Developing Spiritual Qualities Quotes

Easy is the life of a shameless one
Who is as bold as a crow,
A back-biting, a forward,
An arrogant and a corrupted one.

Hard is the life of a modest one
Who ever seeks after purity,
Who is strenous, humble,
Cleanly of life, and discerning.

(Budhist, Dhammapada, Sayings of the Buddha 3 (tr. J. Richards))

Improper thoughts and emotions such as those of violence- whether done, caused to be done, or even approved of- indeed, any thought originating in desire, anger or delusion, whether mild medium or intense- do all result in endless pain and misery. Overcome such distractions by pondering on the opposites.
When one is confirmed in non-violence, hostility ceases in his presence.
When one is firmly established in speaking truth, the fruits of action become subservient to him.
All jewels approach him who is confirmed in honesty.
When one is confirmed in celibacy, spiritual vigor is gained.
When one is confirmed in non-possessiveness, the knowledge of the why and how of existence is attained.

(Hindu, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: 2.34-2.39)

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

(Ephesians, Verse 2-6)

O my Lord! Make Thy beauty to be my food, and Thy presence my drink, and Thy pleasure my hope, and praise of Thee my action, and remembrance of Thee my companion, and the power of Thy sovereignty my succorer, and Thy habitation my home, and my dwelling-place the seat Thou hast sanctified from the limitations imposed upon them who are shut out as by a veil from Thee.

Thou art, verily, the Almighty, the All-Glorious, the Most Powerful.

- Bahá'u'lláh
(Compilations, Baha'i Prayers, p. 143)


Create in me a pure heart, O my God, and renew a tranquil conscience within me, O my Hope! Through the spirit of power confirm Thou me in Thy Cause, O my Best-Beloved, and by the light of Thy glory reveal unto me Thy path, O Thou the Goal of my desire! Through the power of Thy transcendent might lift me up unto the heaven of Thy holiness, O Source of my being, and by the breezes of Thine eternity gladden me, O Thou Who art my God! Let Thine everlasting melodies breathe tranquillity on me, O my Companion, and let the riches of Thine ancient countenance deliver me from all except Thee, O my Master, and let the tidings of the revelation of Thine incorruptible Essence bring me joy, O Thou Who art the most manifest of the manifest and the most hidden of the hidden!

- Bahá'u'lláh
(Compilations, Baha'i Prayers, p. 141)