Magnanimity

Magnanimity. A disciple lacking in magnanimity makes no progress at all. One whose aspiration does not go beyond heaven, is not fit for this battle. The wise hold that the desire to have everything in the world according to one's own wishes, befits a woman, not a man.... In short, a magnanimous disciple should first of all tread upon his own life, and try his sword on his own desire-nature, not on an infidel. For the infidel can only hurt the body, and plunder earthly possessions; whereas the desire-nature injures the very root of religion and destroys faith....

Be on the alert, and take no step without due caution, for time is a penalty to the heedless.

It is said:- when a man wishes to enter the path, the chief of the evil ones, Satan, seizes his skirt and says: i bear the cross of curse for this work, that no unclean fellow may enter the path. If any dare come in without the robe of monotheism and sincere earnestness, i lop off his feet. ...

should thy inner eyes unfold, every atom would tell thee a hundred secrets. Then wouldst thou see each atom ever advancing. All are absorbed in the march- thou art blind-and the march goes on in thee as well. There is no limit to the progress of love. Such has been, there is no help. from highest heaven to lowest abyss, all things are seeking and striving. It is the wicked man alone who has made peace with the enemy, and cut himself off from the beloved.- letter 53.

Magnanimity. A disciple lacking in magnanimity makes no progress at all. One whose aspiration does not go beyond heaven, is not fit for this battle. The wise hold that the desire to have everything in the world according to one's own wishes, befits a woman, not a man.... In short, a magnanimous disciple should first of all tread upon his own life, and try his sword on his own desire-nature, not on an infidel. For the infidel can only hurt the body, and plunder earthly possessions; whereas the desire-nature injures the very root of religion and destroys faith....

Be on the alert, and take no step without due caution, for time is a penalty to the heedless.

It is said:- when a man wishes to enter the path, the chief of the evil ones, Satan, seizes his skirt and says: i bear the cross of curse for this work, that no unclean fellow may enter the path. If any dare come in without the robe of monotheism and sincere earnestness, i lop off his feet. ...

should thy inner eyes unfold, every atom would tell thee a hundred secrets. Then wouldst thou see each atom ever advancing. All are absorbed in the march- thou art blind-and the march goes on in thee as well. There is no limit to the progress of love. Such has been, there is no help. from highest heaven to lowest abyss, all things are seeking and striving. It is the wicked man alone who has made peace with the enemy, and cut himself off from the beloved.- letter 53.