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We laugh at the efforts of the musk deer to find the source of the scent which comes from itself and despair at our efforts to find the peace which is our essence.
Ramakrishna
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote highlights the absurdity of seeking peace outside oneself when it is inherent to our nature.

Ramakrishna's quote draws a parallel between the musk deer's futile search for the source of its own scent and humanity's often fruitless quest for inner peace. Just as the deer is oblivious to the fact that the scent emanates from within, people frequently overlook that true peace is an intrinsic part of their essence, not something to be discovered externally. This observation invites reflection on the importance of self-awareness and understanding one's inner self to attain tranquility.

Themes

PeaceInner EssenceSelf-AwarenessTranquilityPhilosophy

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational seminar about finding inner peace.

More from Ramakrishna

If you desire to be pure, have firm faith, and slowly go on with your devotional practices without wasting your energy in useless scriptural discussions and arguments. Your little brain will otherwise be muddled.
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The winds of grace are always blowing, but you have to raise the sail.
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A man develops a subtle power as a result of the strict observance of celibacy for twelve years. Then he can understand and grasp very subtle things which otherwise elude his intellect. Through that understanding the aspirant can have direct vision of God. That pure understanding alone enables him to realize Truth.
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You see many stars in the sky at night, but not when the sun rises. Can you therefore say that there are no stars in the heavens during the day? Because you cannot find God in the days of your ignorance, say not that there is no God.
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Bondage is of the mind; freedom too is of the mind. If you say 'I am a free soul. I am a son of God who can bind me' free you shall be.
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Whoever wants God intensely, finds Him. Go and verify it in your own life.
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