Good quotes are found in all texts. These quotes should in no way make you biased towards any belief. They are just great knowledge nuggets to read, comprehend and follow/practise, and no more.
As in the Parable of the Sower, the good ones will take these in the right spirit and move on to make the world a better place!
Will be adding more of these, in time.
If you add two numbers using a C program, a C++ program, a Java program,...., all of them will output the same sum (provided, of course, the programs are written correctly!), in spite of the differences in syntax and compilation methods. Likewise, all holy texts too, do the same, eventually guiding you along different paths that eventually lead to the Almighty!
The Magic Potion:
I possess the secret potion and I wield the power to create, to nourish and give.
Indeed, I strengthen him who sacrifices, the mindful one, the generous, him who serves.
- Rig Veda
Spirit of Science:
"Everyone who is seriously involved in the pursuit of Science becomes convinced that a Spirit is manifest in the laws of the Universe; a Spirit vastly superior to that of man, and one in the face of which, we with our modest powers, must feel humble."
- Albert Einstein
"I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man/woman whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him/her. Will he/she gain anything by it? Will it restore him/her to a control over his/her own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to swaraj (freedom) for the hungry and spiritually starving millions? Then you will find your doubts and your self melt away."
- Mahatma Gandhi
The Human Desire for Validation of one's work!
When Valmiki completed his Ramayana, Narada wasn't impressed. 'It is good, but Hanuman's is better', he said. 'Hanuman has written the Ramayana too!', Valmiki didn't like this at all, and wondered whose Ramayana was better. So he set out to find Hanuman.
In Kadali-vana, grove of plantains, he found Ramayana inscribed on seven broad leaves of a banana tree.He read it and found it to be perfect. The most exquisite choice of grammar and vocabulary, metre and melody. He couldn't help himself. He started to cry.
'Is it so bad?' asked Hanuman
'No, it is so good', said Valmiki
'Then why are you crying?' asked Hanuman.
'Because after reading your Ramayana no one will read my Ramayana,' replied Valmiki.
Hearing this Hanuman simply tore up the seven banana leaves stating
"Now no one will ever read Hanuman's Ramayana.'"
Valmiki was shocked to see this action of Hanuman and asked him why he did this, Hanuman said, 'You need your Ramayana more than I need mine.
You wrote your Ramayana so that the world remembers Valmiki;
I wrote my Ramayana so that I remember Ram.'
At that moment he realized how he had been consumed by the desire for validation through his work.
He had not used the work to liberate himself from the fear of invalidation.
He had not appreciated the essence of Ram's tale to unknot his mind.
His Ramayana was a product of ambition;
but Hanuman's Ramayana was a product of pure devotion & affection.
That's why Hanuman's Ramayana sounded so much better.
That is when Valmiki realized that "Greater than Ram .... is the name of Ram!"
There are people like Hanuman who don't want to be famous. They just do their jobs and fulfill their purpose.
There are many unsung "Hanumans" in our life too, our spouses, mothers, fathers, friends, let's remember them and be grateful to all.
In this world, where everyone is highlighting their work and seeking validation, let’s just do our karma because he who matters, the almighty God knows.
(Retreived from a Whatsapp message sent to me)
The battle "Within" Us
Ram is your soul, Sita is your heart.
Ravan is your mind that steals your heart from your soul.
Laxman is your consciousness always with you, and active on your behalf.
Hanuman is your intuition and courage that help retrieve your heart to re-animate your soul.
(Retreived from a Whatsapp message sent to me)
Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
An angel writing in a book of gold:—
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the presence in the room he said,
"What writest thou?"—The vision raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accord,
Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord."
"And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so,"
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerly still; and said, "I pray thee, then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow men."
The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blest,
And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.
- Leigh Hunt, English critic, essayist and poet
Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones.
― Marcus Aurelius