Vivekananda in Chicago, September 1893. In note on the left Vivekananda wrote: “One infinite pure and holy – beyond thought beyond qualities I bow down to thee”.[1]
“The human mind is like that monkey, incessantly active by its own nature; then it becomes drunk with the wine of desire, thus increasing its turbulence. After desire takes possession comes the sting of the scorpion of jealousy at the success of others, and last of all the demon of pride enters the mind, making it think itself of all importance.”
~ Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda, born Narendranath Datta, was an Indian Hindu monk, philosopher, author, religious teacher, and the chief disciple of the Indian mystic Ramakrishna. Wikipedia
You are referring to St. Augustine’s famous spiritual reflection, where he prays: “Lord, let me know myself, that I may know You.”This profound theme is most prominently found in his Soliloquies (Book 2) and his spiritual masterpiece, Confessions. [1, 2]
In his writings, St. Augustine of Hippo explores the inseparable link between knowing oneself and knowing God. He believed that because God created humanity in His image, looking inward to recognize our own limitations and the “darkness” within ourselves allows us to see how deeply we need God’s light. By accepting our flaws, we open ourselves up to receiving His divine grace and wisdom. [1, 2, 3]
“Love goes very far beyond the physical person of the beloved. It finds its deepest meaning in his spiritual being, his inner self. Whether or not he is actually present, whether or not he is still alive at all, ceases somehow to be of importance.”
~ Viktor Frankl
Viktor Emil Frankl was an Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, philosopher, and Holocaust survivor, who founded logotherapy, a school of psychotherapy that describes a search for a life’s meaning as the central human motivational force. Logotherapy is part of existential and humanistic psychology theories. Wikipedia
“After experience had taught me that all the usual surroundings of social life are vain and futile; seeing that none of the objects of my fears contained in themselves anything either good or bad, except in so far as the mind is affected by them, I finally resolved to inquire whether there might be some real good having power to communicate itself, which would affect the mind singly, to the exclusion of all else: whether, in fact, there might be anything of which the discovery and attainment would enable me to enjoy continuous, supreme, and unending happiness.”
–Spinoza
Baruch Spinoza, also known under his Latinized pen name Benedictus de Spinoza, was a philosopher of Portuguese-Jewish origin who was born and lived in the Dutch Republic. Wikipedia
“The attempt to develop a sense of humor and to see things in a humorous light is some kind of a trick learned while mastering the art of living.”
~ Viktor Frankl
Viktor Emil Frankl was an Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, philosopher, and Holocaust survivor, who founded logotherapy, a school of psychotherapy that describes a search for a life’s meaning as the central human motivational force. Logotherapy is part of existential and humanistic psychology theories. Wikipedia
“The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.”
~ Kierkegaard
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard was a Danish Lutheran theologian, philosopher, poet, social critic, and religious author who is widely considered to be the first existentialist philosopher. Wikipedia
“On the Sufi path, first you discover the art of being alone amid the crowd. Next you discover the crowd within your solitude – the voices inside you.”
~ Elif Shafak
Elif Shafak is a Turkish-British award-winning author and political scientist who writes in both Turkish and English. Her work has been translated into 56 languages and nominated for major literary awards. Shafak is known for her global perspective and blending of Eastern and Western narrative traditions. Her writing is rooted in her feminist education and knowledge of Sufism and Ottoman culture. (Wikipedia.org)
Joseph Wood Krutch was an American author, critic, and naturalist who wrote nature books on the American Southwest. He is known for developing a pantheistic philosophy. Wikipedia
“Whatever happens, happens to you by you, through you; you are the creator, enjoyer and destroyer of all you perceive.”
~ Nisargadatta
Nisargadatta Maharaj was an Indian guru of nonduality, belonging to the Inchagiri Sampradaya, a lineage of teachers from the Navnath Sampradaya. Wikipedia
