Chapter 17: On Self-Knowledge ~ Gibran’s The Prophet with Journaling Prompts
And a man said, Speak to us of
Self-Knowledge.
And he answered, saying:
Your hearts know in silence the secrets
of the days and the nights.
But your ears thirst for the sound of
your heart’s knowledge.
You would know in words that which you
have always known in thought.
You would touch with your fingers the
naked body of your dreams.
And it is well you should.
The hidden well-spring of your soul must
needs rise and run murmuring to the sea;
And the treasure of your infinite depths
would be revealed to your eyes.
But let there be no scales to weigh your
unknown treasure;
And seek not the depths of your
knowledge with staff or sounding
line.
For self is a sea boundless and
measureless.
*****
Say not, “I have found the truth,” but
rather, “I have found a truth.”
Say not, “I have found the path of the
soul.” Say rather, “I have met the soul
walking upon my path.”
For the soul walks upon all paths.
The soul walks not upon a line, neither
does it grow like a reed.
The soul unfolds itself, like a lotus of
countless petals.
***** *****
~ Chapter 17 “On Self-Knowledge” from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
Spirit Nourished Earth created the image in this post in collaboration with DALL·E 3
Journaling Prompts for Self-Reflection
The Journey of Self-Knowledge
Gibran speaks of the heart knowing the secrets of the days and nights in silence. How often do you quiet yourself to listen to the silent wisdom of your heart, and what truths have you discovered there?
The Depths of the Soul
The soul is described as a boundless and measureless sea. How do you explore the infinite depths of your soul, and what treasures have you uncovered in the process?
Embracing Personal Truth
Gibran advises not to say, “I have found the truth,” but rather, “I have found a truth.” How do you approach truth in your own life? Do you remain open to discovering new truths or cling to what you think you know?
Meeting the Soul on Your Path
Gibran suggests that the soul walks upon all paths. How do you experience the soul’s presence in your life, and how does it guide you through your different journeys?
Continue the Conversation
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