Wisdom brings a wholeness
which understands its own ignorance.
Someone with a little knowledge denies this,
but those who study their lives long and
diligently know that they do not
know anything.
Wisdom brings a wholeness
which understands its own ignorance.
Someone with a little knowledge denies this,
but those who study their lives long and
diligently know that they do not
know anything.
We are told to
realize that not a single
thing exists. In this field, birth and death
do not appear. The deep source, transparent down
to the bottom, can radiantly shine and respond
unencumbered by each speck of dust
without becoming its
partner.
A spiritual understanding
that is not practiced under fire is without
value; only by applying our knowledge in trying
situations do we come into genuine
possession of it.
from The I Ching, or Book of Changes
Hexagram 26: Ta Ch’u 大畜 The Taming Power of the Great
(full text here)
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Wherever you find yourself,
it’s within your power, at every moment,
to be reverently content with your present circumstances,
to behave with justice toward the people who are presently around you,
and to manage your present impressions so that nothing
slips into your mind that you haven’t
adequately grasped.
Our actions
entrench the power of the light
on this planet. Every positive thought we pass
between us makes room for more light. And if we do more
than think, then our actions clear the path for even
more light. That is why forgiveness and
compassion must become more
important principles in
public life…
Anchor the eternity
of love in your own soul and embed
this planet with goodness. Lean toward the whispers
of your own heart, discover the universal truth,
and follow its dictates. Release the need
to hate, to harbor division, and the
enticement of revenge. Release
all bitterness.
Hold only love,
only peace in your heart,
knowing that the battle of good
to overcome evil is already won. Choose
confrontation wisely, but when it is
your time don’t be afraid to stand
up, speak up, and speak out
against injustice.
And if you
follow your truth
down the road to peace
and the affirmation of love,
if you shine like a beacon for all to see,
then the poetry of all the great dreamers and
philosophers is yours to manifest in
a nation, a world community, and
a Beloved Community that is
finally at peace with
itself.
that glorious saint John Lewis