Nothing was, nothing will be, everything has reality and presence
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of the present moment, suggesting that reality exists only in the now.
Hermann Hesse's quote reflects on the concept of time and existence, indicating that the past is a mere memory and the future is uncertain. It encourages mindfulness, urging us to recognize that the true essence of life is found in the present moment, where reality unfolds and experiences come alive. By focusing solely on what is tangible and immediate, we can appreciate the richness of life as it exists right now.
In practice
In a mindfulness workshop to illustrate the importance of living in the moment.
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.
'Facts, facts, facts,' cries the scientist if he wants to emphasize the necessity of a firm foundation for science. What is a fact? A fact is a thought that is true. But the scientist will surely not recognize something which depends on men's varying states of mind to be the firm foundation of science.
There is no greater sorrow than to recall happiness in times of misery.
Humans think they are smarter than dolphins because we build cars and buildings and start wars etc., and all that dolphins do is swim in the water, eat fish and play around. Dolphins believe that they are smarter for exactly the same reasons.
Bribes are not offered in such a way that you can prove them, and in order to prove that I didn't accept a bribe, I had to run.
A ship is worse than a gaol. There is, in a gaol, better air, better company, better conveniency of every kind; and a ship has the additional disadvantage of of being in danger.
No dragon can resist the fascination of riddling talk and of wasting time trying to understand it.
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