I will turn their mourning into joy,
I will show them compassion and have them rejoice after their sorrows.

~ Jeremiah 31:13b

Do not forget that when sovereigns are at war they can no longer busy themselves with their administration; justice is not distributed; no care is taken of the people; and this alone is your sovereign charge, this the main point of your duty as kings.

~ St. Elizabeth of Portugal, Queen and Patroness of Peace (1271-1336)

Excessive faith without sufficient wisdom leads to blind faith, while excessive wisdom without sufficient faith leads to undesirable cunning. Too much energy combined with weak concentration leads to restlessness while strong concentration without sufficient energy leads to indolence.

~ Aung San Suu Kyi, Letters from Burma

Saying the mantra is like unlocking the door of our heart. The mantra is like the key unlocking the door to allow the pure light of love to flood in. Although powerful, it is a gentle process. Do not expect dramatic miracles. In fact, do not expect anything. Be humbly content every morning and evening, to return simply to the practice. In the practice itself you will find the powers of gentleness, forgiveness and compassion, all revealing themselves. Do not fear their power to change you.

~ The Heart of Creation, Daily Reading with John Main: Silence and Stillness in Every Season

Whether the potentials for cultural enrichment are realized or whether our world continues down the slippery slope towards cultural bankruptcy, will depend greatly on how we humans respond to this new situation that is opening up before us. Will we opt for appreciating, purifying and transforming the rich cultural heritage that has been passed on to us, or will we allow it to disintegrate before our eyes by reckless fascination with greed, power and endless possession of material goods? More than ever we are called to live by choice as to what furthers life.

~ Peter Leonard, Yeast in the Dough: Heightening an Awareness of the Nature and Significance of Culture (1933-2003)