When it comes to the abiding qualities of a truly quiet mind, real inner strength, or a compassionate heart, what attracts and wins this grace isn’t what we ask for – or the urgency with which we make our supplication; only one thing here really counts… and that’s what we’re willing to give up in order to realize these timeless spiritual gifts.

The Masters Speak…

“But what is the secret of finding this treasure? There isn’t one. This treasure is everywhere . . . God’s activity runs through the universe. It wells up around and penetrates every created being. Where they are, there it is also. It goes ahead of them, it is with them, and it follows them. All they have to do is let its waves sweep them onward, fulfill the simple duties of their religion and state, cheerfully accept all the troubles they meet, and submit to God’s will in all they have to do. This is true spirituality, which is valid for all times and for everyone. We cannot become truly good in a better, more marvelous, and yet easier way than by the simple use of the means offered us by God: the ready acceptance of all that comes to us at each moment of our lives.” —Jean Pierre de Caussade (1675–1761, France)

“What a curious phenomenon it is that you can get men to die for the liberty of the world who will not make the little sacrifice that is needed to free themselves from their own individual bondage.” —Bruce Barton (1886–1967, United States)

“The greatest of all crosses is self. If we die in part every day, we shall have but little to do on the last. These little daily deaths will destroy the power of the final dying.” —François Fenelon (1651–1715, France)

“When thou givest to God thy nothingness, He gives to thee His All.” –Abul-Hasan al-Kharqani (963–1033, Persia)