Frithjof Schuon Archive

We distinguish between two kinds of ugliness:One can be attractive and noble,And bears witness to the weaknesses and moods of nature;The other is obnoxious and mean,And a denial of what is noble;We avoid it, as we avoid evil.We hate no one; our heart stays pureOn this...

Whether or not one may say something ugly?The answer is partly yes and partly no —Certainly, the means should not be ugly;It is better to avoid bad speech.Tribute to this world we have to pay:And what is of use, one may express.

Painters of the Far East love clouds of mist —Why so? Because all existence is mysterious;Yang, yin: between the two poles, a to-and-fro,A veiling and unveiling: the playThat produces this world and also our thoughts.Dance has the same double meaning:The veils that...

In God-remembrance remain far from the world —For God’s rule over it is not thy concern.Providence watches over earthly din —But remain thou with the Most High: watch and pray.Even without thee, the world-wheel continues to turn.Look toward the solace that removed thy...