Monthly Archives: May 2024

2024
05/07

Category:
Kabir
Philosophy

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Look inside the self – that is where peace resides.

“The only journey is the journey within!” — Rainer Maria Rilke

 
Kabir – The couplet
हरि संगत शीतल भया, मिटी मोह की ताप ।
निश्वासर सुख निधि, लहा अंगटा आप ||
 
Transliterated:
Hari sangat sheetal bhaya, miti moh ki taap|
Nishwasar sukh nidhi, laha angata aap||
 
Translation:
In the company of the Divine, it becomes cool, the heat of attachment dissipates|
With every breath, find the treasure of happiness, realize your own essence||
 
My understanding:
Rilke’s quote beautifully captures the idea that the most rewarding adventure we’ll ever embark on is the one within ourselves. When I read Rilke’s words, I’m reminded that the most profound journey is the one that illuminates our inner world. It echoes Kabir’s wisdom that genuine fulfillment blooms when we tune into our own hearts and souls, rather than chasing after outward success or possessions. Kabir’s poetry also whispers that true contentment springs from embracing our authentic selves, not from external validation or accolades. This perspective feels like an invitation to dance with our own spirits, to celebrate our unique growth, and to bask in the warm joy that radiates from understanding ourselves on the deepest level.

2024
05/06

Category:
Kabir
Philosophy

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Peace lives inside us – not outside in the external world.

“When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others.” — Peace Pilgrim (born Mildred Lisette Norman in 19081)

 
Kabir – The couplet
जग मे बैरी कोई नह , जो मन शीतल होय ।

यह आपा तो डाल दे, दया करे सब कोय ||
 
Transliterated:
Jag me bairi koi nahi, jo man sheetal hoy |
Yah aapa to daal de, daya kare sab koy||
 
Translation:
In the world, there is no enemy if one’s mind is calm and composed|
 Cast aside your ego, and everyone will show compassion ||
 
My understanding:
Kabir’s couplet teaches that a serene mind sees no enemies, and by relinquishing the ego, one can experience universal compassion.

The quote by Peace Pilgrim encapsulates the idea that internal peace is a prerequisite for harmonious relationships with others. It mirrors Kabir’s thoughts on how a calm mind perceives no enemies and the importance of relinquishing ego for universal compassion.          

  1. NOTE: Peace Pilgrim, born Mildred Lisette Norman in 1908, was an American spiritual teacher and peace activist. Starting in 1953, she dedicated her life to a personal peace mission, walking across the United States for nearly three decades. Remarkably, she vowed to remain a wanderer until mankind had learned the way of peace, walking without money and carrying only the essentials. Peace Pilgrim relied on the kindness of strangers for food and shelter and wore a tunic with the words “Peace Pilgrim” on it. Her pilgrimage covered more than 25,000 miles on foot, during which she spoke about peace, both as an internal personal commitment and as a collective societal goal. She authored “Steps Toward Inner Peace,” detailing her philosophies and practices, which include achieving inner peace by overcoming evil with good, falsehood with truth, and hatred with love. Peace Pilgrim’s teachings and unique approach to living her message continue to inspire people dedicated to peace and spiritual fulfillment. ↩︎