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The Sufis advise us to speak only after our words have managed to pass through three gates. At the first gate, we ask ourselves, 'Are these words true?' If so, we let them pass on; if not, back they go. At the second gate, we ask, 'Are the necessary?' At the last gate, we ask, 'Are they kind?'
Eknath Easwaran
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the importance of thoughtful communication by filtering our words through truth, necessity, and kindness.

Eknath Easwaran's quote highlights a profound approach to communication inspired by Sufi wisdom. It encourages individuals to reflect on their words before speaking, ensuring they are truthful, necessary, and kind. This method promotes deeper connections and more meaningful interactions, fostering a more considerate and compassionate approach to dialogue in personal and public discourse.

Themes

CommunicationWisdomTruthKindnessThoughtfulness

In practice

Example use cases

During a public speaking event to emphasize the importance of mindful communication.

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At the beginning of every winter people are careful to install storm windows. These extra panes of glass protect their houses against the bitter winds. We do something very similar to protect our minds through the practice of meditation.
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Wherever people gather for selfless ends, there is a vast augmentation of their individual capacities. Something wonderful, something momentous happens. An irresistible force begins to move, which, though we may not see it, is going to change our world. In this lies the power and the meaning of spiritual companionship.
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Activity is not achievement. It is not enough to rush about beginning a lot of things and keeping busy. A well-spent life is one that rounds out what it has begun.
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To enjoy anything, we cannot be attached to it... What we usually try to do is capture any joy that comes our way before it can escape... We try to cling to pleasure, but all we succeed in doing is making ourselves frustrated because, whatever it promises, pleasure simply cannot last. But if I am willing to kiss the joy as it flies, I say, "Yes, this moment is beautiful. I won't grab it. I'll let it go."
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