Live before you die, so that death is also a lively celebration.
Nothing can be forced, receptivity is everything.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that true understanding and acceptance cannot be rushed or forced; one must be open and receptive to learn and grow.
B.K.S. Iyengar emphasizes the importance of receptivity in the process of learning and personal growth. The idea that 'nothing can be forced' highlights the futility of attempting to rush or compel experiences, while 'receptivity is everything' points to the necessity of being open and willing to embrace knowledge and experiences as they come. This philosophy underscores that growth and insight come through patience and an open heart and mind.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
A speaker at a personal development seminar might use this quote to encourage attendees to be patient with themselves.
More from B.K.S. Iyengar
All quotes βHard work and humility are essential for spiritual sadhana.
Asana done from the brain makes one heavy and done from the heart makes one light.
The body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in.
Healthy plants and trees yield abundant flowers and fruits. Similarly, from a healthy person, smiles and happiness shine forth like the rays of the sun.
Before peace between the nations, we have to find peace inside that small nation which is our own being.
Similar quotes
I've always found a cure for the blues is wandering into something unknown, and resting there, before coming back to whatever weight you were carrying.
What ever the motive for the insult, it is always best to overlook it; for folly doesn't deserve resentment, and malice is punished by neglect.
Clearly recognizing what is happening inside us, and regarding what we see with an open, kind and loving heart, is what I call Radical Acceptance. If we are holding back from any part of our experience, if our heart shuts out any part of who we are and what we feel, we are fueling the fears and feelings of separation that sustain the trance of unworthiness. Radical Acceptance directly dismantles the very foundations of this trance.
Grown men may learn from very little children, for the hearts of little children are pure, and, therefore, the Great Spirit may show to them many things which older people miss.
It's okay to lose; just don't lose the lesson.
The Master said, At fifteen I set my heart upon learning. At thirty, I had planted my feet firm upon the ground. At forty, I no longer suffered from perplexities. At fifty, I knew what were the biddings of Heaven. At sixty, I heard them with docile ear. At seventy, I could follow the dictates of my own heart; for what I desired no longer overstepped the boundaries of righ.