Quotes from Ren Lexander

Blessed are those who mourn…" This is the first step on the path of blessedness: sadness, discomfort, inner discontent, regret, misery, depression… mourning. If you are happy and carefree, why and how would you ever be motivated to do deep inner work – to heal, to evolve?

So the very first step on the path to blessedness is to be confronted by the spectre of meaninglessness… by inner discontent, sadness, anxiety, regret, frustration, depression. Confucius put it succinctly: "No vexation, no enlightenment; no anxiety, no illumination." (Analects 7:8)

Blessed are the merciful…" The fourth step is to be merciful. ¬ Mercy contains three components: 1. Forgiveness of others 2. Compassion for the suffering of others. 3. Purity of intent in action and in speech – never is one's primary intent to hurt others. Cruelty and selfishness will assuredly block the path of spiritual growth.