Religious Thought 229



Neglecting valuable advice, an ignorant man becomes the cause of his own misery. That soul who neither follows another's orders nor fathoms what to do himself creates nothing but torment until he leaves this life.
- Tirukkural 847-848
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If you think, I breathe, the I is extra. There is no you to say I. What we call I is just a swinging door which moves when we inhale and when we exhale. It just moves; that is all. When your mind is pure and calm enough to follow this movement, there is nothing: no I, no world, no mind nor body; just a swinging door.
- Shunryu Suzuki, "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind"
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Religious Thought 218



People shed whole jugs of tears for wife and children. They swim in tears for money. But who weeps for God? Cry to Him with a real cry.
- Ramakrishna
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If you worship those worthy of worship, --Awakened Ones or their disciples-- who've transcended complications, lamentation, & grief, who are unendangered, fearless, unbound: there's no measure for reckoning that your merit's 'this much.'
- Dhammapada 13, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
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Religious Thought 217



Imperishable is the Lord of Love. As from a blazing fire thousands of sparks Leap forth, so millions of beings arise From the Lord of Love and return to him.
- Mundaka Upanishad
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A mind unshaken when touched by the worldly states, sorrowless, stainless, and secure, this is the blessing supreme. Those who have fulfilled all these are everywhere invincible; they find well-being everywhere, theirs is the blessing supreme.
- (adapted from) Mangala Sutta
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