Those who are ignorant of the supreme purpose of life will never be able to attain nirvana (liberation) in spite of their observance of the vratas (vows) and niyamas (rules) of religious conduct and practice of shila (celibacy) and tapas (penance).
Quotations
Scriptures
Learning is the greater personality of man; it is his hidden and safely deposited wealth; it is the teacher of teachers; it is a kinsman. Learning promotes an indescribable happiness at all times.
It is a good practice to set apart at least one day in a year for the remembrance of one’s near and dear relatives, friends and learned people that are no more in keeping with our traditions; giving a new orientation to and infusing new life into practices that have become lifeless and meaningless to many.
Ignorance is the failure to discriminate between permanent and impermanent, pure and impure, bliss and suffering, Self and non-Self.
The gods and demons were rivals of each other. The demons, swollen with pride, said, “In what, pray, should we place the oblation?” And they proceeded to place it in their own mouths.
Lao Tan said, “I was letting my mind wander in the beginning of things.”
“What does this mean?” asked Confucius. Lao Tan said, “It means to attain Perfect Beauty and wander in Perfect Happiness. He who attains Perfect Beauty and wanders in Perfect Happiness may be called the Perfect Man.”
