"All of us carry a cleansing fire hidden inside. It may be banked with ashes, cold to the touch, but a spark of the divine is there nonetheless, ready to leap into life. It is nothing less than love of God. Latent in every one of us, it wants only encouragement before it flares to vibrant life, burning up everything selfish and impure. Once ignited and coaxed with the fuel of love for others, it sheds light and warmth all around. "
 
an excerpt from Passages

However, real change can only come from within. 
Each of us is responsible for our own encouragement.
Sorrry about that, but it is what it is.

"We must be the change we want to see in this world."

Please light a Candle in the "zendo"

"Give not your love to this transient world
Of suffering, but give all your love to me.
Give me your mind, your heart, all your worship.
Long for me always, live for me always,
And you shall be united with me."
 

-The concluding verse of Chapter 9 of the Bhagavad Gita,
 

 
( translated by Eknath Easwaran for use in meditation.)

Richard, how beautifully put. This could be a quote from other sacred writings as well. The Divine wants to be united with us at the deepest level. In mysticism the traditions meet!
 
Edda

Peace and joy!

An opportunity to post one of my favorites from Emerson (abbreviated):
 
"Let us learn the revelation of all nature and thought; that the Highest dwells within us, that the sources of nature are in our own minds.  As there is no screen or ceiling between our heads and the inifinite heavens, so there is no bar or wall in the soul where we, the effect, cease, and God, the cause begins.
 
"I am constrained every moment to acknowledge a higher origin for events than the will I call mine.  There is deep power in which we exist and whose beatitude is accessible to us.  Every moment when the individual feels invaded by it is memorable . . . .
 
"Within us is the soul of the whole; the wise silence, the universal beauty, to which every part and particle is equally related; the eternal One.  When it breaks through our intellect, it is genius; when it breathes through our will, it is virtue; when it flows through our affections, it is love."

To truly listen is to perfect one's own virtue.

I thought I would revive this thread
with a quote found on zenmember's web site.
I do not know who said it,
but I believe it was Richard.
If I titled it, I would call it "Rules for Living Well" . . .
 

Remember :

• There is harmony and balance in all things
  
• All things are born, live and die
  
• You are imperfect and still learning
  
• Lead by example
  
• Know your place
  
• Let your goodness shine through
  
• Persevere Persevere Persevere
  
• Come to terms with restrictions
  
• Keep it simple
  
• Have an open mind and a watchful eye

with love . . .
sparrow

everything counts... ♥

Remember :

There is harmony and balance in all things

All things are born, live and die

You are imperfect and still learning

Lead by example

Know your place

Let your goodness shine through

Persevere Persevere Persevere

Come to terms with restrictions

Keep it simple

Have an open mind and a watchful eye

 
Thank you Sparrow for re living this thread I have cut and pasted this on
 
my computer pin board.
 
Sandraxx

The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love~and be loved in return♥♥