We can see the same spirit in everybody only when we know we are that spirit, Atman or Self. Only a person who has understood his own Self can see that Self in everybody.
Interpretation
Understanding one's true self allows for the recognition of the same essence in others.
This quote by Swami Satchidananda emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings through the understanding of the 'Self' or 'Atman.' It suggests that true perception of unity among individuals arises only when one recognizes and understands their own true essence, allowing for a deeper connection and empathy with others.
In practice
In a discussion about self-awareness and personal growth, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of understanding oneself.
If you have done something meritorious, you experience pleasure and happiness; if wrong things, suffering. A happy or unhappy life is your own creation. Nobody else is responsible. If you remember this, you won’t find fault with anybody. You are your own best friend as well as your worst enemy. (99)
Begin with little things daily and one day you will be doing things that months back you would have thought impossible.
Anything that you throw comes back. All your actions are echoes.
. . . I feel we don’t really need scriptures. The entire life is an open book, a scripture. Read it. Learn while digging a pit or chopping some wood or cooking some food. If you can’t learn from your daily activities, how are you going to understand the scriptures? (233)
When you win and the other fellow loses, what do you see? A losing face. There is great joy in losing and making the other person win and have a happy face. Who will be the happiest person? The one who brings happiness to others.
Yoga is not only learning to stand on your head but also learning to stand on your feet.
The legend of the best player of chess has been destroyed.
Thou hast created us for Thyself, and our heart is not quiet until it rests in Thee.
"Bombing Afghanistan back into the Stone Age" was quite a favourite headline for some wobbly liberals. The slogan does all the work. But an instant's thought shows that Afghanistan is being, if anything, bombed OUT of the Stone Age.
Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.
That is the nature of endings, it seems. They never end. When all the missing pieces of your life are found, put together with glue of memory and reason, there are more pieces to be found.
When a man bleeds inwardly, it is a dangerous thing for himself; but when he laughs inwardly, it bodes no good to other people.
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