I first believed without any hesitation in the existence…
““I first believed without any hesitation in the existence of the soul, and then I wondered about the secret of its nature. I persevered and strove in search of the soul, and found at last that I myself was the cover over my own soul. I realized that that in me which believed and that in me that wondered, that which was found at last, was no other than my soul. I thanked the darkness that brought me to the light, and I valued this veil that prepared for me the vision in which I saw myself reflected, the vision produced in the mirror of my soul. Since then, I have seen all souls as my soul, and realized my soul as the soul of all. And what bewilderment it was when I realized that I alone was, if there were anyone, that I am whatever and whoever exists, and that I shall be whoever there will be in the future.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage describes a journey from believing in a soul, to realizing the self is the soul, and finally seeing all souls as one, emphasizing unity and self‑transcendence.
In simple terms: Self is the soul; all souls are one.
Recognize your inner unity with all beings.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- meditation
- personal growth
- interfaith dialogue
- psychotherapy
- creative work
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does seeing all as one change your daily actions?
- What challenges arise when personal identity merges with universal identity?
The view may overlook individual differences and practical boundaries between selves.