← Home
ethics

Renunciation Of Wealth

The spiritual danger of attachment to material possessions; wealth as a spiritual obstacle.

216 passages · 20 traditions
platonism: 33 passagesplatonism33buddhism: 26 passagesbuddhism26gnosticism: 25 passagesgnosticism25taoism: 21 passagestaoism21greek_mystery: 18 passagesgreek_mystery18western_esoteric: 16 passageswestern_esoteric16christian_mysticism: 13 passageschristian_mysticism13jewish_mysticism: 11 passagesjewish_mysticism11renaissance_hermeticism: 9 passagesrenaissance_hermeticism9hinduism: 8 passageshinduism8neoplatonism: 8 passagesneoplatonism8native_american: 7 passagesnative_american7mandaean: 5 passagesmandaean5sufism: 4 passagessufism4finnic: 3 passagesfinnic3norse: 3 passagesnorse3hermeticism: 2 passageshermeticism2mesopotamian: 2 passagesmesopotamian2egyptian: 1 passageegyptian1upanishads: 1 passageupanishads1
platonism33
Plato: Phaedo | Section 1f
And being dead is the attainment of this separation; when the soul exists in herself, and is parted from the body and the body is parted from the soul-that is death? Exactly: that and nothing else, he replied. And what do you say of anoth…”
Plato: Phaedo | Section 1h
And now that the hour of departure is appointed to me, this is the hope with which I depart, and not I only, but every man who believes that he has his mind purified. Certainly, replied Simmias. And what is purification but the separation…”
Plato: Phaedo | Section 1r
And this, my friend, may be conceived to be that heavy, weighty, earthy element of sight by which such a soul is depressed and dragged down again into the visible world, because she is afraid of the invisible and of the world below-prowling…”
Plato: Phaedo | Section 1ao
Those again who have committed crimes, which, although great, are not unpardonable-who in a moment of anger, for example, have done violence to a father or mother, and have repented for the remainder of their lives, or who have taken the li…”
Plato: Phaedrus | Section 1i
But hear what follows, and Perhaps the fit may be averted; all is in their hands above. I will go on talking to my youth. Listen: Thus, my friend, we have declared and defined the nature of the subject. Keeping the definition in view, le…”
Plato: Phaedrus | Section 1p
And there is a law of Destiny, that the soul which attains any vision of truth in company with a god is preserved from harm until the next period, and if attaining always is always unharmed. But when she is unable to follow, and fails to b…”
Plato: Phaedrus | Section 1r
But he whose initiation is recent, and who has been the spectator of many glories in the other world, is amazed when he sees any one having a godlike face or form, which is the expression of divine beauty; and at first a shudder runs throug…”
Plato: Phaedrus | Section 1v
For those who have once begun the heavenward pilgrimage may not go down again to darkness and the journey beneath the earth, but they live in light always; happy companions in their pilgrimage, and when the time comes at which they receive…”
Show all 33 →
buddhism26
The Dhammapada | Chapter I, Section 1e
It is the negative of the fourth Nidâna, the so-called Upâdâna, which Köppen has well explained by Anhänglichkeit, 'taking to the world, loving the world.' Köppen, Die Religion des Buddha, p. 610. Cf. Suttanipâta, v. 470 .]…”
The Dhammapada | Chapter III, Section 1c
I translate it therefore in a more general sense, let him not return or turn away from the battle, let him watch Mâra, even after he is vanquished, let him keep up a constant fight against the adversary, without being attached to anything o…”
The Dhammapada | Chapter V, Section 1a
p. 20 CHAPTER V. THE FOOL. 60. Long is the night to him who is awake; long is a mile to him who is tired; long is life to the foolish who do not know the true law. 61. If a traveller does not meet with one who is his better, or his eq…”
The Dhammapada | Chapter V, Section 1b
In Manu IV, 172, where a similar sentence occurs, the commentators are equally doubtful: Nâdharma s k arito loke sadya h phalati gaur iva, 'for an evil act committed in the world does not bear fruit at once, like a cow;' or 'like the earth…”
The Dhammapada | Chapter VI, Section 1a
p. 23 CHAPTER VI. THE WISE MAN (PA ND ITA). 76. If you see an intelligent man who tells you where true treasures are to be found, who shows what is to be avoided, and administers reproofs, follow that wise man; it will be better, not wo…”
The Dhammapada | Chapter VII, Section 1a
p. 27 CHAPTER VII. THE VENERABLE (ARHAT). 90. There is no suffering for him who has finished his journey, and abandoned grief, who has freed himself on all sides, and thrown off all fetters. 91. They depart with their thoughts well-co…”
The Dhammapada | Chapter VII, Section 1c
In the mischief done by the eye, we have, perhaps, the first indication of the evil eye. (Mahâbh. XII, 3417. See Dhammapada, vv. 231-234 .) On the technical meaning of tâdi, see Childers, s.v. D'Alwis (p. 78) has evidently received th…”
The Dhammapada | Chapter X, Section 1b
He who inflicts pain on innocent and harmless persons, will soon come to one of these ten states: [133. See Mahâbhârata XII, 4056. 134. See Childers, s.v. nibbâna, p. 270, and s.v. kâ m so; D'Alwis, Buddhist Nirvâ n a, p. 35. 136.…”
Show all 26 →
gnosticism25
Gospel of Philip | Section 1b
TRUTH MADE NAMES Truth made names in the world, and without them we can’t think. Truth is one and is many, teaching one thing through the many. RULERS The rulers wanted to fool us, since they saw we were connected with the good. They too…”
Gospel of Philip | Section 1j
In the world these are the true people. They are the attendants of the bridal chamber. POWER AND WEAKNESS In this world, power and weakness mingle when man and woman have sex. Joining is different in the eternal realm, though we use the…”
Gospel of Thomas | Logion 21
Mary said to Jesus, "Whom are your disciples like?" He said, "They are like children who have settled in a field which is not theirs. When the owners of the field come, they will say, 'Let us have back our field.' They (will) undress in the…”
Gospel of Thomas | Logion 36
Jesus said, "Do not be concerned from morning until evening and from evening until morning about what you will wear."…”
Gospel of Thomas | Logion 42
Jesus said, "Become passers-by."…”
Gospel of Thomas | Logion 54
Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor, for yours is the kingdom of heaven."…”
Gospel of Thomas | Logion 63
Jesus said, "There was a rich man who had much money. He said, 'I shall put my money to use so that I may sow, reap, plant, and fill my storehouse with produce, with the result that I shall lack nothing.' Such were his intentions, but that…”
Gospel of Thomas | Logion 64
Jesus said, "A man had received visitors. And when he had prepared the dinner, he sent his servant to invite the guests. He went to the first one and said to him, 'My master invites you.' He said, 'I have claims against some merchants. They…”
Show all 25 →
taoism21
Tao Te Ching | Chapter 3
Not to value and employ men of superior ability is the way to keep the people from rivalry among themselves; not to prize articles which are difficult to procure is the way to keep them from becoming thieves; not to show them what is likely…”
Tao Te Ching | Chapter 9
It is better to leave a vessel unfilled, than to attempt to carry it when it is full. If you keep feeling a point that has been sharpened, the point cannot long preserve its sharpness. When gold and jade fill the hall, their possessor canno…”
Tao Te Ching | Chapter 12
Colour's five hues from th' eyes their sight will take; Music's five notes the ears as deaf can make; The flavours five deprive the mouth of taste; The chariot course, and the wild hunting waste Make mad the mind; and objects rare and stran…”
Tao Te Ching | Chapter 19
If we could renounce our sageness and discard our wisdom, it would be better for the people a hundredfold. If we could renounce our benevolence and discard our righteousness, the people would again become filial and kindly. If we could reno…”
Tao Te Ching | Chapter 22
The partial becomes complete; the crooked, straight; the empty, full; the worn out, new. He whose (desires) are few gets them; he whose (desires) are many goes astray. Therefore the sage holds in his embrace the one thing (of humility), and…”
Tao Te Ching | Chapter 33
He who knows other men is discerning; he who knows himself is intelligent. He who overcomes others is strong; he who overcomes himself is mighty. He who is satisfied with his lot is rich; he who goes on acting with energy has a (firm) will.…”
Tao Te Ching | Chapter 41
Scholars of the highest class, when they hear about the Tao, earnestly carry it into practice. Scholars of the middle class, when they have heard about it, seem now to keep it and now to lose it. Scholars of the lowest class, when they have…”
Tao Te Ching | Chapter 44
Or fame or life, Which do you hold more dear? Or life or wealth, To which would you adhere? Keep life and lose those other things; Keep them and lose your life:--which brings Sorrow and pain more near? Thus we may see, Who cleaves to fame R…”
Show all 21 →
greek_mystery18
The Golden Verses of Pythagoras | Section 4 (part 1)
p. 1 THE GOLDEN VERSES OF PYTHAGORAS 1. First worship the Immortal Gods, as they are established and ordained by the Law. 2. Reverence the Oath, and next the Heroes, full of goodness and light. 3. Honour likewise the Terrestrial Dæmon…”
The Golden Verses of Pythagoras | Section 5 (part 2)
The mortal Oath--that used amongst men--has to be reverenced as an image of the other, and as leading to the greatest strength and stability of character. And if man would reverence the Oath, then must he do all in his power to understand…”
The Golden Verses of Pythagoras | Section 6 (part 1)
p. 18 THE GOLDEN SENTENCES OF DEMOCRATES 1. If anyone will give his mind to these sentences, he will obtain many things worthy of a man, and be free from many things that are base. 2. The perfection of the soul will correct the depravit…”
The Golden Verses of Pythagoras | Section 7 (part 1)
p. 29 THE PYTHAGOREAN SENTENCES OF DEMOPHILUS 1. Request not of Divinity such things as, when obtained, you cannot preserve; for no gift of Divinity can ever be taken away; and on this account he does not confer that which you are unable…”
The Golden Verses of Pythagoras | Section 7 (part 2)
Understand that no dissimulation can be long concealed. 24. The unjust man suffers greater evil while his soul is tormented with a consciousness of guilt, than when his body is scourged with whips. 25. It is by no means safe to discours…”
The Golden Verses of Pythagoras | Section 8 (part 1)
p. 37 THE SIMILITUDES OF DEMOPHILUS 1. Flattery is like painted armour, because it affords delight, but is of no use. 2. Learning is similar to a golden crown; for it is both honourable and advantageous. 3. Flighty men, like empty ves…”
The Golden Verses of Pythagoras | Section 9 (part 1)
p. 45 PYTHAGOREAN ETHICAL SENTENCES FROM STOBÆUS 1. Do not even think of doing what ought not to be done. 2. Choose rather to be strong in soul than in body. 3. Be persuaded that things of a laborious nature contribute more than pleas…”
The Golden Verses of Pythagoras | Section 9 (part 2)
Or in the third place, it is impelled when it is not proper, and to objects to which it ought not to tend. 22. Endeavour not to conceal your errors p. 49 by words, but to remedy them by reproof. 23. It is not so difficult to err, as no…”
Show all 18 →
western_esoteric16
Psychic Self-Defence (Dion Fortune) | 10. Non-Occult Dangers Of The Black Lodge-c
But quite apart from any form of coercion, unwary persons may, while filled with enthusiasm or glamoured by the new revelation, part with considerably more money than they can comfortably spare; they may even literally lay their all upon th…”
Psychic Self-Defence (Dion Fortune) | 12. Methods Employed In Making A Psychic Attack-b
Experimental psychologists are already suspecting that emotion is closely akin to electricity; they have proved conclusively that emotional states alter the electrical conductivity of the body. The occultist believes that emotion is a forc…”
The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Manly P. Hall) | Introduction-f
Euclid maintained that good has no opposite and therefore evil does not exist. Being asked about the nature of the gods, he declared himself ignorant of their disposition save that they hated curious persons. The Megarians are occasionall…”
The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Manly P. Hall) | The Ancient Mysteries and Secret Societies Which Have Influenced Modern Masonic Symbolism-x
Pluto, the lord of the underworld, represents the body intelligence of man; and the rape of Persephone is symbolic of the divine nature assaulted and defiled by the animal soul and dragged downward into the somber darkness of Hades, which i…”
The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Manly P. Hall) | An Analysis of Tarot Cards-h
Above sits the immobile sphinx, carrying the sword of Justice and signifying the perfect equilibrium of Universal Wisdom. Anubis is shown rising and Typhon descending; but when Typhon reaches the bottom, evil ascends again, and when Anubis…”
The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Manly P. Hall) | Rosicrucian Doctrines and Tenets-e
You that are wise will turn from these false teachings and come to us, who seek not your money but freely offer you our greater treasure. We desire not your goods, but that you should become partakers of our goods. We do not deride parabl…”
The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Manly P. Hall) | Alchemy and Its Exponents-f
Trismosin claimed to have lived to the age of 150 as the result of his knowledge of alchemy. One very significant statement appears in his Alchemical Wanderings, which work is supposed to narrate his search for the Philosopher's Scone: "St…”
The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Manly P. Hall) | The Theory and Practice of Alchemy-q
But most men either revile, or contemne that, our Manifesto, (the Fama and Confessio Fraternitatis ) or else waiving the Spirit of God, they expect the proposals thereof from us, supposing we will straightway teach them how to make gold by…”
Show all 16 →
christian_mysticism13
Pseudo-Dionysius: The Divine Names | Chapter 8, Section 1c
The wise Elymas, forsooth, did not perceive this; and so is like an unskilled athlete, who (as often happens), thinking his adversary to be weak, through judging by his own estimation, misses him each time and manfully strikes at his shadow…”
Pseudo-Dionysius: The Divine Names | Chapter 8, Section 1d
Thus, ‘tis true to say that it is more in accordance with Divine Righteousness not to lull into its destruction the manliness of the noblest characters through bestowing material goods upon them, nor to leave them without the aid of Divine…”
The Life and Doctrines of Jacob Boehme | Chapter 1 (part 4)
Let them, therefore, again go out with their will from their wilful ignorance or malignity and enter again into the will of God." ( Menschwerdung , 3, 5.) All this goes to show that it is useless and vain to seek for divine wisdom, meaning…”
The Life and Doctrines of Jacob Boehme | Chapter 1 (part 5)
' Not that a person should run away from his home, and desert his wife, child, or relatives, commit suicide, or throw away his property, so that he may not be therein corporeally; but he should kill and annihilate his self-will, the will th…”
The Life and Doctrines of Jacob Boehme | Chapter 9 (part 8)
402.) During the connubial act a divine interaction takes place; but there are also influences coming from the terrestrial and the satanic worlds. More especially is the nature of the child dependent on the quality of its parents. 2 p. 1…”
The Life and Doctrines of Jacob Boehme | Chapter 12 (part 4)
There was then no earthly food or drink, and the soul of Christ knew very well that she was in God, and that she could make terrestrial bread out of stones, as there was no other bread there. But she did not desire to eat with her celestia…”
The Life and Doctrines of Jacob Boehme | Chapter 13 (part 9)
279 free will already in the beginning (of a desire) destroys the desire, so that it does not become substantial, then is the physician (for the cure of that disease) already born, and there will not be needed such great earnestness as will…”
The Life and Doctrines of Jacob Boehme | Chapter 13 (part 12)
In the place which formerly was the seat of self-will there is now nothing, and wherever there is nothing there the love of God is solely active." ( Supernatural Life , xxviii.) "A true Christian knows himself to be a servant of God, whose…”
Show all 13 →
jewish_mysticism11
The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch, Charles translation) | Chapter VIII
CHAPTER VIII. 1. And Azâzêl taught men to make swords, and knives, and shields, and breastplates, and made known to them the metals 〈 of the earth 〉 and the art of working them, and bracelets, and ornaments, and the use of antimony, and the…”
The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch, Charles translation) | Chapter XLVI
XLVI. The Head of Days and the Son of Man . CHAPTER XLVI. 1. And there I saw One who had a head of days, And His head was white like wool, And with Him was another being whose countenance had the appearance of a man, And his face was full o…”
The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch, Charles translation) | Chapter LII
LII. The Seven 1 Metal Mountains and the Elect One . CHAPTER LII. l. And after those days in that place where I had seen all the visions of that which is hidden--for I had been carried off in a whirlwind and they had borne me towards the we…”
The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch, Charles translation) | Chapter LXIII
LXIII. The unavailing Repentance of the Kings and the Mighty . CHAPTER LXIII. 1. In those days shall the mighty and the kings who possess the earth implore (Him) to grant them a little respite from His angels of punishment to whom they were…”
The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch, Charles translation) | Chapter XCIV
XCIV. 1-5. Admonitions to the Righteous . CHAPTER XCIV. 1. And now I say unto you, my sons, love righteousness and walk therein; For the paths of righteousness are worthy of acceptation, But the paths of unrighteousness shall suddenly be de…”
The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch, Charles translation) | Chapter XCVI
XCVI. Grounds of Hopefulness for the Righteous: Woes for the Wicked . p. 137 CHAPTER XCVI. 1. Be hopeful, ye righteous; for suddenly shall the sinners perish before you, And ye shall have lordship over them according to your desires. [ 2. A…”
The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch, Charles translation) | Chapter XCVII
XCVII. The Evils in Store for Sinners and the Possessors of unrighteous Wealth . CHAPTER XCVII. 1. Believe, ye righteous, that the sinners will become a shame And perish in the day of unrighteousness. 2. Be it known unto you (ye sinners) th…”
The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch, Charles translation) | Chapter XCVIII
XCVIII. Self-indulgence of Sinners: Sin originated by Man: all Sin recorded in Heaven: Woes for the Sinners . CHAPTER XCVIII. 1. And now I swear unto you, to the wise and to the foolish, For ye shall have manifold experiences on the earth.…”
Show all 11 →
renaissance_hermeticism9
The Heroic Enthusiasts, Part I (Gli Eroici Furori) | INTRODUCTION-j
The body is in the soul, the soul is in the mind, the mind is in God. The life of the soul is the true life of the man. Of all his various faculties, that which rules all, that which exalts our nature, is Thought. By means of it we rise…”
The Heroic Enthusiasts, Part I (Gli Eroici Furori) | INTRODUCTION-k
Bruno returned to Paris in 1585, being at that time tutor in the family of Mauvissier, who had been recalled from England by his Sovereign. During Bruno's second sojourn in Paris efforts were made by Mendoza, the Spanish ambassador, and ot…”
The Heroic Enthusiasts, Part I (Gli Eroici Furori) | First Dialogue-c
Hence he cries: "O mountain of Parnassus, where I abide! Muses, with whom I converse! Fountain of Helicon, where I am nourished. Mountain, that affordest me a quiet dwelling-place! Muses, that inspire me with pro found doctrines. Fount…”
The Heroic Enthusiasts, Part I (Gli Eroici Furori) | Third Dialogue-d
In this disposition, I believe, was the Nolano when he said: 14. Woe's me! my fury forces me To union with the bad within, And makes it seem a love supreme and good. Wearied, my soul cares nought That I opposing counsels entertain, And w…”
The Heroic Enthusiasts, Part II (Gli Eroici Furori) | First Dialogue-f
But Providence wills that these, instead of rising to the sky, should go together to the shades of Orcus, so that naught is the glory of him who extols and of him who is extolled; for the one has woven a statue of straw, or carved the trunk…”
The Heroic Enthusiasts, Part II (Gli Eroici Furori) | First Dialogue-i
"It is not," says he, "gold and silver that makes one like God, because these are not treasure to Him; nor vestments, for God is naked; nor ostentation and fame, for He shows Himself to few, and perhaps not one knows Him, and certainly many…”
The Heroic Enthusiasts, Part II (Gli Eroici Furori) | First Dialogue-m
Thus everything has an impetus towards its beginning retrogressively, and progressively towards its end and perfection, as Empedocles well said, and from which sentence I think may be inferred that which the Nolan said in this octave: The s…”
The Heroic Enthusiasts, Part II (Gli Eroici Furori) | Second Dialogue-a
Maricondo. Here you see a flaming yoke enveloped in knots round which is written: Levius aura; which means that Divine love does not weigh down, nor carry his servant captive and enslaved to the lowest depths, but raises him, supports him…”
Show all 9 →
hinduism8
The Bhagavad Gita | Chapter II, Section 1c
But the states of mind of those who have no firm understanding are many-branched and endless. The state of mind consisting in firm understanding regarding steady contemplation does not belong to those, O son of P ri thâ! who are strongly…”
The Bhagavad Gita | Chapter IV, Section 1a
CHAPTER IV. The Deity said: This everlasting (system of) devotion I declared to the sun, the sun declared it to Manu , and Manu communicated it to Ikshvâku. Coming thus by steps, it became known to royal sages. But, O terror of (your) fo…”
The Bhagavad Gita | Chapter VI, Section 1a
CHAPTER VI. The Deity said: He who, regardless of the fruit of actions, performs the actions which ought to be performed, is the devotee and renouncer; not he who discards the (sacred) fires , nor he who performs no acts. Know, O son of P…”
The Bhagavad Gita | Chapter XIII, Section 1a
CHAPTER XIII. The Deity said: This body, O son of Kuntî! is called Kshetra , and the learned call him who knows it the Kshetra g ña. . And know me also, O descendant of Bharata! to be the Kshetra g ña in all Kshetras. The knowledge of…”
The Bhagavad Gita | Chapter XIV, Section 1b
who is not averse to light and activity and delusion (when they) prevail, and who does not desire (them when they) cease ; who sitting like one unconcerned is never perturbed by the qualities ; who remains steady and moves not, (thinking) m…”
The Bhagavad Gita | Chapter XVI, Section 1a
CHAPTER XVI. Freedom from fear, purity of heart, perseverance in (pursuit of) knowledge and abstraction of mind, gifts , self-restraint , and sacrifice, study of the Vedas, penance, straightforwardness, harmlessness, truth , freedom from a…”
The Bhagavad Gita | Chapter XVIII, Section 1c
Agriculture, tending cattle, trade, (this) is the natural duty of Vai s yas, And the natural duty of S ûdras, too, consists in service. (Every) man intent on his own respective duties obtains perfection . Listen, now, how one intent on on…”
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Book III | Sutra 38
Through the weakening of the causes of bondage, and by learning the method of sassing, the consciousness is transferred to the other body. In due time, after the spiritual man has been formed and grown stable through the forces and virtues…”
neoplatonism8
Select Works of Plotinus | Select Works, Section 40
Section 7 7. Then why are these conditions sought and their contraries repelled by the man established in happiness? Here is our answer: These more pleasant conditions cannot, it is true, add any particle towards the Sage's felicity: but th…”
Select Works of Plotinus | Select Works, Section 44
Section 11 11. We shall perhaps be told that in such a state the man is no longer alive: we answer that these people show themselves equally unable to understand his inner life and his happiness. If this does not satisfy them, we must ask t…”
Select Works of Plotinus | Select Works, Section 47
Section 14 14. For man, and especially the Sage, is not the Couplement of soul and body: the proof is that man can be disengaged from the body and disdain its nominal goods. It would be absurd to think that happiness begins and ends with th…”
Select Works of Plotinus | Select Works, Section 48
Section 15 15. But suppose two wise men, one of them possessing all that is supposed to be naturally welcome, while the other meets only with the very reverse: do we assert that they have an equal happiness? We do, if they are equally wise.…”
Select Works of Plotinus | Select Works, Section 68
Section 7 7. Therefore we must ascend again towards the Good, the desired of every Soul. Anyone that has seen This, knows what I intend when I say that it is beautiful. Even the desire of it is to be desired as a Good. To attain it is for t…”
Select Works of Plotinus | Select Works, Section 166
Section 10 10. Under detailed investigation, many other tenets of this school- indeed we might say all- could be corrected with an abundance of proof. But I am withheld by regard for some of our own friends who fell in with this doctrine be…”
Select Works of Plotinus | Select Works, Section 203 (part 1)
Section 16 16. But if all this is true, what room is left for evil? Where are we to place wrong-doing and sin? How explain that in a world organized in good, the efficient agents [human beings] behave unjustly, commit sin? And how comes…”
Select Works of Plotinus | Select Works, Section 697
Section 15 15. Lovable, very love, the Supreme is also self-love in that He is lovely no otherwise than from Himself and in Himself. Self-presence can hold only in the identity of associated with associating; since, in the Supreme, associat…”
native_american7
The Soul of the Indian | Chapter I-b
Sometimes an old man, standing upon the brink of eternity, might reveal to a chosen few the oracle of his long-past youth. The native American has been generally despised by his white conquerors for his poverty and simplicity. They forget…”
The Soul of the Indian | Chapter I-c
He had faith in their instincts, as in a mysterious wisdom given from above; and while he humbly accepted the supposedly voluntary sacrifice of their bodies to preserve his own, he paid homage to their spirits in prescribed prayers and offe…”
The Soul of the Indian | Chapter I-d
More than this, even in those white men who professed religion we found much inconsistency of conduct. They spoke much of spiritual things, while seeking only the material. They bought and sold everything: time, labor, personal independen…”
The Soul of the Indian | Chapter III-d
After silent prayer, each medicine-man in turn addressed himself to his charge, exhorting him to observe all the rules of the order under the eye of the Mysterious One, and instructing him in his duty toward his fellow-man and toward the Ru…”
The Soul of the Indian | Chapter IV-a
BARBARISM AND THE MORAL CODE Silence the Corner-Stone of Character. Basic Ideas of Morality. “Give All or Nothing!” Rules of Honorable Warfare. An Indian Conception of Courage. Long before I ever heard of Christ, or saw a white man, I h…”
The Soul of the Indian | Chapter IV-c
It was considered a high honor among us to have won some distinction in war and the chase, and above all to have been invited to a seat in the council, before one had spoken to any girl save his own sister. It was our belief that the love…”
The Soul of the Indian | Chapter VI-a
ON THE BORDER-LAND OF SPIRITS Death and Funeral Customs. The Sacred Lock of Hair. Reincarnation and the Converse of Spirits. Occult and Psychic Powers. The Gift of Prophecy. The attitude of the Indian toward death, the test and backgro…”
mandaean5
Gnostic John the Baptizer — Portents at John's Birth | Section 6
Thereon Enishbai opened her mouth and spake to Yahyā in Jerusalem: "Who is thy equal in Judća, who is thy equal in Jerusalem, that I should look on him and forget thee?"—"Who is my equal, who is my equal, that thou shouldst look on him and…”
Gnostic John the Baptizer — Portents at John's Birth | Section 13
"If thou knowest," he makes answer unto her, "that this does never happen, why dost thou press me with asking: When dost thou return? I go hence and return not. Happy the day when thou dost still see me. If there were a going-away and retur…”
Gnostic John the Baptizer — The Story of the Breach with Judaism | Section 2
Thereon he cried: "Come (pl.), look on Miryai, who has left Jewry and gone to make love with her lord. Come, look on Miryai, who has left off coloured raiment and gone to make love with her lord. She forsook gold and silver and went to make…”
Gnostic John the Baptizer — Some Typical Extracts | Section 13
The Treasury am I, Life's Treasury. A crown I became for Life's Gnosis. He bestowed on me the rulership over the treasures and the shekīnahs which are there [yonder]. The Treasury am I, Life's Treasury. Of the light-worlds was I the enligh…”
Gnostic John the Baptizer — Some Typical Extracts | Section 17
My sons! See that you are not hinters and that your eyes make no suggestions [sc. to women]. For the hinters and wink-givers will be assigned to the guard-stations. To the guard-stations will they be assigned and be judged with stern justic…”
sufism4
The Masnavi, Book I (Rumi) | PROLOGUE-a
HEARKEN to the reed-flute, how it complains, Lamenting its banishment from its home: "Ever since they tore me from my osier bed, My plaintive notes have moved men and women to tears. I burst my breast, striving to give vent to sighs, And t…”
The Masnavi, Book I (Rumi) | STORY II
The Oilman and his Parrot. An oilman possessed a parrot which used to amuse him with its agreeable prattle, and to watch his shop when he went out. One day, when the parrot was alone in the shop, a cat upset one of the oil-jars. When the oi…”
The Masnavi, Book I (Rumi) | STORY IX-a
The Arab and his Wife. An Arab lived with his wife in the desert in extreme poverty, so that they became a reproach to their neighbours. The wife at last lost patience, and began to abuse her husband, and to urge him to improve their cond…”
The Masnavi, Book I (Rumi) | STORY XVI-b
That conqueror of hearts cut off a thousand heads, That the heads of his people might rest in peace." God's rebuke to Adam for scorning Iblis. To whomsoever God's order comes, He must smite with his sword even his own child. Fear then, an…”
finnic3
The Kalevala | Rune XI-e
Was not born in lofty station, From a tribe of noble heroes, From a worthy race descended; But I have a sword of fervor, And a spear yet filled with courage, Surely these are well descended, These were born from hero-races, Sharpened by the…”
The Kalevala | Rune XXVIII-d
Thither archers never wander, There thy head cannot be severed; But an oath as strong as heaven, Thou must swear before thy mother; Thou wilt not for sixty summers Join in war or deadly combat, Even though thou wishest silver, Wishest gold…”
The Kalevala | Rune XXXV-b
Came a golden maid to meet him, On her snow-shoes came a virgin, O'er the hills of Wainamoinen, O'er his cultivated lowlands. Quick the wizard-son, Kullervo, Checked the motion of his racer, Thus addressed the charming maiden "Come, sweet…”
norse3
The Poetic Edda: Hovamol | Section 1b
Hail to the giver! | a guest has come; Where shall the stranger sit? Swift shall he be who, | with swords shall try The proof of his might to make. [1. This stanza is quoted by Snorri, the second line being omitted in most of the Prose…”
The Poetic Edda: Hovamol | Section 1c
Gunnloth : the daughter of the giant Suttung, from whom Othin won the mead of poetry. For this episode see stanzas 104-110. 14. Fjalar : apparently another name for Suttung. This stanza, and probably 13, seem to have been inserted as il…”
The Poetic Edda: Hovamol | Section 1f
Fire for men | is the fairest gift, And power to see the sun; Health as well, | if a man may have it, And a life not stained with sin. 69. All wretched is no man, | though never so sick; Some from their sons have joy, Some win it from kin…”
hermeticism2
Corpus Hermeticum 13: The Discourse of Hermes to Tat | Section 1b
Thou seest me with eyes, my son; but what I am thou dost not understand [even] with fullest strain of body and of sight. 4. Tat: Into fierce frenzy and mind-fury hast thou plunged me, father, for now no longer do I see myself. Hermes: I…”
Corpus Hermeticum 13: The Discourse of Hermes to Tat | Section 1c
Gnosis of God hath come to us, and when this comes, my son, Not-knowing is cast out. Gnosis of Joy hath come to us, and on its coming, son, Sorrow will flee away to them who give it room. The Power that follows Joy do I invoke, thy Self-c…”
mesopotamian2
The Descent of the Goddess Ishtar into the Lower World | Section 1c
Sprinkle Ishtar with the waters of life and take her out of my presence. Namtar went, knocked at the strong palace, Tapped on the threshold of precious stones. He brought out the Anunnaki and placed them on golden thrones, He sprinkled Is…”
Epic of Gilgamesh: Tablet XI — The Flood | Tablet XI, Section 1a
THE ELEVENTH TABLET. THE FLOOD. . Gilgamish unto him spake, to Uta-Napishtim the Distant: "Uta-Napishtim, upon thee I gaze, (yet) in no wise thy presence Strange is, (for) thou art like me, and in no wise different art thou; 5. Thou art…”
egyptian1
The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Papyrus of Ani) | Chapter 7 (part 3)
xi.) that the Prisse papyrus was copied about the period of the XVIIth dynasty and that the works in it only date from the XIIth dynasty; but many Egyptologists assign the composition of the work to the age of Assa. See Wiedemann, Aegyptis…”
upanishads1
Îsâ-Upanishad | Îsâ, Section 1a
p. 308 p. 309 VÂ G ASANEYI-SA M HITÂ-UPANISHAD, SOMETIMES CALLED Î S ÂVÂSYA OR Î S Â-UPANISHAD p. 310 p. 311 VÂ G ASANEYI-SA M HITÂ-UPANISHAD. 1. ALL this, whatsoever moves on earth, is to be hidden in the Lord (the Self). When thou…”