Concept
Presence
Being accompanied in a hard time — by a person, or by something a tradition names differently.
19 passages · 8 traditions
Buddhist
ScriptureRead as scripture by its tradition
Majjhima Nikāya 118, “Mindfulness of Breathing”It's when a mendicant—gone to a wilderness, or to the root of a tree, or to an empty hut—sits down cross-legged, sets their body straight, and brings mindfulness to the present. Just mindful…ScriptureRead as scripture by its tradition
Sutta Nipāta 1.8, “The Discourse on Love”Let them be capable and upright, very upright, easy to speak to, gentle and humble; content and unburdensome, unbusied, living lightly, alert, with senses calmed, courteous, not fawning on f…
Christian
ScriptureRead as scripture by its tradition
John 11:33–36When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews weeping who came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, and said, "Where have you laid him?" They told him, "Lord, come and…ScriptureRead as scripture by its tradition
Matthew 11:28–30"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for y…PracticeAn instruction for practice
The Practice of the Presence of God, Fourth ConversationHe told me that all consists in one hearty renunciation of everything which we are sensible does not lead to GOD; that we might accustom ourselves to a continual conversation with Him, with…ScriptureRead as scripture by its tradition
Psalm 34:17–19The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit. Many are the aff…
Hindu
ScriptureRead as scripture by its tradition
Isa Upanishad, verse IAll this, whatsoever exists in the universe, should be covered by the Lord. Having renounced (the unreal), enjoy (the Real). Do not covet the wealth of any man.…ScriptureRead as scripture by its tradition
Katha Upanishad, Part Sixth, verses X–XIWhen the five organs of perception become still, together with the mind, and the intellect ceases to be active: that is called the highest state. This firm holding back of the senses is what…
New Thought
Research
Secular reflection
ReflectionWritten for this collection
Reflection: The day starts the night beforeThe day starts when you lay your head down. Whatever you hand to the dark is what will be waiting in the morning, already dressed and standing by the bed. Most people spend the last hour of…ReflectionWritten for this collection
Reflection: The weight you are carryingTiredness lies about its own cause. It presents as a failure of character — you are lazy, you are behind, you should be managing this — when the actual reading is much duller. You have been…ReflectionWritten for this collection
Reflection: What is left of themGrief is not an emotion so much as a change of address. Everything is where it was, and the person is not, and the mismatch has to be worked through one object at a time — the mug, the side…
Stoic
PhilosophyA philosophical argument
Enchiridion XVIWhen you see anyone weeping for grief, either that his son has gone abroad or that he has suffered in his affairs, take care not to be overcome by the apparent evil, but discriminate and be…PhilosophyA philosophical argument
Meditations IV.3This then remains: Remember to retire into this little territory of thy own, and above all do not distract or strain thyself, but be free, and look at things as a man, as a human being, as a…PhilosophyA philosophical argument
On Peace of Mind, 17It also proves a fertile source of troubles if you take pains to conceal your feelings and never show yourself to anyone undisguised, but, as many men do, live an artificial life, in order t…
Taoist
PracticeAn instruction for practice
Tao Teh King, ch. 10When the intelligent and animal souls are held together in one embrace, they can be kept from separating. When one gives undivided attention to the (vital) breath, and brings it to the utmos…ScriptureRead as scripture by its tradition
Tao Teh King, ch. 16The (state of) vacancy should be brought to the utmost degree, and that of stillness guarded with unwearying vigour. All things alike go through their processes of activity, and (then) we se…ScriptureRead as scripture by its tradition
Tao Teh King, ch. 8The highest excellence is like (that of) water. The excellence of water appears in its benefiting all things, and in its occupying, without striving (to the contrary), the low place which al…