HINDU AND MUSLIM WISDOM

[Pravin Kumar]

Love is the flame which, when it blazes, consumes everything other than the Beloved. The lover wields the sword of Nothingness in order to dispatch all but God: consider what remains after Nothing. There remains but God: all the rest is gone. Praise to you, O mighty Love, destroyer of all other "gods."

- Mathnawi [V, 588-590]


The self-existent Lord pierced the senses To turn outward. Thus we look to the world Outside and see not the Self within us. A sage withdrew his senses from the world Of change and, seeking immortality, Looked within and beheld the deathless Self.

- Katha Upanishad

This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor...Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.

- Rumi

The Merciful is kind to those who are merciful. If you show compassion to your fellow creatures in this world, then those in heaven shall be compassionate toward you.

- The Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as narrated by Abd'Allah bin Amr

Only for his ruin does renown come to the fool. It ravages his bright fortune & rips his head apart. He would want unwarranted status, preeminence among monks, authority among monasteries, homage from lay families.

- Dhammapada, 5, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.


Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.

- John Quincy Adams