The best advice for intellectual life is to never distance oneself from religion, never allow days to pass without reading or engaging in instructive practices that prevent the spirit from distancing itself from that which is superior. The habit must be imposed, that is, it must be continued when the mind shies away, so that it influences when one is not thinking, or has forgotten the influence it can exert. Forcing the routine means not letting weaknesses interrupt a gradual process that removes obstacles so that the intellect can flourish.
Tag: behavior
Something Beautiful to See Is When…
Something beautiful to see is when a mature individual, already possessing enviable merits and recognized as excellent, puts himself in the position of a complete novice in some activity and displays the humility characteristic of someone who sincerely wants to learn. It is not uncommon for him to seem to renew his life by doing so, allowing the authentic joy of being a learner again to blossom on his face. To the observer, the scene is extremely inspiring. And one is left with the certainty that life is only truly appreciated by those who allow themselves to learn continuously.
Perhaps the Most Effective Aspect…
Perhaps the most effective aspect of Eastern tradition, centered on training individuals through a unique relationship between master and disciple, is the crystal-clear notion that takes root in the disciple’s mind, who, aware of the extent of his dependence on the master’s example, grasps the importance of being exemplary. This leads only to positive effects, and the habit is cultivated based on the certainty that only action is edifying. The disciple, imitating the master, becomes a master; he begins to teach as he has learned, and never loses the gratitude that manifests itself in the feeling that, in truth, he has done nothing but receive.
Merely Living in Different Environments…
Merely living in different environments can produce men with such different experiences that, if they try, they will realize that it is not possible to establish mutual communication. None of them will be able to correctly grasp the meaning of what the other says, and will end up judging it as inappropriate before suspecting that the problem may lie in their own understanding. Reality, identical for all, has aspects revealed only to some. And if, not of free will, but out of some unforeseen and uncontrollable necessity that prevents deviation and demands confrontation, some of those aspects end up being revealed, the man who has to confront them will know from experience that they are real, and his personality may be transformed forever; but even so, he may never be able to put into words and convince another man of what he has experienced.