A Gentle Heart Is Tied With An Easy Thread
By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam
12 April 2025
One of my favourite lines is William Hazlitt’s, “A gentle heart is tied with an easy thread." A gentle heart is not encumbered by complex emotions or strained connections, but rather finds solace and harmony in the ease of forming meaningful bonds.
This reminds us that tenderness and compassion hold immense power in forging genuine connections with others. It serves as a gentle reminder to approach relationships with kindness, empathy, and a willingness to understand and support one another, as these qualities form the very thread that ties hearts together.
Meaningful bonds are established when the heart is ready to accept all without reservations. They say in Persian, "Qalbe Mehraban Kam Az Ma'bad Nes " (A gentle heart is no less than a shrine).
Rumi says, 'A kind heart understands the kindness that resides in the hearts of others.'
Buddhism also says the same in a laconic manner, Daya Prichha Daya (kindness sees kindness).
Remember, kindness understands the silent language of kindness. Those who are at war with others are not at peace with themselves. Individuals who engage in conflict and hostility with others are often unable to achieve internal serenity and contentment.
Underlying this observation is the idea that harbouring animosity towards others reflects an unresolved conflict within oneself, symbolizing a struggle for self-acceptance and inner harmony.
Our emotional state has a profound impact on our relationships. It's, therefore, imperative to seek peace within ourselves to foster harmonious connections with others. And for that, our own heart, and not other men's opinions, form our true honour and perception because the first duty of a really good and kind-hearted man is to obtain a clear view of himself.
By acknowledging and understanding one's strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations, a person can effectively navigate through life's challenges and make meaningful contributions to society and forge lifelong bonds.
Self-awareness is the foundation upon which eternal goodness is built, as it allows individuals to recognize their potential, harness their abilities, and pursue personal growth. Self awareness and a constant sense of goodness nurture an already kind heart. Only by gaining a clear perspective of oneself can one cultivate the qualities necessary to establish bonds with others.
Mystics believe that every heart is kind and sacrosanct. Once you understand this, you're kind to all and vice versa. That's why we say in Persian, "Gar Sad Hazaar Laal-O-Gauhar Mee Dahi Cha Sood/ Dil Ra Shikastah, Na Ki Gauhar Shikastah" (Even if you gift thousands of precious pearls and rubies to expiate it, remember, you've broken a kind heart and not the invaluable gems).
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April 10 was the birth anniversary of the great English critic, essayist and poet William Hazlitt.
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A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/gentle-heart-easy-thread/d/135135
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