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Religious Thought 216
Before the world was created, the Self Alone existed; nothing whatever stirred. Then the Self thought: "Let me create the world." He brought forth all the worlds out of himself: Ambhas, high above the sky; Marichi, The sky; Mara, the middle region that is earth; And Apa, the realm of waters below.
- Aitareya Upanishad
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Half the spiritual life consists in remembering what we are up against and where we are going.
- Ayya Khema, "When the Iron Eagle Flies"
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Religious Thought 215
Even a little effort toward spiritual awareness will protect you from the greatest fear. Those who follow this path, resolving deep within themselves to seek Me alone, attain singleness of purpose. For those who lack resolution, the decisions of life are many-branched and endless.
- Bhagavad Gita 2:40-41
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To be attached to one's own happiness is a barrier to the true and perfect path. To cherish others is the source of every admirable quality.
- Tsongkhapa, "The Splendor of an Autumn Moon"
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Religious Thought 214
Do all your duties, but keep your mind on God. Serve your wife, children, father, and mother, and treat them as if they are very dear to you, but know in your heart that they do not belong to you.
- Ramakrishna
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Loosened & oiled Are the joys of a person. People, bound by enticement, looking for ease: to birth & aging they go.
- Dhammapada, 341, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
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Religious Thought 213
[The Master] is blessed. He understands the nature of the Self. His mind is no longer thirsty. He is the same under all conditions, Whatever he sees or hears, Or smells or touches or tastes.
- Ashtavakra Gita 18:65
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What is the benefit of exerting mental effort the wrong way?
- Guon
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Religious Thought 212
To speak so listeners long to hear more and to listen So others' meaning is grasped are the ideals of the impeccably great.
- Tirukkural 65:646
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Where there is dependence, there is instability, where there is no dependence, there is no instability, where there is no instability, there is quietude, where there is quietude, there is no desire, where there is no desire, there is no coming and going, where there is no coming or going, there is no birth and death, where there is no birth or death, there is neither this world nor that world, nor both: that is the end of sorrow.
- Udana
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