Live before you die, so that death is also a lively celebration.
When you inhale, you are taking the strength from God. When you exhale, it represents the service you are giving to the world.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the balance between receiving and giving in life, suggesting that our breath connects us to a higher power and our service to others.
B.K.S. Iyengar's quote encapsulates the idea that life is a cycle of receiving and offering. Inhaling symbolizes the strength and support we derive from the divine or the universe, while exhaling represents the contribution we make to the world around us. This balance between nurturing oneself and serving others is fundamental to human existence, highlighting the interdependent nature of life.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a meditation session to inspire participants about the relationship between self-nourishment and altruism.
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.
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They assembled together and dedicated these as the first-fruits of their love to Apollo in his Delphic temple, inscribing there those maxims which are on every tongue- 'know thyselP and 'Nothing overmuch.'