--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is the basic principle of spiritual…" description: "\"It is the basic principle of spiritual life that we learn the deepest things in unknown territory. Often it is when we feel most confused inwardly and ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/95d/jack-kornfield-936_areas_it-is-the-basic-principle-of-spiritual-l_2546580.png" --- # It is the basic principle of spiritual life that we learn… ![“It is the basic principle of spiritual life that we learn the deepest things in unknown territory. Often it is when we feel most confused inwardly and are in the midst of our greatest difficulties that something new will open. We awaken most easily to the mystery of life through our weakest side…” quote by Jack Kornfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/95d/jack-kornfield-936_areas_it-is-the-basic-principle-of-spiritual-l_2546580.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/95d/jack-kornfield-936_areas_it-is-the-basic-principle-of-spiritual-l_2546580.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/95d/jack-kornfield-936_areas_it-is-the-basic-principle-of-spiritual-l_2546580.png) > “It is the basic principle of spiritual life that we learn the deepest things in unknown territory. Often it is when we feel most confused inwardly and are in the midst of our greatest difficulties that something new will open. We awaken most easily to the mystery of life through our weakest side. The areas of our greatest strength, where we are the most competent and clearest, tend to keep us away from the mystery.” [Jack Kornfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-kornfield/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Growth occurs when we face confusion and difficulty, allowing new insights to emerge from our vulnerable side. **In simple terms:** Challenges reveal hidden insights. Key Takeaway Embrace difficulty to discover new understanding. Themes growth vulnerability learning spirituality Mood reflective hopeful inspirational Type aphilosophical motivational When to use this quote - personal crisis - therapy - spiritual practice - creative work - coaching Key Concepts mindfulness self‑compassion transformation Questions to Reflect On - What discomfort are you avoiding? - How can vulnerability become a source of strength? A Different Perspective If we stay in comfort, we may miss deeper learning. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Areas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/areas/) [Basic principles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/basic-principles/) [Competent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/competent/) [Confused](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/confused/) [Confused Inwardly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/confused-inwardly-1481552/) [Difficulty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/difficulty/) [Feels](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feels/) [Greatest strength](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/greatest-strength/) [Learn Deepest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/learn-deepest-1481553/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Life Learn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life-learn/) [Midst](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/midst/) [Mystery](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mystery/) [Mystery of life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mystery-of-life/) [Principle Spiritual](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/principle-spiritual-1056822/) [Principles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/principles/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) [Sides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sides/) [Something new](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/something-new/) [Spiritual](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spiritual/) [Spiritual life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spiritual-life/) [Territory](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/territory/) ## Related quotes > [“The basic principle of spiritual life is that our problems become the very place to discover wisdom and love. 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MacArthur Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-f-macarthur-jr/) > [All men who live only according to their five senses, and seek nothing beyond the gratification of their natural appetites for pleasure and reputation…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/all-men-who-live-only-according-to-their-five-senses-and-seek-nothing/) [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) > [“(Phil. 4:8). Notice that Paul doesn't limit that principle to spiritual things; he says if anything is excellent. Paul is telling us to train…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-w-colson/phil-4-8-notice-that-paul-doesn-t-limit-that-principle-to-spiritual/) [Charles W. Colson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-w-colson/) > [“Letting go is a central theme in spiritual practice, as we see the preciousness and brevity of life. 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