Eating constitutes the greatest obstacle to self-control; it gives rise to indolence.
MahaviraRead
Cut brambles long enough, Sprout after sprout, And the lotus will bloom Of its own accord: Already waiting in the clearing, The single image of light. The day you see this, That day you will become it.
Interpretation
Patience and perseverance will lead to personal growth and enlightenment.
This quote by Sun Bu'Er emphasizes the importance of persistence in the face of challenges. Just as brambles must be cut to allow the lotus to bloom, we must work through our struggles and be patient as we progress toward self-realization and enlightenment, which will come naturally when the time is right.
In practice
This quote can inspire students during a graduation speech about the journey to success.
Eating constitutes the greatest obstacle to self-control; it gives rise to indolence.
All the lessons of history in four sentences: Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad with power. The mills of God grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly small. The bee fertilizes the flower it robs. When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.
Doing what's right isn't the problem. It is knowing what's right.
As we look into the future, we are going to need to be stronger and more responsible for our choices in a world where people "call evil good, and good evil." We do not choose wisely if we use our agency in opposition to God's will or to priesthood counsel. Tomorrow's blessings and opportunities depend on the choices we make today.
Don't be too quick to draw conclusions from what happens to you; simply let it happen. Otherwise it will be too easy for you to look with blame... at your past, which naturally has a share with everything that now meets you.
Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.
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