It is not we who seek the Way, but the Way which seeks us. That is why you are faithful to it, even while you stand waiting, so long as you are prepared, and act the moment you are confronted by its demands.
Dag HammarskjoldRead
Much like a subtle spider which doth sit_x000D_ _x000D_ In middle of her web, which spreadeth wide;_x000D_ _x000D_ If aught do touch the utmost thread of it,_x000D_ _x000D_ She feels it instantly on every side.
Interpretation
This quote illustrates the interconnectedness of experiences and feelings, emphasizing awareness and sensitivity to one's environment.
The quote by Sir John Davies uses the metaphor of a spider in its web to convey how individuals are deeply aware of their surroundings and the effects of external stimuli. Just as a spider can sense any disturbance in its web, people are often attuned to the subtle influences and changes in their environment and relationships, illustrating a profound connection to the world around them.
In practice
In a discussion about mindfulness, one might quote this to highlight the importance of being aware of our surroundings.
It is not we who seek the Way, but the Way which seeks us. That is why you are faithful to it, even while you stand waiting, so long as you are prepared, and act the moment you are confronted by its demands.
In vain do we seek tranquility in the desert; temptations are always with us; our passions, represented by the demons, never let us alone: those monsters created by the heart, those illusions produced by the mind, those vain specters that are our errors and our lies always appear before us to seduce us; they attack us even in our fasting or our mortifications, in other words, in our very strength.
Everything in my own immediate experience supports my deep belief that I am the absolute center of the universe, the realest, most vivid and important person in existence.
It was the experience of mystery - even if mixed with fear - that engendered religion.
When the freedom they wished for most was freedom from responsibility, then Athens ceased to be free and was never free again.
As soon as you concern yourself with the 'good' and 'bad' of your fellows, you create an opening in your heart for maliciousness to enter. Testing, competing with, and criticizing others weaken and defeat you.
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