in a special way and that those who live an ordinary life can never have that experience. But that is conceit and is not help to others. The true recluse is one who is available to others, helping them with affectionate speech and personal example.
-Prajnaparamita
From "Buddha Speaks,"
***
Forever at the door
I gave my heart and soul. My fortune, too.
I’ve no flock anymore,
no other work in view.
My occupation: love. It’s all I do.
-John of the Cross
***
It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be a light (of beauty), and measured out stages for her; that ye might know the number of years and the count (of time). Nowise did Allah create this but in truth and righteousness. (Thus) doth He explain His Signs in detail, for those who understand.
-Qur'an, Yunus, Surah 10:5
-Lady Bird Johnson
***
It is an honor for children and father to be with one another.
- Midrash, Exodus Rabbah 34.3
***
The moment a fool gives up concentration
And his other spiritual practices,
He falls prey to fancies and desires.
Even after hearing the truth,
The fool clings to his folly.
He tries hard to look calm and composed,
But inside he is full of cravings.
-Ashtavakra Gita 18:75-76
***
Living in forests far away from other people is not true seclusion. True seclusion is to be free from the power of likes and dislikes. It is also to be free from the mental attitude that one must be special because one is treading the path.
Those who remove themselves to far forests often feel superior to others. They think that because they are solitary they are being guided in a special way and that those who live an ordinary life can never have that experience. But that is conceit and is not help to others. The true recluse is one who is available to others, helping them with affectionate speech and personal example.
-Prajnaparamita
From "Buddha Speaks,"
***
Forever at the door
I gave my heart and soul. My fortune, too.
I’ve no flock anymore,
no other work in view.
My occupation: love. It’s all I do.
-John of the Cross
***
It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be a light (of beauty), and measured out stages for her; that ye might know the number of years and the count (of time). Nowise did Allah create this but in truth and righteousness. (Thus) doth He explain His Signs in detail, for those who understand.
-Qur'an, Yunus, Surah 10:5
-
Guest
“The formless Absolute is my Father, and God with form is my Mother.” God reveals Himself in the form which His devotee loves most. His love for the devotee knows no bounds.
-Ramakrishna
From "Teachings of the Hindu Mystics
***
A monk with his mind at peace,
going into an empty dwelling,
clearly seeing the Dhamma aright:
his delight is more
than human.
-Dhammapada, 373, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
***
The most secure place to hide a treasure of gold
is in some desolate, unoticed place.
Why would anyone hid treasure
in plain sight?
And so it is said,
"Joy is hidden beneath sorrow."
-Mathnawi [III, 1133-1134]
From "Jewels of Remembrance
-Ramakrishna
From "Teachings of the Hindu Mystics
***
A monk with his mind at peace,
going into an empty dwelling,
clearly seeing the Dhamma aright:
his delight is more
than human.
-Dhammapada, 373, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
***
The most secure place to hide a treasure of gold
is in some desolate, unoticed place.
Why would anyone hid treasure
in plain sight?
And so it is said,
"Joy is hidden beneath sorrow."
-Mathnawi [III, 1133-1134]
From "Jewels of Remembrance
-
Guest
Q: I can observe anger and work with greed, but how does one observe delusion?
A: You're riding a horse and asking "Where's the horse?" Pay attention.
-Ajahn Chah
From "365 Buddha: Daily Meditations
***
Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime;
therefore we must be saved by hope.
-Reinbhold Niebuhr
***
Lord! I depend upon You alone;
in You I place my faith.
I seek refuge in You,
for there is no God but You.
Only You, my Lord, are the Infinite;
all else shall pass away.
-The Prophet Muhammad, as reported by Ahd'Allah ibn Abbas
A: You're riding a horse and asking "Where's the horse?" Pay attention.
-Ajahn Chah
From "365 Buddha: Daily Meditations
***
Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime;
therefore we must be saved by hope.
-Reinbhold Niebuhr
***
Lord! I depend upon You alone;
in You I place my faith.
I seek refuge in You,
for there is no God but You.
Only You, my Lord, are the Infinite;
all else shall pass away.
-The Prophet Muhammad, as reported by Ahd'Allah ibn Abbas
-
Guest
False ideals cannot be shattered by criticism. Right ideals must take up the battle against them.
- Franz Werfel, "Between Heaven and Earth"
***
I will tell you briefly of the eternal state all scriptures affirm, which can be entered only by those who are self-controlled and free from selfish passions. Those whose lives are dedicated to Brahman attain this supreme goal.
-Bhagavad Gita 8:11
***
Make the habit to remember God, not only during your prayers, but at every hour and minute of the day, for He is everywhere present.
-St. Theophan the Recluse, "What Is the Spiritual Life"
***
What is "not thus"? It is your self. What is "thus"? It is the Buddhas.
-Dogen, "Rational Zen"
From "365 Buddha: Daily Meditations
***
It is He who sends down rain from the sky: from it ye drink, and out of it (grows) the vegetation on which ye feed your cattle.
With it He produces for you corn, olives, date-palms, grapes and every kind of fruit: verily in this is a sign for those who give thought.
-Qur'an, The Bee, Surah 16:10-11
- Franz Werfel, "Between Heaven and Earth"
***
I will tell you briefly of the eternal state all scriptures affirm, which can be entered only by those who are self-controlled and free from selfish passions. Those whose lives are dedicated to Brahman attain this supreme goal.
-Bhagavad Gita 8:11
***
Make the habit to remember God, not only during your prayers, but at every hour and minute of the day, for He is everywhere present.
-St. Theophan the Recluse, "What Is the Spiritual Life"
***
What is "not thus"? It is your self. What is "thus"? It is the Buddhas.
-Dogen, "Rational Zen"
From "365 Buddha: Daily Meditations
***
It is He who sends down rain from the sky: from it ye drink, and out of it (grows) the vegetation on which ye feed your cattle.
With it He produces for you corn, olives, date-palms, grapes and every kind of fruit: verily in this is a sign for those who give thought.
-Qur'an, The Bee, Surah 16:10-11