Buddhism Quote by Elizabeth Gilbert
““My thoughts turn to something I read once, something the Zen Buddhists believe. They say that an oak tree is brought into creation by two forces at the same time. Obviously, there is the acorn from which it all begins, the seed which holds all the promise and potential, which grows into a tree. Everybody can see that. But only a few can recognize that there is anther force operating here as well-the future tree itself, which wants so badly to exist that it pulls the acorn into being, drawing the seedling forth with longing out of the void, guiding the evolution from nothingness to maturity. In this respect, say the Zens, it is the oak tree that creates the very acorn from which it was born.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, 2006
The quote illustrates that creation involves both the original seed and the future form that pulls the seed into being, showing a reciprocal relationship between origin and destiny.
In simple terms: Both seed and future shape creation.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the pull of future possibilities.
Themes
creation
reciprocity
potential
destiny
Mood
reflective
inspired
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- creative projects
- career planning
- relationship development
Key Concepts
Zen Buddhism
philosophy
causality
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you sense the future pull in your life?
- What seeds are you nurturing now?
A Different Perspective
The future pull may be vague and hard to discern, leading to uncertainty.
![“And while [we] do have possibilities that are vast and magnificent and almost infinite in scope, it's important to remember that our choice-rich lives have the potential to breed their own brand of trouble. We are susceptible to emotional uncertainties and neuroses that are probably not very…” quote by Elizabeth Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7fb/elizabeth-gilbert-131_choice_and-while-we-do-have-possibilities-that_30637.jpg)
![“The extraction of discrete parts of Chöd teachings from their broader philosophical contexts is symptomatic of how Chöd has been incorporated into and transmitted through other Tibetan Buddhist lineages. For example [...] Chöd practices gradually merged with pre-existing models of deity yoga, such…” quote by Michelle Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b05/michelle-sorensen-60370_2013_the-extraction-of-discrete-parts-of-ch-d_4303.jpg)