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 — 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.
Where we are going as a species is a big question. Human evolution certainly hasn't stopped. Every time individuals produce a new zygote, there's a reshuffling and recombination of genes. And we don't know where all of that is going to take us.
This is the curse of our age, even the strangest aberrations are no cure for boredom.
If you destroyed half the pharmaceutical production in the United States, we'd think it's a pretty serious problem. In fact, we'd probably go to war.
Let us be cautious in making assertions and critical in examining them, but tolerant in permitting linguistic forms.
While overeating would be seen by some as an indulgence of self, it is in fact a profound rejection of self. It is a moment of self-betrayal and self-punishment, and anything but a commitment to one's own well-being.
Burnin' churches, fearin' God, Who can be so cruel, We all ignorant to AIDS, Till it happens to you.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.