Every phenomenon on earth is symbolic, and each symbol is an open gate through which the soul, if it is ready, can enter into the inner part of the world, where you and I and day and night are all one.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and the deeper meanings behind earthly phenomena.
Hermann Hesse suggests that every occurrence in the world carries symbolic significance, and understanding these symbols allows individuals to access a profound unity that transcends the ordinary distinctions between people, time, and nature. It highlights the importance of readiness in perceiving deeper truths about existence and our connection to the universe.
In practice
In a discussion about the meanings behind nature, you might use this quote to illustrate the depth of understanding we can find in the world around us.
I shall no longer be instructed by the Yoga Veda or the Aharva Veda, or the ascetics, or any other doctrine whatsoever. I shall learn from myself, be a pupil of myself; I shall get to know myself, the mystery of Siddhartha." He looked around as if he were seeing the world for the first time.
That is where my dearest and brightest dreams have ranged β to hear for the duration of a heartbeat the universe and the totality of life in its mysterious, innate harmony.
I, also, would like to look and smile, sit and walk like that, so free, so worthy, so restrained, so candid, so childlike and mysterious. A man only looks and walks like that when he has conquered his Self. I also will conquer my Self.
You're quite right there," he said. "I have practiced abstinence myself for years, and had my time of fasting, too, but now I find myself once more beneath the sign of Aquarius, a dark and humid constellation.
I call that man awake who, with conscious knowledge and understanding, can perceive the deep unreasoning powers in his soul, his whole innermost strength, desire and weakness, and knows how to reckon with himself.
Despair is the result of each earnest attempt to go through life with virtue, justice and understanding, and to fulfill their requirements. Children live on one side of despair, the awakened on the other side.
Freedom would be not to choose between black and white but to abjure such prescribed choices.
Emotion only lasts in our bodies for about 90 seconds. After that, the physical reaction dissipates, UNLESS our cognitive brain kicks in and starts connecting our anger with past events.
A: There is no grand scheme of things. B: If there were a grand scheme of things, the fact β the fact β that we are not equipped to perceive it, either by natural or supernatural means, is a nightmarish obscenity. C: The very notion of a grand scheme of things is a nightmarish obscenity.
Gentleness, self-sacrifice and generosity are the exclusive possession of no one race or religion.
It takes a long while for a naturally trustful person to reconcile himself to the idea that after all God will not help him
.. that a rule, which, in speculation, may seem the most advantageous to society, may yet be found, in practice, totally pernicious and destructive.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.