madadam

[madadam]

AVOIDING IDLE TALK

Shun gossip as much as possible, for discussion of worldly affairs, even though sincere, is a great distraction inasmuch as we are quickly ensnared and captivated by vanity.

Many a time I wish to have held my peace and not associated with them. Why, indeed, do we converse and gossip among ourselves when we so seldom part without a troubled conscience? We do so because we seek comfort from one another���s conversation and wish to ease the mind wearied by diverse thoughts. Hence, we talk and think quite fondly of things we like very much or of things we dislike intensely. But, sad to say, we often talk vainly and to no purpose; for this external pleasure effectively bars inward and Divine Consolation. Therefore we must watch and pray lest time pass idly.

When the right and opportune moment comes for speaking, say something that will edify.

Bad habits and indifference to spiritual progress do much to remove the guard from the tongue.

[madadam]

[madadam]

[madadam]

[madadam]

[madadam]

[madadam]

[madadam]

Identity or Integrity 

[madadam]

[madadam]

< Liberty or Victory >

[madadam]

We can never be perfectly free without the complete renunciation of self, for all who seek their own interest and who serve themselves are bound in fetters. They are unsettled by covetousness and curiosity, always searching for ease and not for the things of Truth, often devising and framing that which will not last, for anything that is not of Truth will fail eventually so hold to this advice, therefore: give up desires and rest will be found. Think upon it in heart, and once this is put into practice; true understanding can be achieved.

[madadam]

[madadam]

AVOIDING IDLE TALK

Shun gossip as much as possible, for discussion of worldly affairs, even though sincere, is a great distraction inasmuch as we are quickly ensnared and captivated by vanity.

Many a time I wish to have held my peace and not associated with them. Why, indeed, do we converse and gossip among ourselves when we so seldom part without a troubled conscience? We do so because we seek comfort from one another's conversation and wish to ease the mind wearied by diverse thoughts. Hence, we talk and think quite fondly of things we like very much or of things we dislike intensely. But, sad to say, we often talk vainly and to no purpose; for this external pleasure effectively bars inward and Divine Consolation. Therefore we must watch and pray lest time pass idly.

When the right and opportune moment comes for speaking, say something that will edify.

Bad habits and indifference to spiritual progress do much to remove the guard from the tongue.

[madadam]

SHUNNING OVER-FAMILIARITY

Do not open your heart to every one, but discuss your affairs with one who is wise and who fears Truth. Do not keep company with ignorant people and strangers. Do not fawn upon the rich, and do not be fond of mingling with the famous. Associate with the humble and the simple, with the devout and virtuous, and with them speak of edifying things. Be not intimate with another, but generally commend all pure souls to Truth. Seek only the intimacy of Truth and of it only, whilst avoiding the notice of others.

We ought to have charity for all but familiarity with all is not expedient. Sometimes it happens that a person enjoys a good reputation among those who do not know them, but at the same time is held in slight regard by those who do. Frequently we think we are pleasing others by our presence and we begin rather to displease them by the faults they find in us.

[madadam]

[madadam]

Those who are devoted to the impersonal study of nature, realize that we are cultivating within an aspect of the beauty in nature, because, by the fact of bereaving our personal self in study, we're becoming progressively universal in our thoughts, less concentrated on me; more concentrated on we. A selfish love can even damn, and this is the inverse case of evil spirituality; but a beautiful love can raise.