Do not live with a vocation that is harmful to humans and nature. Do not invest in companies that deprive others of their chance to live. Select a vocation that helps realise your ideal of compassion.
Nhat HanhRead
As long as you find something beautiful, good, and true to believe in and abide by, you have the equivalent of God in your life.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that belief in beauty, goodness, and truth provides a sense of purpose akin to having God in one's life.
Thich Nhat Hanh emphasizes the importance of finding and holding onto ideals that resonate with oneβs values. By recognizing and adhering to what is beautiful, good, and true, individuals can cultivate a spiritual presence in their lives, which serves as a guiding force similar to faith in a deity. This perspective encourages a personal exploration of meaning and encourages individuals to discover their own sources of inspiration and guidance.
Themes
BeautyGoodnessTruthBeliefSpiritualityMeaning
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about finding purpose, you might say, 'As long as you find something beautiful, good, and true to believe in and abide by, you have the equivalent of God in your life.'
More from Nhat Hanh
All quotes βI have lost my smile, but don't worry. The dandelion has it.
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I realize that many elements of the Buddhist teaching can be found in Christianity, Judaism, Islam. I think if Buddhism can help, it is the concrete methods of practice.
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Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I am committed to cultivating compassion and learning ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to support any act of killing in the world, in my thinking, and in my way of life.
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The therapist does not treat patients by simply giving them another set of beliefs. He or she tries to help them see which kinds of ideas and beliefs have led to their suffering. Many patients want to get rid of their painful feelings, but they do not want to get rid of their beliefs, the viewpoints that are the very roots of their feelings.
Nhat HanhRead
Scientists tell us that we have enough technology to save our planet. . . . Yet we don't take advantage of this new technology. . . . The technological has to work hand-in-hand with the spiritual. Our spiritual life is the element that can bring about the energies of peace, calm, brotherhood, understanding, and compassion. Without that, our planet doesn't stand a chance.
Nhat HanhRead
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