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
A man knows when he has found his vocation when he stops thinking about how to live and begins to live.
The reality of truth is not to be bought, to be sold, to be repeated; it cannot be caught in books. It has to be found from moment to moment, in the smile, in the tear, under the dead leaf, in the vagrant thought, in the fullness of love.
Listen to your heart. It knows all things, because it came from the Soul of the World and it will one day return there.
I believe that we have been doing this not primarily to achieve riches or even honour, but rather because we were interested in the work, enjoyed doing it and felt very strongly that it was worthwhile.
It is a waste of energy to be angry with a man who behaves badly, just as it is to be angry with a car that won't go.
Advice in old age is foolish; for what can be more absurd than to increase our provisions for the road the nearer we approach to our journey's end.