Life is life - whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage.
Sri AurobindoRead
The fly that touches honey cannot use it's wings; so too the soul that clings to spiritual sweetness ruins it's freedom and hinders contemplation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that indulging in earthly pleasures can limit one's spiritual growth and freedom.
Sri Aurobindo's quote emphasizes the importance of detachment in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Just as a fly cannot fly when it becomes overly entangled with honey, individuals may find that becoming too attached to worldly pleasures can hinder their spiritual journey and ability to meditate or reflect deeply. The essence of true spiritual freedom lies in transcending material desires.
Themes
SpiritualityFreedomDetachmentContemplationGrowth
In practice
Example use cases
In a meditation retreat, this quote can remind participants to focus on their inner journey rather than external distractions.
More from Sri Aurobindo
All quotes →To listen to some devout people, one would imagine that God never laughs.
Sri AurobindoRead
Indian religion has always felt that since the minds, the temperaments and the intellectual affinities of men are unlimited in their variety, a perfect liberty of thought and of worship must be allowed to the individual in his approach to the Infinite.
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Be conscious first of thyself within, then think and act. All living thought is a world in preparation; all real act is a thought manifested. The material world exists because an idea began to play in divine self–consciousness.
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Evolution is not finished; reason is not the last word nor the reasoning animal the supreme figure of Nature. As man emerged out of the animal, so out of man the superman emerges.
Sri AurobindoRead
Impossibility is only a sum of greater unrealised possibles. It veils an advanced stage and a yet unaccomplished journey.
Sri AurobindoRead
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