The reason the ancients had spiritual effect in learning…
““The reason the ancients had spiritual effect in learning the way was that the theiving mind had died completely. If the thieving mind does not die entirely away, there is no way you will ever attain self-fulfillment. Speaking in simple terms, if you kill off a tenth of the thieving mind, you’ve learned a tenth of the way; if you kill off five tenths of the thieving mind, you’ve learned five tenths of the way. When the thieving mind is entirely gone, eventhing is the way.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote suggests that spiritual insight requires eliminating selfish, deceitful motives; only by reducing the "thieving mind" can one progress toward self‑fulfillment.
In simple terms: Remove selfish motives to grow spiritually.
Purge selfishness for true fulfillment.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal meditation
- ethical decision‑making
- spiritual practice
- self‑development
- therapy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize your own thieving mind?
- What small step can you take to reduce selfish motives?
Pure self‑fulfillment also needs compassion, not just selfishness.