May 1

A human being who leads a life of spiritual self-perfection cannot have any fear of external events.

1

Abu Hanifa died in a prison in Baghdad, into which he was thrown by Caliph Al-Mansur for refusing to accept the post of chief judge. One time, after receiving a heavy blow, this famous teacher said to the man who had struck him: “I can repay an insult with an insult, but I am not going to do that. I can complain to the caliph about you, but I am not going to complain. I can communicate in my prayers to God about how you have insulted me, but I will refrain from doing that. On the day of judgement I will have the opportunity to call divine vengeance upon you, but, if this day were to come now and my pleas were heard, I would not enter heaven unless I go together with you.”

— Persian wisdom (from d’Herbelot)

2

Do not think that human courage consists only in bravery and strength: the highest courage consists in rising above anger and loving the one who had offended us.

— Persian wisdom (from d’Herbelot)

3

Condemn your own deeds. And when you are done condemning them, do not despair.

— Epictetus

4

What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops.

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body.

— Matthew 10:27–28

5

Cowardice is knowing what should be done and not doing it.

— Confucius

6

No misfortune is as great as the fear before it.

— Zschokke

7

If someone has insulted me, then that is his business, for such is his inclination, such is his character; my character is different, one which is, in my opinion, natural to a human being, and in my deeds I shall remain true to my character.

— Marcus Aurelius

8

“Do not eat away at your heart,” say the sages, “do not weep for the past, the past which has been buried.” Do what must be done and, like a star, do not rest and do not rush.

— Hadji Abdul Gezdi

If you are afraid of something, know that the cause of your fear is not outside of you but within you.