Renunciation

098. GAIN FROM SACRIFICE

“True love grows by sacrifice, and the more thoroughly the soul rejects natural satisfaction, the stronger and more detached its affection becomes.”

ST THÉRÈSE OF LISIEUX (1873–1897), FRANCE

099. THE THIRD PARAMITA

The Buddha himself admitted that before he was enlightened his heart did not delight in the thought of giving up worldly pleasures. Eventually he realized it was because he had not yet experienced life without them. The practice of renunciation (nekkhama) reduces the pull that sensual experience has on us, leading to relief, freedom and genuine joy.

100. SATISFACTION

“Only those who know when enough is enough can ever have enough.”

LAO TZU (6TH CENTURY BCE), CHINA

101. THE WAY OF THE MONK

“Giving up his home, the wise man will go into seclusion and cultivate delight in his detachment from the sensual world.”

THE DHAMMAPADA

102. ISLAND AND REFUGE

“Dwell therefore with self for island, with self for refuge, with no other refuge; with Dhamma for island, with Dhamma for refuge, with no other refuge.”

THE DIGHA NIKAYA

103. A MEETING PLACE

“Moderation is the place where all philosophies, both human and divine, meet.”

BENJAMIN DISRAELI (1804–1881),

ENGLAND

104. THE SUPREME PERFECTION

“The person who has subdued the mind and senses and who is free from desires, attains freedom from karma through renunciation.”

THE BHAGAVAD GITA