When, by meditation, we withdraw restless thoughts from the lake of the mind, we behold our soul, a perfect reflection of Spirit.
Paramahansa YoganandaRead
Man is important in one sense only. He was made in the image of God: That is his importance. He is not important for his body, ego, or personality. His constant affirmation of ego-consciousness is the source of all his problems.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The importance of a person lies in their divine essence rather than their physical attributes or ego.
This quote by Paramahansa Yogananda emphasizes the idea that true value and significance come from being created in the image of God. It suggests that preoccupation with one's ego, body, or personality leads to personal struggles, implying that recognizing our divine nature can bring greater understanding and peace.
Themes
ImportanceDivineEgoSelf-AwarenessProblems
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about self-worth and self-esteem.
More from Paramahansa Yogananda
All quotes →It is wisest to be impartial. If you have health, but are attached to it, you will always be afraid of losing it. And if you fear that loss, but become ill, you will suffer. Why not remain forever joyful in the Self?
Paramahansa YoganandaRead
From joy people are born; for joy they live; in joy they melt at death. Death is an ecstasy, for it removes the burden of the body and frees the soul of all pain springing from body identification. It is the cessation of pain and sorrow.
Paramahansa YoganandaRead
It is better to meditate a little bit with depth than to mediate long with the mind running here and there. If you do not make an effort to control the mind it will go on doing as it pleases, no matter how long you sit to meditate.
Paramahansa YoganandaRead
Millions of people never analyze themselves. Mentally they are mechanical products of the factory of their environment, preoccupied with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, working and sleeping, and going here and there to be entertained. They don't know what or why they are seeking, nor why they never realize complete happiness and lasting satisfaction. By evading self-analysis, people go on being robots, conditioned by their environment. True self-analysis is the greatest art of progress.
Paramahansa YoganandaRead
As you find your soul-reservoir of peace, less and less controversy will be able to afflict your life.
Paramahansa YoganandaRead
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