The Prophet

Among the hills, when you sit in the cool shade of the white poplars, sharing the peace and serenity of distant fields and meadows — then let your heart say in silence, “God rests in reason.” And when the storm comes, and the mighty wind shakes the forest, and thunder and lightning proclaim the majesty of the sky, — then let your heart say in awe,

No man can reveal to you aught but that which already lies half asleep in the dawning of your knowledge.

It is life in quest of life in bodies that fear the grave. There are no graves here. These mountains and plains are a cradle and a stepping-stone.

When you part from your friend, you grieve not; For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain. And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit.

the corner-stone of the temple is not higher than the lowest stone in its foundation.

In truth that which you call freedom is the strongest of these chains, though its links glitter in the sun and dazzle your eyes.

Much of your pain is self-chosen. It is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self.

Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing. And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb. And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

And ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.