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concept

Poverty

Poverty is a multifaceted concept across world spiritual traditions, often encompassing material, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. Many traditions converge on the idea that poverty is not just a lack of resources, but also a state of disconnection from oneself and others. However, they differ in their perspectives on the causes and solutions to poverty, offering unique insights and approaches.

3,643 quotes

Across traditions

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Quotes

Ignorance is the lack of the divine ability to see the supramental Truth; it is the part of our consciousness that does not perceive, as opposed to the part that sees and knows the truth.
Sri Aurobindo
HinduTeachingKnowledgeMind
The Life Divine, p. 520
One who lacks wealth is not truly poor, but one who lacks good manners and conduct is indeed poor.
Vidura
HinduTeachingOnenessConductSanskrit
Mahabharata, p. 1814
'If you want to follow me,' He says, 'deny yourself.'
St. John of the Cross
ChristianScriptureDesireExample
Ascent of Mount Carmel, p. 302
Whoever wants to possess or seek something for themselves will lose it, but whoever loses their soul for my sake will gain it.
Jesus
ChristianScriptureAttainmentSoul
Ascent of Mount Carmel, p. 141
A gnostic being will have not only a truth-conscious control over the physical world through the realized spirit's power but also the full power of the mental and vital planes, utilizing their greater forces to perfect physical existence.
Sri Aurobindo
HinduTeachingMindSoul
The Life Divine, p. 1031
Every being harvests what they have sown. They profit from their actions and suffer from them as well. This is the law of Karma, which is the result of our actions and the natural energy that drives us. It gives our existence, nature, character, and actions a meaning that is lacking in other theories of life.
Sri Aurobindo
HinduTeachingKarmaPurpose
The Life Divine, p. 854
This is not Karma Yoga, but rather a self-promotional attempt to gain fame. In contrast, a common laborer who earns a meager living through hard work may choose to donate their earnings to feed the hungry or sick, even if it means they themselves go without food that day. This is true self-sacrifice and genuine Karma Yoga.
Swami Sivananda
HinduTeachingAltruismAttainment
Practice of Karma Yoga, p. 60
Lord Krishna says in the Gita, it's better to do one's own duty, even if it lacks merit, than to perfectly do someone else's duty.
Krishna
HinduScriptureOnenessAction
Practice of Karma Yoga, p. 51
It is better to perform one's own duty, even if it lacks merit, than to perform someone else's duty, no matter how well. It is better to die doing one's own duty, as doing someone else's duty is full of danger.
Swami Sivananda
HinduTeachingOnenessAction
Practice of Karma Yoga, p. 49
When a thought emerges, reject it. Tell yourself, 'Not this, not this,' and affirm that you do not want that thought.
Swami Sivananda
HinduTeachingMindDesire
Mind — Its Mysteries and Control, p. 184
Everything can be achieved simply through the love of God. If one is able to love God, they will not lack anything.
Ramakrishna Paramhamsa
HinduTeachingAttainmentLove
Tales and Parables of Sri Ramakrishna, p. 178
But, my child, who wants to see God? People cry buckets of tears for money, their spouse, and children. If they would cry for God for just one day, they would surely see Him.
Ramakrishna Paramhamsa
HinduTeachingGod RealisationGrief
The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, p. 48
Reciting while seated on cloth brings poverty; on stone, disease; on the bare earth, sorrow; and on wood, it yields no fruit.
HinduScriptureNaturePovertySanskrit
Guru Gita 137
He begged of the wealthy man as he was eating beans. The man said to him: 'There are no others than these that are set before me.'
HinduParableCharityPovertySanskrit
Chandogya Upanishad 1.10.2
There is no suffering in this world as severe as poverty, and there is no greater blessing than being in the company of saints.
Tulsidas
HinduTeachingGraceSaintSanskrit
Ramcharitmanas — Uttar Kand Part 2 (verses 1023–1101), p. 66
The Lord's Maya deceives even Shiva and Brahma; what chance does a poor creature have?
Tulsidas
HinduScriptureGodIllusionSanskrit
Ramcharitmanas — Uttar Kand Part 1 (verses 949–1022), p. 68
If you want happiness in this life and the next, listen to my words and deeply engrave them in your heart.
Tulsidas
HinduTeachingHappinessDesireSanskrit
Ramcharitmanas — Uttar Kand Part 1 (verses 949–1022), p. 52
A man lacking in Devotion is of no more worth than a cloud without water, regardless of his caste, kinship, lineage, piety, reputation, wealth, physical strength, family, accomplishments, and ability.
Tulsidas
HinduTeachingAttainmentDevotionSanskrit
Ramcharitmanas — Aranya Kand (verses 647–710), p. 51
A recluse is quickly destroyed by attachment, a king by bad advice, wisdom by arrogance, modesty by intoxication, friendship by lack of love, and a man of merit by ego.
Tulsidas
HinduTeachingEgoHumilitySanskrit
Ramcharitmanas — Aranya Kand (verses 647–710), p. 33
Lastly, he who wants nothing at any moment and bears natural affinity to You, incessantly dwell in his mind; for that is Your own home.
Tulsidas
HinduTeachingMindTimeSanskrit
Ramcharitmanas — Ayodhya Kand Part 2 (verses 402–480), p. 67