Saskya Pandita Quotes

Asceticism doesn't lie in mere words; He is an ascetic who treats everyone alike. Asceticism doesn't lie in visiting burial places; it lies not in wandering about nor in bathing at places of pilgrimage. Asceticism is to remain pure amidst impurities.

Asceticism doesn't lie in ascetic robes or in walking staff nor in the ashes. Asceticism doesn't lie in the earring nor in the shaven head nor blowing a conch. Asceticism lies in remaining pure amidst impurities.

The essence of greatness is the perception that virtue is enough.

By whomsoever no evil is done in deed, or word, or thought, him I call a Brahmin (holy man) who is guarded in these three.

Nothing of character is really permanent but virtue and personal worth.

It is some fundamental certainty which a noble soul has about itself, something which is not to be sought, is not to be found, and perhaps, also, is not to be lost. The noble soul has reverence for itself.

To allow lust (or strong desires) to govern our life is to exalt our will over God's.

I know no other sign of superiority than Goodness.

The good man is he for whom, because he is virtuous, the things that are absolutely good are good; it is also plain that his use of these goods must be virtuous and in the absolute sense good.

Is virtue a thing remote? I wish to be virtuous, and lo! Virtue is at hand.

Remember our words, then, and whatever is your aim let virtue be the condition of the attainment of your aim, and know that without this all possessions and pursuits are dishonourable and evil.

A clear thought, a pure affection, a resolute act of a virtuous will, have a dignity of quite another kind, and far higher than accumulations of brick and granite and plaster and stucco, however cunningly put together.

True greatness is sovereign wisdom. We are never deceived by our virtues.

Some of God's noblest sons, I think, will be selected from those that know how to take wealth, with all its temptations, and maintain godliness therewith. It is hard to be a saint standing in a golden niche.

I always say to my religious friends, if a pool had even one turd in it, would you jump in?

The chaste mind, like a polished plane, may admit foul thoughts, without receiving their tincture.

Every noble impulse, every unselfish expression of love, every surrender of self to something higher than self, every loyalty to an ideal, every fine courage of the soul – by doing good for good’s sake – that is spirituality. –

Let no man pretend to fear sin that does not fear temptation also! These two are too closely united to be separated. He does not truly hate the fruit who delights in the root.

He who wishes to put on the yellow dress without having cleansed himself from sin, who disregards temperance and truth, is unworthy of the yellow dress.

God be thanked that there are some in the world to whose hearts the barnacles will not cling.

Unless the vessel be pure, everything which is poured into it will turn sour.

The chief cause of our misery is less the violence of our passions than the feebleness of our virtues.

Purity of soul cannot be lost without consent.