Brian Weiss - Messages from the Masters: Tapping into the Power of Love

My wife, Carole, is a constant source of love, support, and encouragement for me. I cannot begin to express the depth of my gratitude to her. She has made my books possible and has reminded me how extraordinarily wonderful it is to live a life with a soulmate.

My deepest appreciation goes to Joni Evans, my literary agent, who is such a great and talented person. She is a constant joy to work with.

I am also indebted to Jessica Papin and Tina Andreadis at Warner Books. Jessica is my editor, and her insights and superb literary skills have helped this book immeasurably. Tina has done a masterful job with the publicity of all my books, and her skill and gracious heart are deeply appreciated.

I want to thank Larry Kirshbaum for bringing me to Warner Books. His enthusiasm and support mean a great deal to me.

There are so many others to thank. I am grateful to all of you.

Shared Spiritual Values

Here are some passages from the sacred writings of some of the worlds great religions. These quotes demonstrate that there is really only one religion, when you transcend the surface rituals and reach the spiritual treasures lying beyond. In this section on the unity of all the great religions, I have been benefited by the wonderful book Oneness: Great Principles Shared by All Religions, by Jeffrey Moses.

Responsibility for Ones Actions

Buddhism

It is natures rule, that as we sow, we shall reap.

Christianity

Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. God will render to every man according to his deeds.

Hinduism

Thou canst not gather what thou dost not sow; as thou dost plant the tree so it will grow.

Judaism

A liberal man will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

Forgiveness

Buddhism

Never is hate diminished by hatred. It is only diminished by loveThis is an eternal law.

Christianity

For if you forgive others the wrongs they have done, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, then the wrongs you have done will not be forgiven by your Father. Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times? Jesus said to him, I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.

Hinduism

The noble-minded dedicate themselves to the promotion of peace and the happiness of otherseven those who injure them.

Islam

Forgive thy servant seventy times a day.

Judaism

The most beautiful thing a man can do is to forgive wrong.

Peace and Love

Buddhism

You reap the things you sowed. This is the Law. The heart of it is Love; the end of it is Peace.

Conquer your foe by force, and you increase his anger. Conquer by love, and you will reap no after-sorrow. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who utters true speech, instructive and free from harshness, so that he offends no one.

When righteousness is practiced to win peace, he who so walks shall gain the victory and all fetters utterly destroy.

Hurt none by word or deed, be consistent in well-doing.

Christianity

Do not set yourself against the man who wrongs you. If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn and offer him your left. If a man wants to sue you for your shirt, let him have your coat as well. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds.

Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for your persecutors; only so can you be children of your heavenly Father, who makes his sun rise on good and bad alike, and sends the rain on the honest and the dishonest. If you love only those who love you, what reward can you expect?

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind. That is the greatest commandment. It comes first. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. Everything in the Law and the prophets hangs on these two commandments.

This is my commandment to you: Love one another.

Hinduism

The mind is restless and hard to restrain, but it may be restrained by practice and absence of desire. To whatsoever object the inconstant mind goes out [one] should subdue it, bring it back, and place it upon the Spirit. Supreme bliss surely cometh to the sage whose mind is thus at peace.

With kindness conquer rage, with goodness malice; with generosity defeat all meanness; with the straight truth defeat lies and deceit.

Islam

Recompense evil, conquer it, with good. Shall I tell you what acts are better than fasting, charity, and prayers? Making peace between enemies are such acts; for enmity and malice tear up the heavenly rewards by the roots.

Judaism

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings, who publishes peace.

But I say unto you: Deeds of love are worth as much as all the commandments of the law. Not learning but doing is the chief thing.

Love is the beginning and end of the Torah.

Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

The Golden Rule

Buddhism

Hurt not others with that which pains yourself.

Full of love for all things in the world, practicing virtue in order to benefit others, this man alone is happy.

Judge not thy neighbor.

Christianity

Pass no judgment, and you will not be judged. Always treat others as you would like them to treat you: that is the Law and the prophets. The gate that leads to life is small and the road is narrow.

Hinduism

This is the sum of all true righteousnessTreat others, as thou wouldst thyself be treated.

Do nothing to thy neighbor, which hereafter Thou wouldst not have thy neighbor do to thee.

A man obtains a proper rule of action by looking on his neighbor as himself.

Islam

Do unto all men as you would wish to have done unto you; and reject for others what you would reject for yourselves.

Judaism

What is hurtful to yourself do not to your fellow man. That is the whole of the Torah and the remainder is but commentary.

Judge not thy neighbor till thou art in his place.

Spiritual Values

Buddhism

Like a beautiful flower, full of color, but without scent, are the fine but fruitless words of him who does not act accordingly.

The real treasure is that laid up by a man or woman through charity and piety, temperance, and self-control. The treasure thus hid is secure and does not pass away.

Christianity

You must therefore be all goodness, just as your heavenly Father is all good. Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth store up treasure in heaven: you cannot serve God and money. For what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

Is there a man of you who by anxious thought can add a foot to his height or a day to his life? Set your mind on Gods kingdom and his justice before everything else, and all the rest will come to you as well.

If you wish to enter life, keep the commandments. Do not murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not give false evidence; honor your father and mother; and love your neighbor as yourself. If you wish to go the whole way, sell your possessions, and give to the poor, and then you will have riches in heaven. It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.