makki

Passages from Warrior of the Light, by Paulo Coelho

“Once he has learned how to use a sword, the Warrior of the Light discovers that his equipment is still incomplete – he needs armor.

He sets off in search of this armor and he listens to the advice of various salesmen.

‘Use the breastplate of solitude,’ says one.

‘Use the shield of cynicism,’ says another.

‘The best armor is not to get involved in anything,’ says a third.

The Warrior, however, ignores them.   He calmly goes to his sacred place and puts on the indestructible cloak of faith.

Faith parries all blows.   Faith transforms poison into crystal clear water.”

...

“Every Warrior of the Light has felt afraid of going into battle.

Every Warrior of the Light has, at some time in the past, lied or betrayed someone.

Every Warrior of the Light has trodden a path that was not his.

Every Warrior of the Light has suffered for the most trivial of reasons.

Every Warrior of the Light has, at least once, believed that he was not a Warrior of the Light.

Every Warrior of the Light has failed in his spiritual duties.

Every Warrior of the Light has said ‘yes’ when he wanted to say ‘no.’

Every Warrior of the Light has hurt someone he loved. 

That is why he is a Warrior of the Light, because he has been through all this and yet has never lost hope of being better than he is.”

...

“If the strings of an instrument are always taut, they go out of tune.

Warriors who spend all their time training lose their spontaneity in battle.   Horses that are always jumping fences end up breaking a leg.   Bows that are bent all day no longer shoot arrows with the same force.  

That is why, even if he is not in the mood, the Warrior of the Light tries to enjoy the small everyday things of life.”

...

“There are two types of prayer.

In the first type, the person asks for certain things to happen and attempts to tell God what he should do.   This does not allow the creator either time or space in which to act.   God – who knows perfectly well what is best for each of us – will continue to do as he sees fit.   And the person praying is left with the impression that his prayer went unanswered.

In the second type, the person may not understand the Almighty’s intentions, but he allows his life to develop according to his Creator’s plans.   He asks to be spared suffering, he asks for joy in the Good Fight, but he never forgets to add: ‘Thy will be done.’

This is how the Warrior of the Light chooses to pray.”