Jason Pickels

“Now,the very idea of this warfare is dramatically unfolded when we
come to the Fravartis of human beings. In the prelude to the
millenniums of the period of mixture, Ohrmazd offered them
the choice from which their entire destiny originates: they
could either live in the celestial world sheltered from the ravages
of Ahriman, or else descend to earth there to be incarnated
in material bodies and struggle against the counterpowers
of Ahriman in the material world. Their answer to
this proposal was the yes which gives their name its full meaning,
most significantly for our purpose: those who have chosen. In
practice the fravarti incarnated in the terrestrial world finally
became identified in religious representations purely and simply
with the soul.”
― Henry Corbin, The Man of Light in Iranian Sufism

“We are our ancestors. Their blood, their bones, their sacrifices and relationships to the earth are what have literally made us. It is not only their wounds that carry on inside of us, but their resilience, wisdom and power. Our ancestors and homelands weave a way inside of us that expands as we live and breathe. It is a legacy of love that continues through us, reinforced by habits of stewardship and care wherever we are. Deepening relationship with my ancestors has urged me closer to the land as our kindred source, most of all; immersion in the earth and waters of place has transformed and re-membered me in the most anchoring and ongoing ways, and brought me closer to the healing possibilities within and for my lineages, in the process.”
― Layla K. Feghali, The Land in Our Bones

“We can rejoice that our world does have many bodhisattvas who can be found on every path of return, sowing seeds of faith, resolve, and confidence. Kwan Yin, for example, always finds ways to be with those who are suffering. She fears nothing, and uses whatever means are appropriate to the circumstance. She takes on whatever form is needed— monk, politician, merchant, scholar, woman, child, god, or demon. Can we listen deeply like Kwan Yin? Using every form and means possible in the spirit of Kwan Yin, we will bring help to our world.”
― Thich Nhat Hanh, Fragrant Palm Leaves: Journals, 1962-1966

“We are life, and life is limitless. Perhaps one can say that we are only alive when we live the life of the world, and so live the sufferings and joys of others. The suffering of others is our own suffering, and the happiness of others is our own happiness.”
― Thich Nhat Hanh, The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation