If God can bring blessing from the broken body of Jesus and glory from something that's as obscene as the cross, He can bring blessing from my problems and my pain and my unanswered prayer. I just have to trust Him.
-Anne Graham Lotz
***
Praise and blame, gain and loss, pleasure and sorrow come and go like the wind. To be happy, rest like a giant tree in the midst of them all.
-Buddha
***
Light illumines the Sun,
But the Sun itself
creates that light.
The glorious Sun and its light
are one and the same.
-Jnaneshwar (also known as Jnanadeva)
***
If misfortune befalls you, it is the consequence of your own actions. Yet God forgives much. On this earth you can not escape God; and there is no one apart from God who can protect or help you.
-Qur'an, Ash-Shura, Surah 42:30-31
***
Where is thought? It can never be seen or even apprehended. It is like a magical illusion, for with imagination it colors the world. Searching for thought, unable to see it, a person looks for its origin. And it seems to be that where there is an object thought arises. Thought does not arise without an object. Can thought look at thought? No. Just as the blade of a sword cannot cut itself, or a fingertip touch itself, so thought cannot see thought.
-Sikshasamuccaya
Quote
God takes us into deep waters, not to drown us but to cleanse us.
-Unknown
***
That they may have a little peace, even the best dogs are compelled to snarl occasionally.
-William Feather
***
I have worshipped woman as the living embodiment of the spirit of service and sacrifice.
-Mahatma Gandhi, 1933
***
When the craft of making armor was made known, iron became wax in your hands. The mountains became your accompanists; they change psalms along with you, like those who teach the recitation of the Qur’an with you.
-Rumi, “Mathnawi,” 3:2498-99
***
Brute force, no matter how strongly applied, can never subdue the basic human desire for freedom and dignity. It is not enough, as communist systems have assumed, merely to provide people with food, shelter and clothing. Human nature needs to breathe the precious air of liberty.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
-Unknown
***
That they may have a little peace, even the best dogs are compelled to snarl occasionally.
-William Feather
***
I have worshipped woman as the living embodiment of the spirit of service and sacrifice.
-Mahatma Gandhi, 1933
***
When the craft of making armor was made known, iron became wax in your hands. The mountains became your accompanists; they change psalms along with you, like those who teach the recitation of the Qur’an with you.
-Rumi, “Mathnawi,” 3:2498-99
***
Brute force, no matter how strongly applied, can never subdue the basic human desire for freedom and dignity. It is not enough, as communist systems have assumed, merely to provide people with food, shelter and clothing. Human nature needs to breathe the precious air of liberty.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. A joyful heart is the inevitable result of a heart burning with love.
-Mother Teresa
***
To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.
-Oscar Wilde
***
Speech is a great blessing conferred on man by God, thereby distinguishing him from all other creatures. But speech like wine intoxicates the mind. Thus the Prophet said: "He who keeps silent shall be saved." For in silence are concealed many spiritual blessings and in speech many evils.
-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
***
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
***
-Mother Teresa
***
To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.
-Oscar Wilde
***
Speech is a great blessing conferred on man by God, thereby distinguishing him from all other creatures. But speech like wine intoxicates the mind. Thus the Prophet said: "He who keeps silent shall be saved." For in silence are concealed many spiritual blessings and in speech many evils.
-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
***
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
***
Let us think of nothing but serving God: he will readily provide whatever else we need.
-St. Ignatius of Loyola
***
Angels fly because they take themselves lightly.
-Jean Cocteau
***
There are ninety-nine names that are attributed to Allah. Those who invoke them shall enter Paradise.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Abu Hurairah
***
Waste not food, waste not water, waste not fire;
Fire and water exist to serve the Self.
Those who realize the Self within the heart
Stand firm, grow rich, gather a family
Around them, and receive the love of all.
-Taittiriya Upanishad
***
It is good to control your words and thoughts. The seeker who is in control feels free and joyful. Listen to that seeker who guards his tongue and speaks wisely. Such a one is humble and does not exalt himself.
-Dhammapada
-St. Ignatius of Loyola
***
Angels fly because they take themselves lightly.
-Jean Cocteau
***
There are ninety-nine names that are attributed to Allah. Those who invoke them shall enter Paradise.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Abu Hurairah
***
Waste not food, waste not water, waste not fire;
Fire and water exist to serve the Self.
Those who realize the Self within the heart
Stand firm, grow rich, gather a family
Around them, and receive the love of all.
-Taittiriya Upanishad
***
It is good to control your words and thoughts. The seeker who is in control feels free and joyful. Listen to that seeker who guards his tongue and speaks wisely. Such a one is humble and does not exalt himself.
-Dhammapada
-
From_Alamut
- Posts: 666
- Joined: Tue Jan 22, 2008 8:22 am
Enlightenment is like the moon reflected on the water.
The moon does not get wet, nor is the water broken.
Although its light is wide and great,
The moon is reflected even in a puddle an inch wide.
The whole moon and the entire sky
Are reflected in one dewdrop on the grass.
Great Zen Buddha Saint Dogen
The moon does not get wet, nor is the water broken.
Although its light is wide and great,
The moon is reflected even in a puddle an inch wide.
The whole moon and the entire sky
Are reflected in one dewdrop on the grass.
Great Zen Buddha Saint Dogen
Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.
-John 20:22-23 (Revised Standard Version)
***
If you don't run your own life, someone else will.
-John Atkinson
***
To those steadfast in love and devotion I give spiritual wisdom, so that they may come to me. Out of compassion I destroy the darkness of their ignorance. From within them I light the lamp of wisdom and dispel all darkness from their lives.
-Bhagavad Gita 10:10-11
***
It was God who created you; yet some of you refuse to believe, while others have faith. He is aware of all your actions. He created the heavens and the earth to manifest the truth. He fashioned each one of you--and each one of you is beautiful. To God you will all return. He knows all that the heavens and the earth contain. He knows all that you hide and all that you reveal. He knows your deepest thoughts.
-Qur'an, At-Taghabun, Surah 64:2-4
***
Real peace will arise spontaneously
When your mind becomes free
Of attachments,
When you know that the objects of the world
Can never give you what you really want.
-Theragatha
-John 20:22-23 (Revised Standard Version)
***
If you don't run your own life, someone else will.
-John Atkinson
***
To those steadfast in love and devotion I give spiritual wisdom, so that they may come to me. Out of compassion I destroy the darkness of their ignorance. From within them I light the lamp of wisdom and dispel all darkness from their lives.
-Bhagavad Gita 10:10-11
***
It was God who created you; yet some of you refuse to believe, while others have faith. He is aware of all your actions. He created the heavens and the earth to manifest the truth. He fashioned each one of you--and each one of you is beautiful. To God you will all return. He knows all that the heavens and the earth contain. He knows all that you hide and all that you reveal. He knows your deepest thoughts.
-Qur'an, At-Taghabun, Surah 64:2-4
***
Real peace will arise spontaneously
When your mind becomes free
Of attachments,
When you know that the objects of the world
Can never give you what you really want.
-Theragatha
The life of faith does not earn eternal life: it is eternal life. And Christ is its vehicle.
-William Temple
***
When the student is ready, the teacher appears.
-Tao saying
***
Once a person said to a dervish, "All I ask for is a small dwelling in Paradise."
The dervish replied, "If you displayed the same contentment with what you already have in this world, you would have found ultimate bliss."
-Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jillani, "Fayuz E Yazdani"
***
If one clings to his attachments, refusing to let go,
Sorrows will not let go their grip on him.
Those who renounce totally reach the highest peak;
The rest remain ensnared in delusion's net.
-Tirukkural 35:347-348
***
-William Temple
***
When the student is ready, the teacher appears.
-Tao saying
***
Once a person said to a dervish, "All I ask for is a small dwelling in Paradise."
The dervish replied, "If you displayed the same contentment with what you already have in this world, you would have found ultimate bliss."
-Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jillani, "Fayuz E Yazdani"
***
If one clings to his attachments, refusing to let go,
Sorrows will not let go their grip on him.
Those who renounce totally reach the highest peak;
The rest remain ensnared in delusion's net.
-Tirukkural 35:347-348
***
Prayer is the most powerful means of overcoming any kind of discouragement. It connects you with an omnipotent, omniscient Father who loves you unconditionally, who sees where you are and is going to help you in it.
-Charles Stanley
***
If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change.
-Buddha
***
Meditate on the Self.
One without two,
Exalted awareness.
Give up the illusion
Of the separate self.
Give up the feeling,
Within or without,
That you are this or that.
-Ashtavakra Gita 1:13
***
Better than a thousand useless words is one word that gives peace.
-Buddha
-Charles Stanley
***
If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change.
-Buddha
***
Meditate on the Self.
One without two,
Exalted awareness.
Give up the illusion
Of the separate self.
Give up the feeling,
Within or without,
That you are this or that.
-Ashtavakra Gita 1:13
***
Better than a thousand useless words is one word that gives peace.
-Buddha
God does not always heal us instantly the way we think. He is not a jack-in-the-box God. But God is walking with me through this.
-Thelma Wells
***
Life consists not in holding good cards, but in playing those you hold well.
-Josh Billings
***
Men and women, the promise of God is true. Do not be deceived by the life of this world; and do not let Satan trick you about God. Satan is your enemy, so treat him as such. He lures his followers to become heirs of hell. Those who do evil, generally believe that their actions are right. God leaves some people in error, and guides others towards the truth, as he pleases. "Muhammad, do not waste away worrying about unbelievers; God knows all their actions."
-Qur'an, Fatir, Surah 35:5-8
***
Generosity begins with our recognition of our debt to others.
-Master Hsing Yun, "Describing the Indescribable"
-Thelma Wells
***
Life consists not in holding good cards, but in playing those you hold well.
-Josh Billings
***
Men and women, the promise of God is true. Do not be deceived by the life of this world; and do not let Satan trick you about God. Satan is your enemy, so treat him as such. He lures his followers to become heirs of hell. Those who do evil, generally believe that their actions are right. God leaves some people in error, and guides others towards the truth, as he pleases. "Muhammad, do not waste away worrying about unbelievers; God knows all their actions."
-Qur'an, Fatir, Surah 35:5-8
***
Generosity begins with our recognition of our debt to others.
-Master Hsing Yun, "Describing the Indescribable"
Jesus Christ is God's everything for man's total need.
-Richard Halverson
***
A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life.
-William A. Ward
****
What is soul? Soul is conscious of good and evil,
rejoicing over kindness, weeping over injury.
Since consciousness is the inmost nature and essence of the soul,
the more aware you are the more spiritual you are.
Awareness is the effect of the spirit:
anyone who has this in abundance
is a man or woman of God.
-Mathnawi [VI, 148-150]
***
God, as Truth, has been for me a treasure beyond price.
May He be so to every one of us.
-Mahatma Gandhi
***
General standards of human rights apply to the people of all countries because, regardless of their cultural background, all humans share an inherent yearning for freedom, equality and dignity. Democracy and respect for fundamental human rights are as important to Africans and Asians as they are to Europeans and Americans.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama, "Harvard International Review," 1995
-Richard Halverson
***
A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life.
-William A. Ward
****
What is soul? Soul is conscious of good and evil,
rejoicing over kindness, weeping over injury.
Since consciousness is the inmost nature and essence of the soul,
the more aware you are the more spiritual you are.
Awareness is the effect of the spirit:
anyone who has this in abundance
is a man or woman of God.
-Mathnawi [VI, 148-150]
***
God, as Truth, has been for me a treasure beyond price.
May He be so to every one of us.
-Mahatma Gandhi
***
General standards of human rights apply to the people of all countries because, regardless of their cultural background, all humans share an inherent yearning for freedom, equality and dignity. Democracy and respect for fundamental human rights are as important to Africans and Asians as they are to Europeans and Americans.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama, "Harvard International Review," 1995
None of us are saints, none of us are heroes...But I've learned to accept what goes wrong, and to turn it into a gift.
-Krista Tippett
***
All kids are gifted; some just open their packages earlier than others.
-Michael Carr
***
Once Ibrahim bin Adham saw a stone with the inscription, "Turn me over and read!" When he did an inscription appeared: "You do not practice what you know. Why do you seek what you do not know?"
-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
***
People weep for their spouses, their children, and their wealth, but who weeps for God?
While a child is engrossed with its toys its mother attends to her household duties, but when the child throws the toys aside and screams for its mother, then the mother puts down her cooking pot and takes the child in her arms.
-Ramakrishna
***
Flow with whatever may happen
and let your mind be free;
Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing.
This is the ultimate.
-Chuang Tsu
-Krista Tippett
***
All kids are gifted; some just open their packages earlier than others.
-Michael Carr
***
Once Ibrahim bin Adham saw a stone with the inscription, "Turn me over and read!" When he did an inscription appeared: "You do not practice what you know. Why do you seek what you do not know?"
-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"
***
People weep for their spouses, their children, and their wealth, but who weeps for God?
While a child is engrossed with its toys its mother attends to her household duties, but when the child throws the toys aside and screams for its mother, then the mother puts down her cooking pot and takes the child in her arms.
-Ramakrishna
***
Flow with whatever may happen
and let your mind be free;
Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing.
This is the ultimate.
-Chuang Tsu
In my intellect, I may divide [faith and works], just as in the candle I know there is both light and heat; yet put out the candle, and both are gone.
-John Selden
***
Be your own hero, it's cheaper than a movie ticket.
-Doug Horton
***
Remember Me, and I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and do not deny My favors.
-Qur'an, Al-Baqara, Surah 2:152
***
Spontaneous, true action happens naturally when there is no "you" checking whether the action conforms to your idea of what is best for you.
-Ramesh Balsekar
***
If we have...presence of mind then whatever work we do will be the very tool which enables us to know right and wrong continually. There's plenty of time to meditate, we just don't fully understand the practice, that's all. While sleeping we breathe, eating we breathe, don't we? Why don't we have time to meditate? Wherever we are we breathe. If we think like this then our life has as much value as our breath, wherever we are we have time.
-Ajahn Chah, "Taste of Freedom"
***
Realizing that from which all words turn back
And thoughts can never reach, one knows
The bliss of Brahman and fears no more.
-Taittiriya Upanishad
***
I urge you not to throw away time, for it's swift as an arrow, fast as a stream. Distraction is entirely due to lack of concentration; stupidity and blindness are caused by lack of true knowledge.
-Yung-Ming, "Five Houses of Zen"
-John Selden
***
Be your own hero, it's cheaper than a movie ticket.
-Doug Horton
***
Remember Me, and I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and do not deny My favors.
-Qur'an, Al-Baqara, Surah 2:152
***
Spontaneous, true action happens naturally when there is no "you" checking whether the action conforms to your idea of what is best for you.
-Ramesh Balsekar
***
If we have...presence of mind then whatever work we do will be the very tool which enables us to know right and wrong continually. There's plenty of time to meditate, we just don't fully understand the practice, that's all. While sleeping we breathe, eating we breathe, don't we? Why don't we have time to meditate? Wherever we are we breathe. If we think like this then our life has as much value as our breath, wherever we are we have time.
-Ajahn Chah, "Taste of Freedom"
***
Realizing that from which all words turn back
And thoughts can never reach, one knows
The bliss of Brahman and fears no more.
-Taittiriya Upanishad
***
I urge you not to throw away time, for it's swift as an arrow, fast as a stream. Distraction is entirely due to lack of concentration; stupidity and blindness are caused by lack of true knowledge.
-Yung-Ming, "Five Houses of Zen"
I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.
-John 12:46 (Revised Standard Version)
***
There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings.
-Hodding Carter
***
The inner self perceives the outside world,
Made up of earth, water, fire, air, and space.
It is the victim of likes and dislikes,
Pleasure and pain, and delusion and doubt.
It knows all the subtleties of language,
Enjoys dance, music, and all the fine arts;
Delights in the senses, recalls the past,
Reads the scriptures, and is able to act.
This is the mind, the inner person.
-Atma Upanishad
***
Muhammad now felt compelled to speak openly about the divine revelations he had received. At first people were friendly, listening attentively to what he said; and some were quickly convinced by him. But when he disparaged their ancient gods, most took grave offence; they resolved to regard Muhammad as an enemy, and to treat his followers with contempt. Muhammad was distressed at their reaction, but refused to be deterred from obeying God's command. And Abu Talib, Muhammad's uncle, tried to protect him.
-Ibn Ishaq, "The Life of Muhammad"
***
-John 12:46 (Revised Standard Version)
***
There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings.
-Hodding Carter
***
The inner self perceives the outside world,
Made up of earth, water, fire, air, and space.
It is the victim of likes and dislikes,
Pleasure and pain, and delusion and doubt.
It knows all the subtleties of language,
Enjoys dance, music, and all the fine arts;
Delights in the senses, recalls the past,
Reads the scriptures, and is able to act.
This is the mind, the inner person.
-Atma Upanishad
***
Muhammad now felt compelled to speak openly about the divine revelations he had received. At first people were friendly, listening attentively to what he said; and some were quickly convinced by him. But when he disparaged their ancient gods, most took grave offence; they resolved to regard Muhammad as an enemy, and to treat his followers with contempt. Muhammad was distressed at their reaction, but refused to be deterred from obeying God's command. And Abu Talib, Muhammad's uncle, tried to protect him.
-Ibn Ishaq, "The Life of Muhammad"
***
"Just remember, man gives the award. But God gives the reward."
-Advice from Denzel Washington's mother
***
Everything works out in the end. If it hasn't worked out, it's not the end.
-Unknown
***
Since man is made of clay, he can never be completely pure. Since clay is basically foul, how can humans escape their basic nature? Purity does not lie in (formal) rituals, nor can human nature be changed by effort. Those who love God and remain conscious only of their Beloved attain purity.
-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al Mahjub"
***
This is the gist of all worship: to be pure and to do good to others. He who sees Shiva in the poor, in the weak, and in the diseased, really worships Shiva. And if he sees Shiva only in the image, his worship is but preliminary. He who has served and helped one poor man seeing Shiva in him, without thinking of his caste or creed or race or anything, with him Shiva is more pleased than with the man who sees Him only in temples.
-Vivekananda
***
**
-Advice from Denzel Washington's mother
***
Everything works out in the end. If it hasn't worked out, it's not the end.
-Unknown
***
Since man is made of clay, he can never be completely pure. Since clay is basically foul, how can humans escape their basic nature? Purity does not lie in (formal) rituals, nor can human nature be changed by effort. Those who love God and remain conscious only of their Beloved attain purity.
-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al Mahjub"
***
This is the gist of all worship: to be pure and to do good to others. He who sees Shiva in the poor, in the weak, and in the diseased, really worships Shiva. And if he sees Shiva only in the image, his worship is but preliminary. He who has served and helped one poor man seeing Shiva in him, without thinking of his caste or creed or race or anything, with him Shiva is more pleased than with the man who sees Him only in temples.
-Vivekananda
***
**
Don't worry that children never listen to you. Worry that they are always watching you.
-Robert Fulghum
***
The strongest antidote for hopelessness is to find a way to give back...
-Susan Sarandon
***
Whatever you are doing, seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, eating, or saying, realize your essential nature as pure Consciousness. This is the way to liberation.
-Maharamayana
***
Believers, why do you say what you do not execute? It is most offensive in the sight of Allah when you say what you do not practice!
-Qur'an, As-Saff, Surah 61:2-3
***
-Robert Fulghum
***
The strongest antidote for hopelessness is to find a way to give back...
-Susan Sarandon
***
Whatever you are doing, seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, eating, or saying, realize your essential nature as pure Consciousness. This is the way to liberation.
-Maharamayana
***
Believers, why do you say what you do not execute? It is most offensive in the sight of Allah when you say what you do not practice!
-Qur'an, As-Saff, Surah 61:2-3
***
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"
***
A good laugh is sunshine in a house.
-William Makepeace Thackeray
***
We may have our private opinions but why should they be a bar to the meeting of the hearts.
-Mahatma Gandhi, 1930
***
Within tears, find a hidden laughter;
seek treasure amid ruins, sincere one.
-Mathnawi [VI, 1586]
***
Internal peace is an essential first step to achieving peace in the world. How do you cultivate it? It's very simple. In the first place by realizing clearly that all mankind is one, that human beings in every country are members of one and the same family.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
-St. Theophan the Recluse,
"What Is the Spiritual Life"
***
A good laugh is sunshine in a house.
-William Makepeace Thackeray
***
We may have our private opinions but why should they be a bar to the meeting of the hearts.
-Mahatma Gandhi, 1930
***
Within tears, find a hidden laughter;
seek treasure amid ruins, sincere one.
-Mathnawi [VI, 1586]
***
Internal peace is an essential first step to achieving peace in the world. How do you cultivate it? It's very simple. In the first place by realizing clearly that all mankind is one, that human beings in every country are members of one and the same family.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
By aiding..."beings of light" every day we can slowly yet surely bring the energy of angelic love closer and more clearly into every area of our lives and of our world.
-Margaret Neylon
***
Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence, or learning.
-Frederick W. Faber
***
Bereft of life, bereft of knowledge,
bereft of power and will,
how shall I describe my state?
For I do not exist, only He exists.
I am deaf; the hearer is He.
I am blind; the seer is He.
I am mute; the orator is He.
I do not exist; only He exists.
-Shah Kamal, "Islamic Sufism"
***
When we are firmly established in nonviolence, all beings around us cease to feel hostility. When we are firmly established in truthfulness, action accomplishes its desired end.
When we are firmly established in integrity, all riches present themselves freely. When we are firmly established in chastity, subtle potency is generated. When we are established in nonattachment, the nature and purpose of existence is understood.
-The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 2: 35-39
***
It is necessary to cultivate some discipline of mind, for an undisciplined mind always finds excuses to act selfishly and thoughtlessly. When the mind is undisciplined, the body is also undisciplined, and so is speech and action.
-Anguttara Nikaya
-Margaret Neylon
***
Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence, or learning.
-Frederick W. Faber
***
Bereft of life, bereft of knowledge,
bereft of power and will,
how shall I describe my state?
For I do not exist, only He exists.
I am deaf; the hearer is He.
I am blind; the seer is He.
I am mute; the orator is He.
I do not exist; only He exists.
-Shah Kamal, "Islamic Sufism"
***
When we are firmly established in nonviolence, all beings around us cease to feel hostility. When we are firmly established in truthfulness, action accomplishes its desired end.
When we are firmly established in integrity, all riches present themselves freely. When we are firmly established in chastity, subtle potency is generated. When we are established in nonattachment, the nature and purpose of existence is understood.
-The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 2: 35-39
***
It is necessary to cultivate some discipline of mind, for an undisciplined mind always finds excuses to act selfishly and thoughtlessly. When the mind is undisciplined, the body is also undisciplined, and so is speech and action.
-Anguttara Nikaya
Perfection, in a Christian sense, means becoming mature enough to give ourselves to others.
-Kathleen Norris
***
Show me the man you honor, and I will know what kind of man you are.
-Thomas Carlyle
***
Fear Allah wherever you may be, and repel evil with goodness, for that will efface all its negative results.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Abu Dharr
***
The greatest support we can have is mindfulness, which means being totally present in each moment. If the mind remains centered, it cannot make up stories about the injustice of the world or one's friends, or about one's desires or sorrows. All these stories could fill many volumes, but when we are mindful such verbalizations stop. Being mindful means being fully absorbed in the moment, leaving no room for anything else. We are filled with the momentary happening, whatever it is--standing or sitting or lying down, feeling pleasure or pain--and we maintain a nonjudgmental awareness, a "just knowing."
-Ayya Khema, "Be an Island"
-Kathleen Norris
***
Show me the man you honor, and I will know what kind of man you are.
-Thomas Carlyle
***
Fear Allah wherever you may be, and repel evil with goodness, for that will efface all its negative results.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Abu Dharr
***
The greatest support we can have is mindfulness, which means being totally present in each moment. If the mind remains centered, it cannot make up stories about the injustice of the world or one's friends, or about one's desires or sorrows. All these stories could fill many volumes, but when we are mindful such verbalizations stop. Being mindful means being fully absorbed in the moment, leaving no room for anything else. We are filled with the momentary happening, whatever it is--standing or sitting or lying down, feeling pleasure or pain--and we maintain a nonjudgmental awareness, a "just knowing."
-Ayya Khema, "Be an Island"
So you have failed? You cannot fail. You have not failed; you have gained experience. Forward!
-St. Josemaría Escrivá
****
Don't prepare the path for the child, prepare the child for the path.
-anonymous, submitted by Kathy Roberts
***
I swear by the glow of the sunset, by the night and all that the night brings to life, and by the full moon, that you will move from your present existence to a different existence.
-Qu'ran, Al-Inshiqaq, Surah 84:16-19
***
Whenever darkness comes, assert the reality and everything adverse must vanish. For, after all, it is but a dream. Mountain high though the difficulties appear, terrible and gloomy though all things seem, they are but maya. Fear not—it is banished. Crush it and it vanishes. Stamp upon it and it dies. Be not afraid. Think not how many times you fail. Never mind—time is infinite. Go forward. Assert yourself again and again and light must come.
-Vivekananda
***
It is crucial for you to understand what meditation is. It is not some special posture, and it's not just a set of mental exercises. Meditation is the cultivation of mindfulness and the application of that mindfulness once cultivated. You do not have to sit to meditate. You can meditate while washing the dishes. You can meditate in the shower, or roller skating, or typing letters. Meditation is awareness, and it must be applied to each and every activity of one's life. This isn't easy.
-Henepola Gunaratana, "Mindfulness in Plain English"
-St. Josemaría Escrivá
****
Don't prepare the path for the child, prepare the child for the path.
-anonymous, submitted by Kathy Roberts
***
I swear by the glow of the sunset, by the night and all that the night brings to life, and by the full moon, that you will move from your present existence to a different existence.
-Qu'ran, Al-Inshiqaq, Surah 84:16-19
***
Whenever darkness comes, assert the reality and everything adverse must vanish. For, after all, it is but a dream. Mountain high though the difficulties appear, terrible and gloomy though all things seem, they are but maya. Fear not—it is banished. Crush it and it vanishes. Stamp upon it and it dies. Be not afraid. Think not how many times you fail. Never mind—time is infinite. Go forward. Assert yourself again and again and light must come.
-Vivekananda
***
It is crucial for you to understand what meditation is. It is not some special posture, and it's not just a set of mental exercises. Meditation is the cultivation of mindfulness and the application of that mindfulness once cultivated. You do not have to sit to meditate. You can meditate while washing the dishes. You can meditate in the shower, or roller skating, or typing letters. Meditation is awareness, and it must be applied to each and every activity of one's life. This isn't easy.
-Henepola Gunaratana, "Mindfulness in Plain English"
One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters.
-George Herbert
***
A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.
-James Dent
***
When you have seen God
You meditate on Him,
Saying to yourself, "I am He."
But when you are without thought
And you understand there is only one,
Without a second,
On whom can you meditate?
-Ashtavakra Gita 18:16
****
A man was lying sick. His friends asked him: "What would you most desire?" The sick man answered, "My greatest desire is to desire something."
-Sadi: Gulistan 3
***
It is like the water of the ocean: even without wind there are waves everywhere. Suddenly knowing of the waves all around is the gross within the subtle; letting go of knowledge in the midst of knowing is like the subtle within the subtle. This is the sphere of the enlightened.
-Pai-chang
-George Herbert
***
A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.
-James Dent
***
When you have seen God
You meditate on Him,
Saying to yourself, "I am He."
But when you are without thought
And you understand there is only one,
Without a second,
On whom can you meditate?
-Ashtavakra Gita 18:16
****
A man was lying sick. His friends asked him: "What would you most desire?" The sick man answered, "My greatest desire is to desire something."
-Sadi: Gulistan 3
***
It is like the water of the ocean: even without wind there are waves everywhere. Suddenly knowing of the waves all around is the gross within the subtle; letting go of knowledge in the midst of knowing is like the subtle within the subtle. This is the sphere of the enlightened.
-Pai-chang
Our experience of God's unconditional love must be shaped by the Scriptures. God’s written Word must take hold of us…The Word we study has to be the Word we pray.
-Brennan Manning,
"The Ragamuffin Gospe
***
A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.
-St. Francis of Assisi (submitted by teds314)
***
By loving me he comes to know me truly; then he knows my glory and enters into my boundless being. All his acts are performed in my service, and through my grace he wins eternal life.
-Bhagavad Gita 18:55-56
***
A group of men came to Rabi'a in order to test her. They said: 'Virtues and special gifts have been bestowed on men, not women. The crown of nobility has been placed on the heads of men, and the belt of generosity has been tied around their waists. The gift of prophesy has never descended on any woman. What can you boast of?' Rabi'a replied: 'I shall not dispute what you say. Yet women are less prone to pride, egoism and self-worship; they are less liable to think highly of themselves. And they do not so readily exploit others for their own pleasure.'
-Attar, "Rabi'a"
***
God does more than send angels, he grants them the insight and strength they need to protect us.
-Timothy Jones,
"Celebration of Angels"
-Brennan Manning,
"The Ragamuffin Gospe
***
A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.
-St. Francis of Assisi (submitted by teds314)
***
By loving me he comes to know me truly; then he knows my glory and enters into my boundless being. All his acts are performed in my service, and through my grace he wins eternal life.
-Bhagavad Gita 18:55-56
***
A group of men came to Rabi'a in order to test her. They said: 'Virtues and special gifts have been bestowed on men, not women. The crown of nobility has been placed on the heads of men, and the belt of generosity has been tied around their waists. The gift of prophesy has never descended on any woman. What can you boast of?' Rabi'a replied: 'I shall not dispute what you say. Yet women are less prone to pride, egoism and self-worship; they are less liable to think highly of themselves. And they do not so readily exploit others for their own pleasure.'
-Attar, "Rabi'a"
***
God does more than send angels, he grants them the insight and strength they need to protect us.
-Timothy Jones,
"Celebration of Angels"
The big agenda item is God and His glory, not me and my comfort.
-Max Lucado
***
Courage is not the towering oak that sees storms come and go; it is the fragile blossom that opens in the snow.
-Alice Mackenzie Swaim
***
When a man realizes
He is neither the doer nor the enjoyer,
The ripples of his mind are stilled.
-Ashtavakra Gita 18:51
***
If God lacked patience and mercy, all of you would long ago have been punished. If God lacked compassion and forgiveness, none of you would have escaped.
-Qur'an, Al-Nour, Surah 24:20-21
***
The right attitude for studying the way is just complete spontaneous acquiescence. Who cares whether it takes twenty or thirty years; you'll be naturally at peace, without the slightest bit of doubt or confusion. How can there be any obstruction again after spontaneous acquiescence? How can anyone arrive by way of externals?
-Ming-pen
-Max Lucado
***
Courage is not the towering oak that sees storms come and go; it is the fragile blossom that opens in the snow.
-Alice Mackenzie Swaim
***
When a man realizes
He is neither the doer nor the enjoyer,
The ripples of his mind are stilled.
-Ashtavakra Gita 18:51
***
If God lacked patience and mercy, all of you would long ago have been punished. If God lacked compassion and forgiveness, none of you would have escaped.
-Qur'an, Al-Nour, Surah 24:20-21
***
The right attitude for studying the way is just complete spontaneous acquiescence. Who cares whether it takes twenty or thirty years; you'll be naturally at peace, without the slightest bit of doubt or confusion. How can there be any obstruction again after spontaneous acquiescence? How can anyone arrive by way of externals?
-Ming-pen
[A]s Christians we have to be really wise about what we watch on the Internet, TV, movies, and everything else--because what goes into our hearts and our minds is going to come out in our lives.
-Rebecca St. James
***
The really happy man is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
-Anonymous
***
Come against your will is the toggle of the intelligent;
come willingly is the spring-time
of those who have lost their hearts.
-Mathnawi [III, 4472]
***
Courage has never been known to be a matter of muscle; it is a matter of the heart. The toughest muscle has been known to tremble before an imaginary fear. It was the heart that set the muscle atrembling.
-Mahatma Gandhi, 1931
***
It is easier to meditate than to actually do something for others. I feel that merely to meditate on compassion is to take the passive option. Our meditation should form the basis for action, for seizing the opportunity to do something.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
From "The Pocket Dalai Lama," edited
-Rebecca St. James
***
The really happy man is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
-Anonymous
***
Come against your will is the toggle of the intelligent;
come willingly is the spring-time
of those who have lost their hearts.
-Mathnawi [III, 4472]
***
Courage has never been known to be a matter of muscle; it is a matter of the heart. The toughest muscle has been known to tremble before an imaginary fear. It was the heart that set the muscle atrembling.
-Mahatma Gandhi, 1931
***
It is easier to meditate than to actually do something for others. I feel that merely to meditate on compassion is to take the passive option. Our meditation should form the basis for action, for seizing the opportunity to do something.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
From "The Pocket Dalai Lama," edited
The sea enters the rivers before the rivers can run into the sea. In like manner, God comes to us before we go to Him; and heaven enters into our souls before we can enter into heaven.
-Peter Drelincourt
***
Aim for the moon...even if you miss you'll land amoungst the stars.
-Unknown
***
When we allow God’s power to pervade all our actions, and submit to his decrees, we shed all anxiety about the effects of our actions on others; we cease even to consider the effects of our actions. When we cease to consider the effects of our actions, we are adopting the attributes of God himself.
-Qushayri, "Risalah"
***
The realm of reality is as vast as cosmic space; it is the knowing mind of sentient beings that is small. Just as long as you do not become egotistic and selfish, you will be ever sated with the spiritual food of nirvana.
-Pao-chih
***
-Peter Drelincourt
***
Aim for the moon...even if you miss you'll land amoungst the stars.
-Unknown
***
When we allow God’s power to pervade all our actions, and submit to his decrees, we shed all anxiety about the effects of our actions on others; we cease even to consider the effects of our actions. When we cease to consider the effects of our actions, we are adopting the attributes of God himself.
-Qushayri, "Risalah"
***
The realm of reality is as vast as cosmic space; it is the knowing mind of sentient beings that is small. Just as long as you do not become egotistic and selfish, you will be ever sated with the spiritual food of nirvana.
-Pao-chih
***
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
-Matthew 13:44
***
I do not understand the mystery of grace--only that it meets us where we are, but does not leave us where it found us.
-Anne Lamott
***
If all the land were turned to paper and all the seas turned to ink, and all the forests into pens to write with, they would still not suffice to describe the greatness of the guru.
-Kabir
***
Those admitted to Paradise shall experience true bliss. Never shall they know want, nor will they suffer old age.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Abu Hurairah
***
The key, during both life and death, is to recognize illusions as illusions, projections as projections, and fantasies as fantasies. In this way we become free.
-Lama Thubten Yeshe, Introduction to Tantra
***
-Matthew 13:44
***
I do not understand the mystery of grace--only that it meets us where we are, but does not leave us where it found us.
-Anne Lamott
***
If all the land were turned to paper and all the seas turned to ink, and all the forests into pens to write with, they would still not suffice to describe the greatness of the guru.
-Kabir
***
Those admitted to Paradise shall experience true bliss. Never shall they know want, nor will they suffer old age.
-The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Abu Hurairah
***
The key, during both life and death, is to recognize illusions as illusions, projections as projections, and fantasies as fantasies. In this way we become free.
-Lama Thubten Yeshe, Introduction to Tantra
***
We may sing beforehand, even in our winter storm, in the expectation of a summer sun at the turn of the year...Let us then be glad and rejoice in the salvation of our Lord...
-Samuel Rutherford
****
Often God has to shut a door in our face so that He can subsequently open the door through which He wants us to go.
-Catherine Marshall
***
The guru is the formless Self within each one of us. He may appear as a body to guide us, but that is only his disguise.
-Ramana Maharshi
****
God hears the words of the woman who complains to Muhammad about the cruelty of her husband; God hears her words when she complains directly to him. God listens to everything that is said; he hears all and observes all.
-Qur'an, Al-Mujadilah, Surah 58:1
***
The whole world we travel with our thoughts,
Finding nowhere anyone as precious as one's own self.
Since each and every person is so precious to themselves
Let the self-respecting harm no other being.
-Samyutta Nikaya
-Samuel Rutherford
****
Often God has to shut a door in our face so that He can subsequently open the door through which He wants us to go.
-Catherine Marshall
***
The guru is the formless Self within each one of us. He may appear as a body to guide us, but that is only his disguise.
-Ramana Maharshi
****
God hears the words of the woman who complains to Muhammad about the cruelty of her husband; God hears her words when she complains directly to him. God listens to everything that is said; he hears all and observes all.
-Qur'an, Al-Mujadilah, Surah 58:1
***
The whole world we travel with our thoughts,
Finding nowhere anyone as precious as one's own self.
Since each and every person is so precious to themselves
Let the self-respecting harm no other being.
-Samyutta Nikaya
-
From_Alamut
- Posts: 666
- Joined: Tue Jan 22, 2008 8:22 am
Religions answers life's most profound and important questions. But there are many religion, each offering it's own answer.
---> Quotation from a book calls World Religions.
***
When the people of the world all know
beauty as beauty,
There arise the recognition of ugliness.
When they all know the good as good,
There arises the recognition of evil
---->Tao Te Ching
***
What you need is wisdom, and not knowledge;
for if one has wisdom, knowledge will come naturally
--->Taoism sage
***
A monk told Joshu: "I have just entered the monastery, please teach me"
Joshu asked: "Have you eaten your rice porridge?"
The monk replied: "I have eaten"
Joshu said: "Then you had better wash your bowl."
At that moment the monk was enlightened.
--->Zen Buddha Bones
***
"You can hear the sound of two hands when the clap
together," said Mokurai. " Now show me the sound of one hand.
---> Zen Bones
***
"God can best be known with the heart, through love.
--->Kabbalah the Jewish mysteriesm
***
"He whose heart is moved by love, never die"
---> Great Sufi Master Hafiz
***
You may marry other women who seem good to
you: two, three, or four of them. But if you fear
that you can not maintain equality amoung
them, then marry one only.....
---> Quran 4:3
***
If you ask [the Prophet's]wives for anything, speak
to them from behind a curtain. This is more chaste
from your hearts and their hearts.
---> Quran 33: 53
---> Quotation from a book calls World Religions.
***
When the people of the world all know
beauty as beauty,
There arise the recognition of ugliness.
When they all know the good as good,
There arises the recognition of evil
---->Tao Te Ching
***
What you need is wisdom, and not knowledge;
for if one has wisdom, knowledge will come naturally
--->Taoism sage
***
A monk told Joshu: "I have just entered the monastery, please teach me"
Joshu asked: "Have you eaten your rice porridge?"
The monk replied: "I have eaten"
Joshu said: "Then you had better wash your bowl."
At that moment the monk was enlightened.
--->Zen Buddha Bones
***
"You can hear the sound of two hands when the clap
together," said Mokurai. " Now show me the sound of one hand.
---> Zen Bones
***
"God can best be known with the heart, through love.
--->Kabbalah the Jewish mysteriesm
***
"He whose heart is moved by love, never die"
---> Great Sufi Master Hafiz
***
You may marry other women who seem good to
you: two, three, or four of them. But if you fear
that you can not maintain equality amoung
them, then marry one only.....
---> Quran 4:3
***
If you ask [the Prophet's]wives for anything, speak
to them from behind a curtain. This is more chaste
from your hearts and their hearts.
---> Quran 33: 53
We all have a mind and a will. I may have to depend upon God in ways that I’ve never depended upon Him before, but God will deliver anyone who truly wants to be delivered from any stronghold, any sin.
-Charles Stanley
***
I gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which I must stop and look fear in the face...I say to myself, I’ve lived through this and can take the next thing that comes along.
-Eleanor Roosevelt
***
Firmness of heart is needed for achievement,
but a firm friend does not lack friends.
Be a firm friend, that you may find friends innumerable;
for without friends you will be left helpless.
Generally the wolf seizes his prey at the moment
when a year-old sheep has strayed alone from the flock.
-Mathnawi [VI 497-498;500]
***
These pleasures last but until tomorrow,
And they wear out the vital powers of life.
How fleeting is all life on earth! Therefore
Keep your horses and chariots, dancing
And music, for yourself. Never can mortals
Be made happy by wealth.
-Katha Upanishad
***
Therefore the practice is like a key, the key of meditation. If we have the right key in our hand, no matter how tightly the lock is closed, when we take the key and turn it the lock falls open. If we have no key we can't open the lock. We will never know what is in the trunk.
-Ajahn Chah, "Living Dharma"
-Charles Stanley
***
I gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which I must stop and look fear in the face...I say to myself, I’ve lived through this and can take the next thing that comes along.
-Eleanor Roosevelt
***
Firmness of heart is needed for achievement,
but a firm friend does not lack friends.
Be a firm friend, that you may find friends innumerable;
for without friends you will be left helpless.
Generally the wolf seizes his prey at the moment
when a year-old sheep has strayed alone from the flock.
-Mathnawi [VI 497-498;500]
***
These pleasures last but until tomorrow,
And they wear out the vital powers of life.
How fleeting is all life on earth! Therefore
Keep your horses and chariots, dancing
And music, for yourself. Never can mortals
Be made happy by wealth.
-Katha Upanishad
***
Therefore the practice is like a key, the key of meditation. If we have the right key in our hand, no matter how tightly the lock is closed, when we take the key and turn it the lock falls open. If we have no key we can't open the lock. We will never know what is in the trunk.
-Ajahn Chah, "Living Dharma"
I think about God and Jesus Christ and eternity--there isn't an hour that goes by that I don't think about it. And I think that that's something that people can connect with.
-Mike Piazza
***
A superior person brings out the best in others.
-Chinese Proverb
***
Do not lose hope in Allah, for He is the Creator. He will create another way for you. Do not flee from your trials; patience in adversity is the foundation of all virtue, of compassion and sainthood. Patience is the foundation, and without a sound foundation you cannot build a monument.
-Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jillani, "Fayuz E Yazdani"
***
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
***
There is pleasure when a sore is scratched,
But to be without sores is more pleasurable still.
Just so, there are pleasures in worldly desires,
But to be without desires is more pleasurable still.
-Nagarjuna, "Precious Garland"
-Mike Piazza
***
A superior person brings out the best in others.
-Chinese Proverb
***
Do not lose hope in Allah, for He is the Creator. He will create another way for you. Do not flee from your trials; patience in adversity is the foundation of all virtue, of compassion and sainthood. Patience is the foundation, and without a sound foundation you cannot build a monument.
-Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jillani, "Fayuz E Yazdani"
***
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
***
There is pleasure when a sore is scratched,
But to be without sores is more pleasurable still.
Just so, there are pleasures in worldly desires,
But to be without desires is more pleasurable still.
-Nagarjuna, "Precious Garland"
God to enfold me,
God to surround me,
God in my speaking,
God in my thinking,
God in my sleeping,
God in my waking,
God in my watching,
God in my hoping.
-Traditional Celtic Prayer
***
Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.
-Ovid
***
Have faith in Allah and His messenger, and strive in His way with your wealth and your lives. That is for your own good, for He will forgive you for your transgressions and admit you into graceful moments in the Gardens of bliss where rivers run through. That indeed is the greatest triumph. Deliver the glad tidings to the believers that Allah will bestow yet another blessing upon them, His succor and a speedy victory.
-Qur'an, As-Saff, Surah 61:11-13
***
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
***
View all problems as challenges. Look upon negativities that arise as opportunities to learn and to grow. Don't run from them, condemn yourself, or bury your burden in saintly silence. You have a problem? Great. More grist for the mill. Rejoice, dive in, and investigate.
-Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, "Mindfulness in Plain English"
God to surround me,
God in my speaking,
God in my thinking,
God in my sleeping,
God in my waking,
God in my watching,
God in my hoping.
-Traditional Celtic Prayer
***
Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.
-Ovid
***
Have faith in Allah and His messenger, and strive in His way with your wealth and your lives. That is for your own good, for He will forgive you for your transgressions and admit you into graceful moments in the Gardens of bliss where rivers run through. That indeed is the greatest triumph. Deliver the glad tidings to the believers that Allah will bestow yet another blessing upon them, His succor and a speedy victory.
-Qur'an, As-Saff, Surah 61:11-13
***
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
***
View all problems as challenges. Look upon negativities that arise as opportunities to learn and to grow. Don't run from them, condemn yourself, or bury your burden in saintly silence. You have a problem? Great. More grist for the mill. Rejoice, dive in, and investigate.
-Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, "Mindfulness in Plain English"