The river is everywhere at the same time . . . everywhere and the present only exists for it, not the shadow of the past, nor the shadow of the future.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the idea that the present moment is all-encompassing and that the river, symbolizing time, flows continuously without regard for past or future.
Hermann Hesse's quote reflects a profound philosophical perspective on time and existence. The river serves as a metaphor for the present moment, illustrating that it is constant and pervasive, while the past and future are merely shadows that do not hold real substance. This perspective encourages us to focus on the now, recognizing that our experience of time is better understood through the lens of the present rather than the often distracting pull of what has been or what is yet to come.
In practice
In a meditation class, to emphasize the importance of mindfulness.
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 — 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.
There are people who can start having very powerful experiences without taking psychedelics. It can happen against their will. This is a universal phenomenon.
To use what has a boundary to pursue what is limitless is dangerous; with this knowledge, if we still go after knowledge, we will run into trouble. Do not do what is good in order to gain praise. If you do what is bad be sure to avoid the punishment. Follow the Middle Course, for this is the way to keep yourself together, to sustain your life, to care for your parents and to live for many years.
I’m me, and at the same time not me. That’s what it felt like. A very still, quiet feeling.
There's such divinity doth hedge a king _x000D_ That treason can but peep to what it would.
The moment we face it frankly we are driven to the conclusion that the community has a right to put a price on the right to live in it
All things are subject to decay and when fate summons, monarchs must obey.
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