Celebration is a confrontation, giving attention to the transcendent meaning of one's actions.
Abraham Joshua HeschelRead
The true meaning of existence is disclosed in moments of living in the presence of God
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that the essence of life is understood through our moments spent in divine presence.
Abraham Joshua Heschel suggests that to truly grasp the meaning of existence, one must experience moments of deep connection with the divine. It implies that these sacred moments illuminate our understanding of life and purpose, revealing insights that transcend the everyday existence.
Themes
ExistencePresenceDivineMeaningLife
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a spiritual retreat to inspire reflection.
More from Abraham Joshua Heschel
All quotes →Normal consciousness is a state of stupor, in which the sensibility to the wholly real and responsiveness to the stimuli of the spirit are reduced. The mystics, knowing that man is involved in a hidden history of the cosmos, endeavor to awake from the drowsiness and apathy and to regain the state of wakefulness for their enchanted souls.
Abraham Joshua HeschelRead
Prayer cannot bring water to parched fields, or mend a broken bridge, or rebuild a ruined city; but prayer can water an arid soul, mend a broken heart, and rebuild a weakened will.
Abraham Joshua HeschelRead
The worship of reason is arrogance and betrays a lack of intelligence. The rejection of reason is cowardice and betrays a lack of faith.
Abraham Joshua HeschelRead
We worship God through our questions.
Abraham Joshua HeschelRead
When religion speaks only in the name of authority rather than with the voice of compassion, its message becomes meaningless.
Abraham Joshua HeschelRead
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