All happiness comes from awareness. The more we are conscious the deeper the joy. Acceptance of pain, non-resistance, courage and endurance - these open deep and perennial sources of real happiness, true bliss.
Sri Nisargadatta MaharajRead
Watch your thoughts as you watch the street traffic. People come and go; you register without response. It may not be easy in the beginning, but with some practice you will find that your mind can function on many levels at the same time and you can be aware of them all.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Be mindful of your thoughts without reacting to them.
This quote encourages mindfulness and self-awareness, suggesting that one should observe their thoughts as they would observe passing traffic, without getting emotionally involved. Over time and with practice, a person can learn to be aware of multiple thoughts and feelings simultaneously, leading to greater mental clarity and peace.
Themes
MindfulnessAwarenessThoughtsSelf-ObservationPractice
In practice
Example use cases
In a meditation workshop, as an encouragement for participants to be non-reactive.
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All quotes βEven faith in God is only a stage on the way. Ultimately you abandon all, for you come to something so simple that there are no words to express it.
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Do not neglect this body. This is the house of God; take care of it, only in this body can God be realized.
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You are so accustomed to think of yourselves as bodies having consciousness that you just cannot imagine consciousness as having bodies. Once you realize that bodily existence is but a state of mind, a movement in consciousness, that the ocean of consciousness is infinite and eternal, and that, when in touch with consciousness, you are the witness only, you will be able to withdraw beyond consciousness altogether.
Sri Nisargadatta MaharajRead
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