quote by Baal Shem-Tov (1700 - 1760)

From every human being there rises a light that reaches straight to heaven.  And when two human souls that are destined for each other find one another, their streams of light flow together and a single brighter light goes forth from their united being.

quote from The Eloquence of Living, by Vimala Thakar

Only human beings living in freedom can create a new society, a new dimension of consciousness in which the tenderness of love and compassion can flower in each human heart.

The Eloquence of Living: Meeting Life With Freshness, Fearlessness, and Compassion

from Satsang with Tyohar

Let my silence touch you.  Only if we meet in this silent space, the magic happens.  If we meet on the surface, on the mind frequency, it is a dull meeting.  Satsang (meeting with the truth) can happen only if you can allow me to reflect your silence, your utter silence, where nothing is moving; no hopes, no expectations, no anticipation for something to happen, no judgment about what is happening or protection from it, nothing.  When you simply become Present, Empty.  I have nothing to give you but this invitation, to Be here with me, in this space which is beyond the mind.

For more info on Tyohar, see http://www.pachamama.com/

from the Mundaka Upanishads

Self is everywhere, shining forth from all beings,
vaster than the vast, subtler than the most subtle,
unreachable, yet nearer than breath, than heartbeat.
Eye cannot see it, ear cannot hear it nor tongue
utter it; only in deep absorption can the mind,
grown pure and silent, merge with the formless truth.
He who finds it is free; he has found himself;
he has solved the great riddle; his heart is forever at peace.
Whole, he enters the Whole.  His personal self
returns to its radiant, intimate, deathless source.
As rivers lose name and form when they disappear
into the sea, the sage leaves behind all traces
when he disappears into the light.  Perceiving the truth,
he becomes the truth; he passes beyond all suffering,
beyond death; all the knots of his heart are loosed.

You Are Christ's Hands

Christ has no body now on earth but yours,
     no hands but yours,
     no feet but yours,
Yours are the eyes through which is to look out
     Christ's compassion to the world;
Yours are the feet with which he is to go about
     doing good;
Yours are the hands with which he is to bless men now.

- Saint Teresa of Avila

Two by Basho

Sitting silently, doing nothing,
Spring comes, and the grass grows by itself.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

The temple bell stops
but the sound keeps coming
out of the flowers.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,
even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars,
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

attributed to Max Ehrmann, 1927