Faith wouldn't be faith without having to trust what is unseen...God wants us to put one foot in front of the other and just step out on faith.
-Rebecca St. James
***
The young man knows the rules, but the old man knows the exceptions.
-Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
***
Very high, very grand, and very wise is the ocean of God, the Water of Life. You went after the form and were lead astray. How can you see it? You abandoned the truth. Sometimes it is named "tree," sometimes "sun," sometimes "ocean," sometimes "cloud," one thing from which scores of discoveries arise, its slightest definition an everlasting life.
-Rumi, "Mathnawi"
***
I claim to be a simple individual liable to err like any other fellow mortal. I own, however, that I have humility enough to confess my errors and to retrace my steps.
-Mahatma Gandhi, 1926
***
It is the enemy who can truly teach us to practice the virtues of compassion and tolerance.
-The Dalai Lama
***
Quote
Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart. And try to love the questions themselves.
-Rainer Maria Rilke
***
When wealth is lost, nothing is lost;
When health is lost, something is lost;
When character is lost, all is lost!
-German Proverb
***
Behold the words of the Qur'an:
"We are closer to you than you are yourself."
Comprehend your relationship with God!
He is closer to us than our own selves.
Yet through ignorance we search for Him
Wandering from door to door.
-Sufi poem
***
From his divine power comes forth all this
Magical show of name and form, of you
And me, which casts the spell of pain and pleasure.
Only when we pierce through this magic veil
Do we see the One who appears as many.
-Shvetashvatara Upanishad
***
Contrary to what some people might believe, there is nothing wrong with having pleasures and enjoyments. What is wrong is the confused way we grasp onto these pleasures, turning them from a source of happiness into a source of pain and dissatisfaction.
-Lama Thubten Yeshe, "Introduction to Tantra"
-Rainer Maria Rilke
***
When wealth is lost, nothing is lost;
When health is lost, something is lost;
When character is lost, all is lost!
-German Proverb
***
Behold the words of the Qur'an:
"We are closer to you than you are yourself."
Comprehend your relationship with God!
He is closer to us than our own selves.
Yet through ignorance we search for Him
Wandering from door to door.
-Sufi poem
***
From his divine power comes forth all this
Magical show of name and form, of you
And me, which casts the spell of pain and pleasure.
Only when we pierce through this magic veil
Do we see the One who appears as many.
-Shvetashvatara Upanishad
***
Contrary to what some people might believe, there is nothing wrong with having pleasures and enjoyments. What is wrong is the confused way we grasp onto these pleasures, turning them from a source of happiness into a source of pain and dissatisfaction.
-Lama Thubten Yeshe, "Introduction to Tantra"
I think that Christ was an activist. Christ wasn't afraid. His life is an example of activism.
-Susan Sarandon
***
Children of Adam! Distribute your surplus wealth in the name of Allah; it will earn you more merit. Do not hold it back. You must not be remembered for miserliness, so begin with those closest to you.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Abu Umamah
***
How much of your life do you spend looking forward to being somewhere else?
-Matthew Flickstein, "Journey to the Center"
***
If you detach yourself from identification with the body and remain relaxed in and as Consciousness, you will, this very moment, be happy, at peace, free from bondage.
-Ashtavakra Gita
***
-Susan Sarandon
***
Children of Adam! Distribute your surplus wealth in the name of Allah; it will earn you more merit. Do not hold it back. You must not be remembered for miserliness, so begin with those closest to you.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Abu Umamah
***
How much of your life do you spend looking forward to being somewhere else?
-Matthew Flickstein, "Journey to the Center"
***
If you detach yourself from identification with the body and remain relaxed in and as Consciousness, you will, this very moment, be happy, at peace, free from bondage.
-Ashtavakra Gita
***
Angels are "messengers from God," and they are in your life whether you follow a religion or not, and even if you don't believe in them.
-Margaret Neylon
***
A life of faith…enables us to see God in everything and it holds the mind in a state of readiness for whatever may be His will.
-Francois Fenelon
***
Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.
-Langston Hughes
***
"In that state, free from attachment, they move at will, laughing, playing, and rejoicing. They know the Self is not this body, but only tied to it for a time as an ox is tied to its cart."
-Chandogya Upanishad
***
I ask whether I should seek any god besides God--when he is the Lord of all things. All people will reap the harvest of their own deeds; no one will bear another’s burden. Ultimately, all of you will return to your Lord, and he will resolve your disputes.
-Qur'an, Al-An'am, Surah 6:163-164
***
Everywhere is the treasury of endless capacities of followers of the way. Everywhere is not everywhere; it is called everywhere.
-Hui-k'ung
-Margaret Neylon
***
A life of faith…enables us to see God in everything and it holds the mind in a state of readiness for whatever may be His will.
-Francois Fenelon
***
Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.
-Langston Hughes
***
"In that state, free from attachment, they move at will, laughing, playing, and rejoicing. They know the Self is not this body, but only tied to it for a time as an ox is tied to its cart."
-Chandogya Upanishad
***
I ask whether I should seek any god besides God--when he is the Lord of all things. All people will reap the harvest of their own deeds; no one will bear another’s burden. Ultimately, all of you will return to your Lord, and he will resolve your disputes.
-Qur'an, Al-An'am, Surah 6:163-164
***
Everywhere is the treasury of endless capacities of followers of the way. Everywhere is not everywhere; it is called everywhere.
-Hui-k'ung
Feed on Christ, and then go and live your life, and it is Christ in you that lives your life, that helps the poor, that tells the truth, that fights the battle, and that wins the crown.
-Philips Brooks
***
God helps those who persevere.
-The Qur'an
***
Do not strut proudly on account of your good deeds. Do not let pride waylay you. When you deem yourself holier than others, know that you have fallen into grave error because in your pride you believed yourself equal to God.
-Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jillani, "Futhul Ghaib"
***
Brahman is indivisible and pure;
Realize Brahman and go beyond all change.
He is immanent and transcendant.
Realizing him, sages attain freedom
And declare there are no separate minds.
They have but realized what they always are.
-Amritabindu Upanishad
***
How could it be permissible to form a cult, gather followers and cronies, dash off writings, and toil in pursuit of objects for love of honor and advantage?
-Tung-shan
-Philips Brooks
***
God helps those who persevere.
-The Qur'an
***
Do not strut proudly on account of your good deeds. Do not let pride waylay you. When you deem yourself holier than others, know that you have fallen into grave error because in your pride you believed yourself equal to God.
-Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jillani, "Futhul Ghaib"
***
Brahman is indivisible and pure;
Realize Brahman and go beyond all change.
He is immanent and transcendant.
Realizing him, sages attain freedom
And declare there are no separate minds.
They have but realized what they always are.
-Amritabindu Upanishad
***
How could it be permissible to form a cult, gather followers and cronies, dash off writings, and toil in pursuit of objects for love of honor and advantage?
-Tung-shan
I've gotten to the point where it's more humbling than anything to allow God to use you, to [use] whatever gifts he has blessed me with…
-Blair Underwood
***
Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. And lo, no one was there.
-Anonymous
***
I was given the choice between wisdom and prophecy. I chose wisdom because I could not stand the burden.
-Luqman, “Islamic Sufism”
***
His divine power creates this magic show of name and form and you and me; casting a spell of pleasure and pain.
-Shvetashvatara Upanishad
***
It is said that there are only two tragedies in life: not getting what one wants, and getting it.
-Bhanta Henepola Gunaratana, "Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness"
-Blair Underwood
***
Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. And lo, no one was there.
-Anonymous
***
I was given the choice between wisdom and prophecy. I chose wisdom because I could not stand the burden.
-Luqman, “Islamic Sufism”
***
His divine power creates this magic show of name and form and you and me; casting a spell of pleasure and pain.
-Shvetashvatara Upanishad
***
It is said that there are only two tragedies in life: not getting what one wants, and getting it.
-Bhanta Henepola Gunaratana, "Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness"
He who seeks the Father more than anything He can give, is likely to have what he asks, for he is not likely to ask amiss.
-George MacDonald
****
When the solution is simple, God is answering.
-Albert Einstein
***
Behold, Arjuna, a million divine forms, with an infinite variety of color and shape. Behold the gods of the natural world, and many more wonders never revealed before. Behold the entire cosmos turning within my body, and the other things you desire to see.
But these things cannot be seen with your physical eyes; therefore I give you spiritual vision to perceive my majestic power.
-Bhagavad Gita 11:5-8
***
As for those who have faith and do good works, God will welcome them to a garden watered by running streams. God's will is always done.
-Qur'an, Al-Hajj, Surah 22:14
***
Sakka asked: "What is the cause of self-interest?"
The Buddha answered: "It is perception of the world as one's object."
"How does one overcome this perception of the world as apart from oneself?"
"By acting for the increase of goodness and happiness. It is in this way that the world ceases to be one's object."
-Digha Nikaya
From "Buddha
***
-George MacDonald
****
When the solution is simple, God is answering.
-Albert Einstein
***
Behold, Arjuna, a million divine forms, with an infinite variety of color and shape. Behold the gods of the natural world, and many more wonders never revealed before. Behold the entire cosmos turning within my body, and the other things you desire to see.
But these things cannot be seen with your physical eyes; therefore I give you spiritual vision to perceive my majestic power.
-Bhagavad Gita 11:5-8
***
As for those who have faith and do good works, God will welcome them to a garden watered by running streams. God's will is always done.
-Qur'an, Al-Hajj, Surah 22:14
***
Sakka asked: "What is the cause of self-interest?"
The Buddha answered: "It is perception of the world as one's object."
"How does one overcome this perception of the world as apart from oneself?"
"By acting for the increase of goodness and happiness. It is in this way that the world ceases to be one's object."
-Digha Nikaya
From "Buddha
***
Angels are reassurance that the supernatural and the realm of God are real. They are a reaffirmation of the traditional vision of a Christian world when that vision is under attack.
-Fr. Richard Woods
***
Fasting helps express, deepen, confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, even ourselves to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God.
-Andrew Murray
***
A ruffled mind makes a restless pillow.
-Charlotte Bronte
***
If patience is worth anything, it must endure to the end of time. And a living faith will last in the midst of the blackest storm.
-Mahatma Gandhi, 1926
***
Little by little God takes beauty away. Little by little life's luster decays. Listen to the passage, "To whom We grant a long life, those We cause to decline." Seek the essence and not the structure. The beauty of heart shall forever abide, for it is enriched with the water of life.
-Rumi, "Mathnawi"
***
If we unbalance Nature, human kind will suffer. Furthermore, we must consider future generations: a clean environment is a human right like any other. It is therefore part of our responsibility towards others to ensure that the world we pass on is as healthy as, if not healthier than we found it.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
-Fr. Richard Woods
***
Fasting helps express, deepen, confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, even ourselves to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God.
-Andrew Murray
***
A ruffled mind makes a restless pillow.
-Charlotte Bronte
***
If patience is worth anything, it must endure to the end of time. And a living faith will last in the midst of the blackest storm.
-Mahatma Gandhi, 1926
***
Little by little God takes beauty away. Little by little life's luster decays. Listen to the passage, "To whom We grant a long life, those We cause to decline." Seek the essence and not the structure. The beauty of heart shall forever abide, for it is enriched with the water of life.
-Rumi, "Mathnawi"
***
If we unbalance Nature, human kind will suffer. Furthermore, we must consider future generations: a clean environment is a human right like any other. It is therefore part of our responsibility towards others to ensure that the world we pass on is as healthy as, if not healthier than we found it.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
[T]he works of God is everything that we can understand about the natural world.
-Krista Tippett
***
People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.
-Daily Bread (submitted by Joanne6030)
***
Believers, remain mindful of Allah and always tell the truth. He will bless you with forthrightness and absolve you of your sins. Those who adhere to Allah and His messenger shall indeed have achieved a signal victory.
-Qur'an, Al-Ahzab, Surah 33:70-71
***
If you don't understand the Way as it meets your eyes, how can you know the Path as you walk?
-Shih-t'ou
***
In dark night live those for whom
The world without alone is real; in night
Darker still, for whom the world within
Alone is real. The first leads to a life
Of action, the second to a life of meditation.
But those who combine action with meditation
Cross the sea of death through action
And enter into immortality
Through the practice of meditation.
So have we heard from the wise.
-Isha Upanishad
-Krista Tippett
***
People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.
-Daily Bread (submitted by Joanne6030)
***
Believers, remain mindful of Allah and always tell the truth. He will bless you with forthrightness and absolve you of your sins. Those who adhere to Allah and His messenger shall indeed have achieved a signal victory.
-Qur'an, Al-Ahzab, Surah 33:70-71
***
If you don't understand the Way as it meets your eyes, how can you know the Path as you walk?
-Shih-t'ou
***
In dark night live those for whom
The world without alone is real; in night
Darker still, for whom the world within
Alone is real. The first leads to a life
Of action, the second to a life of meditation.
But those who combine action with meditation
Cross the sea of death through action
And enter into immortality
Through the practice of meditation.
So have we heard from the wise.
-Isha Upanishad
If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.
-Anne Bradstreet
***
Beware the barrenness of a busy life.
-Socrates
***
Having renounced every selfish desire,
He has found his rest in the Lord of Love.
Wisdom is the staff that supports him now.
Those who take a mendicant's staff while they
Are still at the mercy of their senses
Cannot escape enormous suffering.
The illuminated man knows this truth of life.
-Paramahamsa Upanishad
***
Blessed are those who honour God in all they do, who believe in the revelations of their Lord, and who worship only their Lord. Blessed are those who, when they give to the poor, do so with hearts filled with awe, knowing that they will soon return to their Lord. Blessed are those who vie with one another for God's blessings; they will be foremost in receiving them.
-Qur'an, Al-Mu'minun, Surah 23:57-61
***
In the beginning mindfulness takes away worries and fears about past and future and keeps us anchored in the present. In the end it points to the right view of the self.
-Ayya Khema, "Be an Island"
***
-Anne Bradstreet
***
Beware the barrenness of a busy life.
-Socrates
***
Having renounced every selfish desire,
He has found his rest in the Lord of Love.
Wisdom is the staff that supports him now.
Those who take a mendicant's staff while they
Are still at the mercy of their senses
Cannot escape enormous suffering.
The illuminated man knows this truth of life.
-Paramahamsa Upanishad
***
Blessed are those who honour God in all they do, who believe in the revelations of their Lord, and who worship only their Lord. Blessed are those who, when they give to the poor, do so with hearts filled with awe, knowing that they will soon return to their Lord. Blessed are those who vie with one another for God's blessings; they will be foremost in receiving them.
-Qur'an, Al-Mu'minun, Surah 23:57-61
***
In the beginning mindfulness takes away worries and fears about past and future and keeps us anchored in the present. In the end it points to the right view of the self.
-Ayya Khema, "Be an Island"
***
It's never too late to start doing what is right.
-Charles Swindoll
***
Love wholeheartedly, be surprised, give thanks and praise--then you will discover the fullness of your life.
-Brother David Steindl-Rast
***
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
***
Real faith is having complete trust in God. "It is the belief in the wisdom which comes from the Unseen." Such certainty can only be attained through the knowledge that emerges with divine help.
-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
***
Before, this mind went wandering
however it pleased,
wherever it wanted,
by whatever way that it liked.
Today I will hold it aptly in check--
as one wielding a goad, an elephant in rut.
-Dhammapada, 23, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
-Charles Swindoll
***
Love wholeheartedly, be surprised, give thanks and praise--then you will discover the fullness of your life.
-Brother David Steindl-Rast
***
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
***
Real faith is having complete trust in God. "It is the belief in the wisdom which comes from the Unseen." Such certainty can only be attained through the knowledge that emerges with divine help.
-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
***
Before, this mind went wandering
however it pleased,
wherever it wanted,
by whatever way that it liked.
Today I will hold it aptly in check--
as one wielding a goad, an elephant in rut.
-Dhammapada, 23, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
I love the recklessness of faith. First you leap, and then you grow wings.
-William Sloane Coffin
***
The great man is he who does not lose his child's heart.
-Menicus
***
When reason reaches its peak and the souls of His lovers feel helpless and disabled, they grow restless and stretch their hands in supplication, seeking comfort for their burning souls. When every manner of search within their power has been consumed, the doorway to Him is opened.
-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
***
As long as one has a body, one cannot renounce action altogether. True renunciation is giving up all desire for personal reward. Those who are attached to personal reward will reap the consequences of their actions: some pleasant, some mixed. But those who renounce every desire for personal reward go beyond the reach of karma.
-Bhagavad Gita 18:11-12
***
Nothing is born, nothing is destroyed. Away with your dualism, your likes and dislikes. Every single thing is just the One Mind. When you have perceived this, you will have mounted the Chariot of the Buddhas.
-Huang Po, "Zen Teaching of Huang Po"
-William Sloane Coffin
***
The great man is he who does not lose his child's heart.
-Menicus
***
When reason reaches its peak and the souls of His lovers feel helpless and disabled, they grow restless and stretch their hands in supplication, seeking comfort for their burning souls. When every manner of search within their power has been consumed, the doorway to Him is opened.
-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
***
As long as one has a body, one cannot renounce action altogether. True renunciation is giving up all desire for personal reward. Those who are attached to personal reward will reap the consequences of their actions: some pleasant, some mixed. But those who renounce every desire for personal reward go beyond the reach of karma.
-Bhagavad Gita 18:11-12
***
Nothing is born, nothing is destroyed. Away with your dualism, your likes and dislikes. Every single thing is just the One Mind. When you have perceived this, you will have mounted the Chariot of the Buddhas.
-Huang Po, "Zen Teaching of Huang Po"
I truly believe my whole professional career has been a blessing from God.
-Mike Piazza
***
Some people succeed because they are destined to, but most people succeed because they are determined to.
-Anonymous
***
In the city of Brahman is a secret dwelling,
the lotus of the heart. Within this dwelling is a
space, and within that space is the fulfillment
of our desires. What is within that space
should be longed for and realized.
-Chandogya Upanishad
***
Do not strut on the earth filled with pride, for you cannot rend the earth asunder, nor can you reach the mountains in height.
-Qur'an, Al-Isra, Surah 17:37
***
Crookedness and truth (straightness) are in their nature opposite and cannot dwell together more than frost and fire; for one who has become religious, and practices the way of straight behavior, a false and crooked way of speech is not becoming.
-Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King
-Mike Piazza
***
Some people succeed because they are destined to, but most people succeed because they are determined to.
-Anonymous
***
In the city of Brahman is a secret dwelling,
the lotus of the heart. Within this dwelling is a
space, and within that space is the fulfillment
of our desires. What is within that space
should be longed for and realized.
-Chandogya Upanishad
***
Do not strut on the earth filled with pride, for you cannot rend the earth asunder, nor can you reach the mountains in height.
-Qur'an, Al-Isra, Surah 17:37
***
Crookedness and truth (straightness) are in their nature opposite and cannot dwell together more than frost and fire; for one who has become religious, and practices the way of straight behavior, a false and crooked way of speech is not becoming.
-Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King
We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.
-Winston Churchill
***
Though we may know Him by a thousand names, He is one and the same to us all.
-Mahatma Gandhi, 1926
***
During prayer I give myself over to the Lord
and delight myself in zealous worship.
The window of my soul opens wide
and the Book of God comes to view
To fill my house with grace and light.
-Rumi, "Mathnawi"
***
It is extremely important to investigate the causes or origins of suffering. One must begin that process by appreciating the impermanent, transient nature of our existence. All things, events and phenomena are dynamic, changing every moment, nothing remains static. Meditating on one’s blood circulation could serve to reinforce this idea: the blood is constantly flowing, it never stands still….
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
-Winston Churchill
***
Though we may know Him by a thousand names, He is one and the same to us all.
-Mahatma Gandhi, 1926
***
During prayer I give myself over to the Lord
and delight myself in zealous worship.
The window of my soul opens wide
and the Book of God comes to view
To fill my house with grace and light.
-Rumi, "Mathnawi"
***
It is extremely important to investigate the causes or origins of suffering. One must begin that process by appreciating the impermanent, transient nature of our existence. All things, events and phenomena are dynamic, changing every moment, nothing remains static. Meditating on one’s blood circulation could serve to reinforce this idea: the blood is constantly flowing, it never stands still….
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Love is a gift, not a reward for service!
-Jack Winter
***
Love is an act of faith, and whoever is of little faith is also of little love.
-Erich Fromm
***
In the ocean of being
There is only one.
There was and there will be
Only one.
You are already fulfilled.
How can you be bound or free?
Wherever you go,
Be happy.
-Ashtavakra Gita 15:18
***
Delight in heedfulness.
Watch over your own mind.
Lift yourself up
from the hard-going way,
like a tusker sunk in the mud.
-Dhammapada, 327, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
-Jack Winter
***
Love is an act of faith, and whoever is of little faith is also of little love.
-Erich Fromm
***
In the ocean of being
There is only one.
There was and there will be
Only one.
You are already fulfilled.
How can you be bound or free?
Wherever you go,
Be happy.
-Ashtavakra Gita 15:18
***
Delight in heedfulness.
Watch over your own mind.
Lift yourself up
from the hard-going way,
like a tusker sunk in the mud.
-Dhammapada, 327, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
***
The family fireside is the best of schools.
-Arnold Glasgow
***
Allah is compassionate and loves compassion in all things.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by A'ishah bint Abu Bakr
***
Standing or walking, sitting or lying down, during all these waking hours, let him establish mindfulness of good will, which men call the highest state!
-Buddha
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
***
The family fireside is the best of schools.
-Arnold Glasgow
***
Allah is compassionate and loves compassion in all things.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by A'ishah bint Abu Bakr
***
Standing or walking, sitting or lying down, during all these waking hours, let him establish mindfulness of good will, which men call the highest state!
-Buddha
God is love. Therefore love. Without distinction, without calculation, without procrastination, love.
-Henry Drummond
***
Man has never made any material as resilient as the human spirit.
-Bern Williams (submitted by Turtle76)
***
As the man and the woman in me
unite in love,
the brilliant beauty
balanced on the two-petalled lotus
within me
dazzles my eyes.
The rays
outshine the moon
and the jewels
glowing on the hoods of snakes.
My skin and bone
are turned to gold.
I am the reservoir of love
alive as the waves.
A single drop of water
has grown into a sea,
unnavigable.
-Lalan
***
God allows people to err as he chooses, and he leads people onto the right path as he chooses. God holds the key to the unseen treasures; no one knows these treasures except him. He knows every creature on land and in the sea. A leaf does not fall without God knowing it. There is no seed in the soil that God does not know. There is nothing green or dry of which God is not aware. Everything is recorded in his glorious book.
-Qur'an, Al-An'am, Surah 6:59
***
Don't cling to your own understanding. Even if you do understand something, you should ask yourself if there might be something you have not fully resolved, or if there may be some higher meaning yet.
-Dogen
***
-Henry Drummond
***
Man has never made any material as resilient as the human spirit.
-Bern Williams (submitted by Turtle76)
***
As the man and the woman in me
unite in love,
the brilliant beauty
balanced on the two-petalled lotus
within me
dazzles my eyes.
The rays
outshine the moon
and the jewels
glowing on the hoods of snakes.
My skin and bone
are turned to gold.
I am the reservoir of love
alive as the waves.
A single drop of water
has grown into a sea,
unnavigable.
-Lalan
***
God allows people to err as he chooses, and he leads people onto the right path as he chooses. God holds the key to the unseen treasures; no one knows these treasures except him. He knows every creature on land and in the sea. A leaf does not fall without God knowing it. There is no seed in the soil that God does not know. There is nothing green or dry of which God is not aware. Everything is recorded in his glorious book.
-Qur'an, Al-An'am, Surah 6:59
***
Don't cling to your own understanding. Even if you do understand something, you should ask yourself if there might be something you have not fully resolved, or if there may be some higher meaning yet.
-Dogen
***
I pray for knowledge and experience of divine love everywhere around me and within me...I try to see the divine love from which each person springs.
-Anne Lamott
****
Our strength is often composed of the weakness that we're damned if we are going to show.
-Mignon McLaughlin
***
Adversity and prosperity never cease to exist. The adornment
Of great men's minds is to remain unswervingly just under both.
-Tirukkural 12:115
***
Even before accomplishing enlightenment a person knows that everything attests to the existence of God. But these virtuous feelings of innocence disappear as he begins to mingle with corrupt society, because worldly affairs hinder him from swimming in the vast ocean of insight.
-Al-Ghazzali, "Ihya Ulum Id-Din"
***
A gift of Dhamma conquers all gifts;
the taste of Dhamma, all tastes;
a delight in Dhamma, all delights;
the ending of craving, all suffering
and stress.
-Dhammapada, 24, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
-Anne Lamott
****
Our strength is often composed of the weakness that we're damned if we are going to show.
-Mignon McLaughlin
***
Adversity and prosperity never cease to exist. The adornment
Of great men's minds is to remain unswervingly just under both.
-Tirukkural 12:115
***
Even before accomplishing enlightenment a person knows that everything attests to the existence of God. But these virtuous feelings of innocence disappear as he begins to mingle with corrupt society, because worldly affairs hinder him from swimming in the vast ocean of insight.
-Al-Ghazzali, "Ihya Ulum Id-Din"
***
A gift of Dhamma conquers all gifts;
the taste of Dhamma, all tastes;
a delight in Dhamma, all delights;
the ending of craving, all suffering
and stress.
-Dhammapada, 24, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
Be patient toward all that is unresolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves.
-Rainer Maria Rilke
***
Courage is fear holding on a minute longer.
***
In the treasure house of blessings there is also a store of afflictions. But most lack patience and begin to lament their misfortune before all and sundry, hoping to receive succor. Do they not know that none has the power to help or harm, be they friends or enemies? In their lack of faith such persons deem mortals equal to God. Do they forget that faith in the transient will only hamper their deliverance?
-Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jillani, "Fayuz E Yazdani"
***
Adversity and prosperity never cease to exist. The adornment
Of great men's minds is to remain unswervingly just under both.
-Tirukkural 12:115
***
Every single thing arises from the evil mind, sang the Sage. So there is nothing dangerous in the three worlds other than the mind.
-Santideva, "Bodhicaryavatara"
***
An angel collects all the prayers offered in the synagogues, weaves them into garlands, and puts them on God's head.
-Zohar of the Cabala
-Rainer Maria Rilke
***
Courage is fear holding on a minute longer.
***
In the treasure house of blessings there is also a store of afflictions. But most lack patience and begin to lament their misfortune before all and sundry, hoping to receive succor. Do they not know that none has the power to help or harm, be they friends or enemies? In their lack of faith such persons deem mortals equal to God. Do they forget that faith in the transient will only hamper their deliverance?
-Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jillani, "Fayuz E Yazdani"
***
Adversity and prosperity never cease to exist. The adornment
Of great men's minds is to remain unswervingly just under both.
-Tirukkural 12:115
***
Every single thing arises from the evil mind, sang the Sage. So there is nothing dangerous in the three worlds other than the mind.
-Santideva, "Bodhicaryavatara"
***
An angel collects all the prayers offered in the synagogues, weaves them into garlands, and puts them on God's head.
-Zohar of the Cabala
I understand that what I've been blessed to do is a part of God's plan. And as long as I please Him, then I'm pleased.
-Denzel Washington
***
Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.
-C.S. Lewis
***
O Krishna,
Charmer of hearts,
Lifter of mountains,
I hear your flute calling me—
Shall I come by the secret path
through the tall grass?
-Mirabai
***
I say that you may call on God by whatever name you please. You may call him God, or you may call him the Merciful. He has the best of names.
-Qu'ran, Al-Isra, Surah 17:110
***
If a man should conquer in battle a thousand and a thousand more, and another should conquer himself, his would be the greater victory, because the greatest of victories is the victory over oneself.
-Buddha
-Denzel Washington
***
Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.
-C.S. Lewis
***
O Krishna,
Charmer of hearts,
Lifter of mountains,
I hear your flute calling me—
Shall I come by the secret path
through the tall grass?
-Mirabai
***
I say that you may call on God by whatever name you please. You may call him God, or you may call him the Merciful. He has the best of names.
-Qu'ran, Al-Isra, Surah 17:110
***
If a man should conquer in battle a thousand and a thousand more, and another should conquer himself, his would be the greater victory, because the greatest of victories is the victory over oneself.
-Buddha
Angels do a lot of things, but they will not take away your free will or the lessons you are here on earth to learn.
-Barbara Mark and Trudy Griswold,
"The Angelspeake Storybook"
***
Prayer is reaching out after the unseen; fasting is letting go of all that is seen and temporal.
-Andrew Murray
***
O Love, O pure deep love,
be here, be now.
Be all; worlds dissolve
into your stainless endless radiance,
Frail living leaves burn with you
brighter than cold stars:
Make me your servant,
your breath, your core.
-Rumi
***
The body will be turned by the power of the spiritual consciousness into a true and fit and perfectly responsive instrument of the Spirit.
-Sri Aurobindo
***
Anger is the real destroyer of our good human qualities; an enemy with a weapon cannot destroy these qualities, but anger can. Anger is our real enemy.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
-Barbara Mark and Trudy Griswold,
"The Angelspeake Storybook"
***
Prayer is reaching out after the unseen; fasting is letting go of all that is seen and temporal.
-Andrew Murray
***
O Love, O pure deep love,
be here, be now.
Be all; worlds dissolve
into your stainless endless radiance,
Frail living leaves burn with you
brighter than cold stars:
Make me your servant,
your breath, your core.
-Rumi
***
The body will be turned by the power of the spiritual consciousness into a true and fit and perfectly responsive instrument of the Spirit.
-Sri Aurobindo
***
Anger is the real destroyer of our good human qualities; an enemy with a weapon cannot destroy these qualities, but anger can. Anger is our real enemy.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
When you focus on being a blessing, God makes sure that you are always blessed in abundance.
-Joel Osteen
***
A man does not have to be an angel in order to be a saint.
-Albert Schweitzer
***
I realized what was hidden within me
and conversed with You in secret.
Though we were united, we still were apart.
Though awe hid You from my searching eyes,
ecstasy brought You close
to my innermost being.
-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
***
No worldly delight is comparable to the delight that will fill your heart when you completely abandon all hopes and desires.
-Maharamayana
***
Hence, the purpose of the Holy Life does not consist in acquiring alms, honor, or fame, nor in gaining morality, concentration, or the eye of knowledge. That unshakable deliverance of the heart: that, indeed, is the object of Holy Life, that is its essence, that is its goal.
-Samyutta Nikaya, translated by Nyanatiloka
****
-Joel Osteen
***
A man does not have to be an angel in order to be a saint.
-Albert Schweitzer
***
I realized what was hidden within me
and conversed with You in secret.
Though we were united, we still were apart.
Though awe hid You from my searching eyes,
ecstasy brought You close
to my innermost being.
-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
***
No worldly delight is comparable to the delight that will fill your heart when you completely abandon all hopes and desires.
-Maharamayana
***
Hence, the purpose of the Holy Life does not consist in acquiring alms, honor, or fame, nor in gaining morality, concentration, or the eye of knowledge. That unshakable deliverance of the heart: that, indeed, is the object of Holy Life, that is its essence, that is its goal.
-Samyutta Nikaya, translated by Nyanatiloka
****
I find hope in the Word of God. I find hope in people who are around me who are hopeful. I find hope in the music that I listen to. I find hope in the church I attend. I find hope in my family.
-Thelma Wells
***
Love the moment, and the energy of that moment will spread beyond all boundaries.
-Corita Kent
***
As a man from Gandhara, blindfolded,
Led away and left in a lonely place,
Turns to the east and west and north and south
And shouts, 'I am left here and cannot see!'
Until one removes his blindfold and says,
'There lies Gandhara; follow that path,'
And thus informed, able to see for himself,
The man inquires from village to village
And reaches his homeland at last--just so,
My son, one who finds an illumined teacher
Attains to spiritual wisdom in the Self.
-Chandogya Upanishad
***
Some people asked Allah's Apostle, "Whose Islam is the best? i.e. (Who is a very good Muslim)?" He replied, "One who avoids harming the Muslims with his tongue and hands."
-Hadith narrated by Abu Musa, as related by Al-Bukhari
***
If the element of the truth seeker did not exist in everyone,
There would be no turning away from craving,
Nor could there be a longing for nirvana,
Nor a seeking for it, nor a resolve to find it.
-Visuddhi Magga
-Thelma Wells
***
Love the moment, and the energy of that moment will spread beyond all boundaries.
-Corita Kent
***
As a man from Gandhara, blindfolded,
Led away and left in a lonely place,
Turns to the east and west and north and south
And shouts, 'I am left here and cannot see!'
Until one removes his blindfold and says,
'There lies Gandhara; follow that path,'
And thus informed, able to see for himself,
The man inquires from village to village
And reaches his homeland at last--just so,
My son, one who finds an illumined teacher
Attains to spiritual wisdom in the Self.
-Chandogya Upanishad
***
Some people asked Allah's Apostle, "Whose Islam is the best? i.e. (Who is a very good Muslim)?" He replied, "One who avoids harming the Muslims with his tongue and hands."
-Hadith narrated by Abu Musa, as related by Al-Bukhari
***
If the element of the truth seeker did not exist in everyone,
There would be no turning away from craving,
Nor could there be a longing for nirvana,
Nor a seeking for it, nor a resolve to find it.
-Visuddhi Magga
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)
***
To me every hour of the day and night is an unspeakable perfect miracle.
-Walt Whitman
***
'You sometimes see the earth dry and barren. But as soon as we send down rain, the earth begins to swell and stir, putting forth radiant flowers of every kind.' This demonstrates that God is truth; he gives life to the dead, and has power over all things.
-Qur'an, Al-Hajj, Surah 22:5-6
***
No one can die. None can be degraded forever. Life is but a playground, however gross the play may be. However we may receive blows and however knocked about we may be, the Soul is there and is never injured. We are that Infinite.
-Vivekananda
***
If you misunderstand your mind, you are an ordinary mortal; if you understand your mind, you are a sage.
In this it makes no difference whether you are a male or female, old or young, smart or simple.
-Jakushitsu
-Juan De La Cruz (John of the Cross)
***
To me every hour of the day and night is an unspeakable perfect miracle.
-Walt Whitman
***
'You sometimes see the earth dry and barren. But as soon as we send down rain, the earth begins to swell and stir, putting forth radiant flowers of every kind.' This demonstrates that God is truth; he gives life to the dead, and has power over all things.
-Qur'an, Al-Hajj, Surah 22:5-6
***
No one can die. None can be degraded forever. Life is but a playground, however gross the play may be. However we may receive blows and however knocked about we may be, the Soul is there and is never injured. We are that Infinite.
-Vivekananda
***
If you misunderstand your mind, you are an ordinary mortal; if you understand your mind, you are a sage.
In this it makes no difference whether you are a male or female, old or young, smart or simple.
-Jakushitsu
We must learn to regard people less in light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer.
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
***
A friend hears the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails
-Pioneer Girls Leaders' Handbook
***
Lord, if I worship You from the fear of Hell, then let me burn in Hell. If I worship You for the hope of Paradise, then deny me admittance to it. But if I worship You out of reverence for You alone, then do not deny me the joy of Your Eternal Beauty.
-Rabi'a, "Rabi'a the Mystic"
***
But truly great souls seek my divine nature. They worship me with a one-pointed mind, having realized that I am the eternal source of all. Constantly striving, they make firm their resolve and worship me without wavering. Full of devotion, they sing my divine glory.
-Bhagavad Gita 9:13-14
***
From the time there appears in this world one who has seen the truth, a fully awakened one, blessed by the truth, abounding in happiness, a teacher of wisdom and goodness, a buddha. He, by himself, thoroughly knows and sees this universe, and knowing it, makes his knowledge known to others. The truth, lovely in its origin, lovely in its progress, lovely in its consummation, he proclaims. A new life he makes known, in all its fullness.
-Tevigga Sutta
***
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
***
A friend hears the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails
-Pioneer Girls Leaders' Handbook
***
Lord, if I worship You from the fear of Hell, then let me burn in Hell. If I worship You for the hope of Paradise, then deny me admittance to it. But if I worship You out of reverence for You alone, then do not deny me the joy of Your Eternal Beauty.
-Rabi'a, "Rabi'a the Mystic"
***
But truly great souls seek my divine nature. They worship me with a one-pointed mind, having realized that I am the eternal source of all. Constantly striving, they make firm their resolve and worship me without wavering. Full of devotion, they sing my divine glory.
-Bhagavad Gita 9:13-14
***
From the time there appears in this world one who has seen the truth, a fully awakened one, blessed by the truth, abounding in happiness, a teacher of wisdom and goodness, a buddha. He, by himself, thoroughly knows and sees this universe, and knowing it, makes his knowledge known to others. The truth, lovely in its origin, lovely in its progress, lovely in its consummation, he proclaims. A new life he makes known, in all its fullness.
-Tevigga Sutta
***
One dream role is Jesus. The other dream role is just the opposite, somebody very dark who is searching for the light within themselves. Because it's always about finding that light. And the light is goodness.
-Blair Underwood
***
Until you're ready to look foolish, you'll never have the possibility of being great.
-Cher
***
On the spiritual path no one has higher or lower status than anyone else.
-Nizam al-Din, “Fawa’id al-Fu’ad”
***
Charity's merit cannot be measured by gifts given.
It is measured by measuring the receiver's merits.
-Tirukkural 9:87
***
Blinded this world—
how few see clearly!
Just as birds who've escaped
from a net are
few, few
are the people
who make it to heaven.
-Dhammapada 13, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
-Blair Underwood
***
Until you're ready to look foolish, you'll never have the possibility of being great.
-Cher
***
On the spiritual path no one has higher or lower status than anyone else.
-Nizam al-Din, “Fawa’id al-Fu’ad”
***
Charity's merit cannot be measured by gifts given.
It is measured by measuring the receiver's merits.
-Tirukkural 9:87
***
Blinded this world—
how few see clearly!
Just as birds who've escaped
from a net are
few, few
are the people
who make it to heaven.
-Dhammapada 13, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others.
-The Wizard to the Tin Man (submitted by tranme)
***
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
***
Do not be upset at the good things you miss, and do not be overjoyed at the good things you receive. God does not love those who are arrogant and boastful; he does not love those who are stingy, and encourage others to be stingy also. Those who ignore these words, should remember that God alone is self-reliant, and God alone is worthy of praise.
-Qur'an, Al-Hadid, Surah 57:23-24
***
Enthusiasm is as good a thing in the Church as fire is in a cook stove.
-Billy Sunday
-The Wizard to the Tin Man (submitted by tranme)
***
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
***
Do not be upset at the good things you miss, and do not be overjoyed at the good things you receive. God does not love those who are arrogant and boastful; he does not love those who are stingy, and encourage others to be stingy also. Those who ignore these words, should remember that God alone is self-reliant, and God alone is worthy of praise.
-Qur'an, Al-Hadid, Surah 57:23-24
***
Enthusiasm is as good a thing in the Church as fire is in a cook stove.
-Billy Sunday
Always understand that the angels can only give us guidance to get on to the right road and do the right thing, They cannot make us do anything...It is always up to us, not our angels, to take the action!
-Margaret Neylon
****
Suggestions for Fasting and Feasting: Fast from discontent; feast on thankfulness. Fast from worry; feast on trust. Fast from anger; feast on patience.
-Anonymous
***
Humility, like darkness, reveals the heavenly lights.
-Henry David Thoreau
***
Whenever I see an erring man, I say to myself, I have also erred; when I see a lustful man I say to myself, so was I once; and in this way I feel kinship with everyone in the world and feel that I cannot be happy without the humblest of us being happy.
-Mahatma Gandhi, 1920
***
Stop talking!
What a shame you have no familiarity
with inner silence!
Polish your heart for a day or two:
make that mirror your book of contemplation.
-Mathnawi [VI, 1286-1287]
***
Even though the training in ethics takes many forms, the ethics of abandoning the ten non-virtues is their basis. Of the ten non-virtues, three pertain to bodily actions, four to verbal actions, and three to mental actions.
The three mental non-virtues are:
1. Covetousness: thinking, "May this become mine," desiring something that belongs to another.
2. Harmful intent: wishing to injure others, be it great or small injury.
3. Wrong view: viewing some existent thing, such as rebirth, cause and effect, or the Three Jewels*, as non-existent.
The opposite of these ten non-virtues are the ten virtues, and engaging in them is called the practice of ethics.
*The core of Buddhism: Buddha, his doctrine (Dharma), and the Spiritual Community.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
-Margaret Neylon
****
Suggestions for Fasting and Feasting: Fast from discontent; feast on thankfulness. Fast from worry; feast on trust. Fast from anger; feast on patience.
-Anonymous
***
Humility, like darkness, reveals the heavenly lights.
-Henry David Thoreau
***
Whenever I see an erring man, I say to myself, I have also erred; when I see a lustful man I say to myself, so was I once; and in this way I feel kinship with everyone in the world and feel that I cannot be happy without the humblest of us being happy.
-Mahatma Gandhi, 1920
***
Stop talking!
What a shame you have no familiarity
with inner silence!
Polish your heart for a day or two:
make that mirror your book of contemplation.
-Mathnawi [VI, 1286-1287]
***
Even though the training in ethics takes many forms, the ethics of abandoning the ten non-virtues is their basis. Of the ten non-virtues, three pertain to bodily actions, four to verbal actions, and three to mental actions.
The three mental non-virtues are:
1. Covetousness: thinking, "May this become mine," desiring something that belongs to another.
2. Harmful intent: wishing to injure others, be it great or small injury.
3. Wrong view: viewing some existent thing, such as rebirth, cause and effect, or the Three Jewels*, as non-existent.
The opposite of these ten non-virtues are the ten virtues, and engaging in them is called the practice of ethics.
*The core of Buddhism: Buddha, his doctrine (Dharma), and the Spiritual Community.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men.
-Mark 1:17
***
What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.
-Mother Teresa
***
The first who will be summoned to paradise are those who have praised God in every circumstance.
-Traditional Islamic Saying
***
He has no desires.
He has cast off his chains.
He walks on air.
He is free,
Tumbling like a leaf in the wind,
From life to life.
He has gone beyond the world,
Beyond joy and sorrow.
His mind is always cool.
He lives as if he had no body.
-Ashtavakra Gita 18:21-22
***
If you concentrate, enter trance, and sit in meditation, focusing on an objective, setting your mind on awareness and contemplation, practicing the way like a mechanical mannequin, when will you ever arrive at the goal?
-Pao-chih
-Mark 1:17
***
What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.
-Mother Teresa
***
The first who will be summoned to paradise are those who have praised God in every circumstance.
-Traditional Islamic Saying
***
He has no desires.
He has cast off his chains.
He walks on air.
He is free,
Tumbling like a leaf in the wind,
From life to life.
He has gone beyond the world,
Beyond joy and sorrow.
His mind is always cool.
He lives as if he had no body.
-Ashtavakra Gita 18:21-22
***
If you concentrate, enter trance, and sit in meditation, focusing on an objective, setting your mind on awareness and contemplation, practicing the way like a mechanical mannequin, when will you ever arrive at the goal?
-Pao-chih
God's best is the extras...that we get when we follow Jesus Christ. He has bonuses for us.
-Luis Palau
***
The heart, like the mind, has a memory. And in it are kept the most precious keepsakes.
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (submitted by onedisciple)
***
Ignorance is the failure to discriminate between the permanent and the impermanent, the pure and the impure, bliss and suffering, the Self and the non-Self.
-The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, 2:5
***
Conquer your foe by force, you increase his enmity; conquer by love, and you will reap no after-sorrow.
-Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King
***
-Luis Palau
***
The heart, like the mind, has a memory. And in it are kept the most precious keepsakes.
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (submitted by onedisciple)
***
Ignorance is the failure to discriminate between the permanent and the impermanent, the pure and the impure, bliss and suffering, the Self and the non-Self.
-The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, 2:5
***
Conquer your foe by force, you increase his enmity; conquer by love, and you will reap no after-sorrow.
-Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King
***