Live before you die, so that death is also a lively celebration.
Nothing can be forced, receptivity is everything.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that true understanding and acceptance cannot be rushed or forced; one must be open and receptive to learn and grow.
B.K.S. Iyengar emphasizes the importance of receptivity in the process of learning and personal growth. The idea that 'nothing can be forced' highlights the futility of attempting to rush or compel experiences, while 'receptivity is everything' points to the necessity of being open and willing to embrace knowledge and experiences as they come. This philosophy underscores that growth and insight come through patience and an open heart and mind.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
A speaker at a personal development seminar might use this quote to encourage attendees to be patient with themselves.
More from B.K.S. Iyengar
All quotes βHard work and humility are essential for spiritual sadhana.
Asana done from the brain makes one heavy and done from the heart makes one light.
The body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in.
Healthy plants and trees yield abundant flowers and fruits. Similarly, from a healthy person, smiles and happiness shine forth like the rays of the sun.
Before peace between the nations, we have to find peace inside that small nation which is our own being.
Similar quotes
If you don't make mistakes, you're not working on hard enough problems. And that's a big mistake.
Your awareness has its source in unity. Instead of seeking outside yourself, go to the source to realize who you are.
It is better to sleep on things beforehand than lie awake about them afterwards.
If you spend your life trying to please people or letting them control you, you may make them happy, but you'll miss your destiny.
So with each advance in understanding come new questions. So we need to be very humble. We shouldnβt have hubris and think that we can understand everything. But history tells us that there is good reason to believe that we will continue making fantastic progress in the years ahead.
No man can avail himself of the forces of his creative imagination, while dissipating them.