“Beauty is not a need but an ecstasy.It is not a mouth thirsting nor an empty hand stretched forth,But rather a heart inflamed and a soul enchanted.It is not the image you would see nor the song you would hear,But rather an image you see though you close your eyes and a song you hear though you shut your ears.It is not the sap within the furrowed bark, nor a win attached to a claw,But rather a garden forever in bloom and a flock of angels forever in flight.Beauty is life when life unveils her holy face. But you are life and you are the veil.Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in the mirror.But you are eternity and you are the mirror.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
In this beautiful quote by Khalil Gibran, the poet explores the concept of beauty as something beyond mere physical appearance or sensory perception. Gibran suggests that beauty is not a superficial need, but rather an intense and profound experience that touches the depths of our being. He portrays beauty as a transcendent force that ignites the heart and enchants the soul. According to Gibran, beauty is not limited to external forms or sounds; it is a spiritual and eternal essence that permeates our existence. Through his poetic imagery, Gibran invites us to see beauty as a reflection of life itself, a sacred and timeless phenomenon that is intricately intertwined with our own existence. Ultimately, Gibran reminds us that beauty is not an external entity to be sought after, but a divine presence that is inherent within us, waiting to be discovered and embraced.
The Timeless Truth of Beauty
In this excerpt from Khalil Gibran's work, the concept of beauty is explored in a profound and poetic way. Gibran challenges the conventional definition of beauty as a mere physical attribute, highlighting its deeper, spiritual significance. This timeless perspective on beauty can be applied to our modern lives, reminding us that beauty is not just something we see or hear, but a profound experience that touches our soul and connects us to the eternal. Let us delve further into the modern relevance of Gibran's words.
Beauty is not just a superficial aspect of life, but a deep and transformative experience that can enrich our existence. It is a reminder that true beauty lies within us and in the world around us, waiting to be discovered and appreciated in all its forms. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it is essential to remember that beauty is not just a fleeting pleasure, but a source of joy and inspiration that can uplift our spirits and nourish our soul. So let us embrace the beauty that surrounds us, and strive to see eternity gazing back at us in the mirror of our existence.
Beauty as Described by Khalil Gibran
“Beauty is not a need but an ecstasy. It is not a mouth thirsting nor an empty hand stretched forth, But rather a heart inflamed and a soul enchanted. It is not the image you would see nor the song you would hear, But rather an image you see though you close your eyes and a song you hear though you shut your ears. It is not the sap within the furrowed bark, nor a win attached to a claw, But rather a garden forever in bloom and a flock of angels forever in flight. Beauty is life when life unveils her holy face. But you are life and you are the veil. Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in the mirror. But you are eternity and you are the mirror.” - Khalil Gibran
Reflection Questions:
Reflecting on the profound words of Khalil Gibran, consider the following questions to delve deeper into the concept of beauty and its connection to our existence and perceptions. Beauty is often considered subjective, yet Gibran's words suggest a deeper, more spiritual understanding of beauty. How does this perspective alter your own definition of beauty?
What do you believe Gibran means by stating that beauty is not a need but an ecstasy? How does this shift in perspective change the way we typically view and pursue beauty in our lives?
How does the idea of beauty being a heart inflamed and a soul enchanted resonate with you? In what ways do you experience beauty on a soulful level, beyond just its physical manifestations?
Gibran compares beauty to life unveiling her holy face and eternity gazing at itself in the mirror. What do you interpret from these metaphors about the interconnectedness of beauty, life, and eternity?
Consider the lines "But you are life and you are the veil" and "But you are eternity and you are the mirror." How does this notion of us embodying aspects of beauty, life, and eternity challenge your understanding of self and existence?
How can you incorporate Gibran's perspective on beauty into your daily life? How might shifting your perception of beauty enhance your appreciation for the world around you and your own inner being?
Similar quotes
“All these things have you said of beauty. Yet in truth you spoke not of her but of needs unsatisfied, And beauty is not a need but an ecstasy. It is not a mouth thirsting nor an empty hand stretched forth, But rather a heart enflamed and a soul enchanted. It is not the image you would see nor the song you would hear, But rather an image you see though you close your eyes and a song you hear though you shut your ears. It is not the sap within the furrowed bark, nor a wing attached to a claw, But rather a garden for ever in bloom and a flock of angels for ever in flight. People of Orphalese, beauty is life when life unveils her holy face. But you are life and you are the veil. Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in a mirror. But you are eternity and your are the mirror.”
“Beauty is life when life unveils her holy face. But you are life and you are the veil. Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in a mirror. But you are eternity and you are the mirror.”
“You shall be free indeed when your days are not without a care, nor your nights without a want and a grief, but rather when these things girdle your life and yet you rise above them naked and unbound.”
“Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in a mirror.But you are eternity and you are the mirror.”
“And an old priest said, Speak to us of Religion. And he said: Have I spoken this day of aught else? Is not religion all deeds and all reflection, And that which is neither deed nor reflection, but a wonder and a surprise ever springing in the soul, even while the hands hew the stone or tend the loom? Who can separate his faith from his actions, or his belief from his occupations? Who can spread his hours before him, saying, "This for God and this for myself; This for my soul and this other for my body"? All your hours are wings that beat through space from self to self. He who wears his mortality but as his best garment were better naked. The wind and the sun will tear no holes in his skin. And he who defines his conduct by ethics imprisons his song-bird in a cage. The freest song comes not through bars and wires. And he to whom worshiping is a window, to open but also to shut, has not yet visited the house of his soul whose windows are from dawn to dawn. Your daily life is your temple and your religion. Whenever you enter into it take with you your all. Take the plough and the forge and the mallet and the lute, The things you have fashioned in necessity or for delight. For in reverie you cannot rise above your achievements nor fall lower than your failures. And take with you all men: For in adoration you cannot fly higher than their hopes nor humble yourself lower than their despair. And if you would know God, be not therefore a solver of riddles. Rather look about you and you shall see Him playing with your children. And look into space; you shall see Him walking in the cloud, outstretching His arms in the lightning and descending in rain. You shall see Him smiling in flowers, then rising and waving His hands in trees.”
“You often say; I would give, but only to the deserving, The trees in your orchard say not so, nor the flocks in your pasture.Surely he who is worthy to receive his days and nights is worthy of all else from you.And he who has deserved to drink from the ocean of life deserves to fill his cup from your little stream. See first that you yourself deserve to be a giver, and an instrument of giving.For in truth it is life that gives unto life-while you, who deem yourself a giver, is but a witness.”