Our contradictions (The Pilgrimage)

by Paulo Coelho on January 11, 2011


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EM PORTUGUES: Os vícios pessoais
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At a certain point during my pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, we came to a flat, monotonous field of wheat stretching all the way to the horizon. The only thing breaking the dull landscape was a medieval column with a cross on top, marking the pilgrims’ way. Petrus – my guide – put down his backpack and knelt down.

Have pity on those who pity themselves, and think life has been unjust to them – for they will never manage to engage in the Good Fight.
But have more pity on those who are cruel to themselves, and can only see evil in their own acts, and who consider themselves guilty for the injustices of the world. For they know not Your law which says: even the strands of hair on your head have been counted.

Have pity on those who command and those who serve many hours of work, and sacrifice themselves in exchange for a Sunday, when everything is closed and there is nowhere to go.
But have more pity on those who sanctify their work and go beyond the limits of their own madness, and end up in debt or nailed to the cross by their own brothers. For they know not Your law which says: be as prudent as a serpent and as simple as the pigeons.

Have pity on those who eat, drink and are merry, but are unhappy and lonely in their abundance.
But have more pity on those who fast, censure, forbid and feel saintly, and who preach Your name in public places. For they know not Your law which says: if I testify about myself, my testimony is not true.

Have pity on those who fear Death and do not know the many kingdoms they have crossed and the many deaths they have died, and are unhappy because they think that everything will come to an end one day.
But have more pity on those who have known their many deaths and think they are immortal, for they know not Your law which says: he who is not born again may not see the kingdom of God.

Have pity on those who cannot see anyone but themselves, and are shut in their limousines, locked in their air conditioned penthouse offices, and suffer in silence the solitude of power.
But have pity on those who go without everything, and are charitable, and seek to overcome evil with love only, for they know not Your law which says: he who has no sword, may he sell his cloak and buy one.

Have pity on us, Lord. For we often think we are dressed when we are naked, we think we commit a crime and in reality save someone. Do not forget, in Your mercy, that we unsheathe the sword with the hand of an angel and the hand of a demon gripping the same hilt. For we are in the world, we continue in the world and need You. We always need Your law which says: when I sent you without bag, pouch or sandals, you lacked nothing.

Petrus stopped praying. The silence continued. He was gazing at the wheat field around us.

(in THE PILGRIMAGE )

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{ 114 comments… read them below or add one }

Ric nagualero January 26, 2011 at 8:03 am

This part of the book always makes me stop and reflect about my whole life. These prayers are a deep and they make you humble

Thank you

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Zaynab January 22, 2011 at 9:34 pm

I’m a muslim person. I liked these prayers because it show us our truth and our real need to be close to our creator. Even in our darkest side we need to be close to the creator.
Nothing perfect and no one is perfect in this world because we are just human beings and the creator loves us all!

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jane January 17, 2011 at 1:09 pm

ooo… i havent finished reading the book….

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Ana Cardoso Nunes January 16, 2011 at 7:13 pm

I can only say THANK YOU !

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angela serrone January 15, 2011 at 6:29 pm

Gandhi says…“Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one’s weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.”

A powerful heart is in your words Mr. Coelho.

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Ana January 15, 2011 at 3:28 pm

finished reading this book a few days ago,and the last sentence keeps turning in my head all these days,it states
“it is true that people arrive at the right moment at the right place where someone awaits them”
don’t know why, but every time i finish reading your books,i am amazed and thrilled,no matter how the story ends. it gives me such emotions, thank you so much

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Fiore January 15, 2011 at 6:58 am

Muchas gracias pro compartir esta hermosa y honesta oración …y tan Humana también.
Es tan consolador pedir ferborosamente perdón a Dios ,es la manera mas auténtica de desnudar todos nuestros defectos, errores y limitaciones ya que al reconocernos tan imperfectos es más fácil querer hacer las cosas correctamente y creo que al centirnos apiadados por Dios podremos ser tolerantes y piadosos con otros.
Antes de leer “Nuestras Contrdicciones” me sentia triste, decepcionada, con dolor , con pocas esperanzas y sentiemientos encontrados ( si esta bien o mal, correcto o no, si confiar o no, etc ), las dudas suergen cuandos nos lastiman y uno se lastima, cuando nos llenamos de pre juicios y otras tonterias que no son pocas.
…Lei y Oré , ahora el dolor duele menos , tengo más esperanza y fé … nuevamente gracias mil!!!

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Micheline January 14, 2011 at 10:49 pm

Just love his wise words! Merci.

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Monica January 14, 2011 at 7:52 pm

Paulo,

one question that keeps coming up in my mind is if you ever saw Petrus again. I mean, it’s true you found out that he is an Italian Arquitect; I am curious to know if you ever talked to him again.

Monica

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Philip January 14, 2011 at 11:39 am

It’s beautiful. That’s all I says.

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Juno January 14, 2011 at 10:59 am

I got myself the best gift when I finished reading this book on Christmas eve. And I love this reminder… very inspiring. Thank you always… Love, Juno

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belsy ruiz January 14, 2011 at 2:36 am

una sola frase hermoso……

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Olta Ana January 13, 2011 at 3:04 pm

I Love love this prayer!

Love
Olta

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ol dc10 January 13, 2011 at 11:37 am

Good to see ancient wisdom is becoming contempory again.
love it.please sorry for spell in’ mistake
ra ra ra

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eugenia January 13, 2011 at 4:43 am

PAULO, que suerte la suya, de poder transitar esos caminos..la de expresarse de esa manera..que bendición son sus relatos. GRACIAS por compartir tan lindas experiencias personales, tantos aprendizajes, por compartir tanto…GRACIAS! DIOS LO BENDIGA.

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Brenda January 13, 2011 at 1:25 pm

THANK YOU, SO LOVELY!

Anne January 13, 2011 at 1:16 am

This prayer forces us to leave every thinkable routine, every known path, every conceivable habit, every comfortable convenience.
It invites us to step into unknown trust to discover who we are, intimately and without fear.

And apparently this is what wheat fields do.
It happened to an aviator once, while meditating over the exquisite colour of the hair of a little prince.

Thank you, Paulo.

Love
Anne

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Flavia Peguero January 13, 2011 at 12:33 am

Querido peregrino, su guía hizo la oración más completa, pues realmente !SOMOS ASI, ASI SOMOS!

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kathy ahearn January 13, 2011 at 12:10 am

make no judgements where you have no compassion…

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Evelyncita January 12, 2011 at 8:00 pm

Cuanto hay que aprender para ser mejores… y vivir la vida tal y como sencilla como lo hace la paloma.

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Mathilde January 12, 2011 at 4:56 pm

Thank You
dull….
stretching to the Horizon
amazing
absorb

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Marie-Christine January 12, 2011 at 12:58 pm

“The purpose of our life needs to be positive.
We weren’t born with the purpose of causing trouble, harming others.” DalaiLama

“Le but de notre vie doit etre positif. Nous ne sommes pas nes pour creer des ennuis, faire du mal aux autres.” Dalai Lama

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Elena KL January 12, 2011 at 12:50 pm

I also like this text.Always perfect!
Can I say for what I feel pity? For those people who are not rich and spent all the money they have buying trade marks and after half month they ask for money from hardworking people thinking that they are oblidged to give them since they have more,they preach people that they lie cheat e.t.c. to them and the same day they do the same to sb.else and not only that but they blaim the other people for what they do.They can not see themselves.They dont even try thinking everything is perfect with them! These people pray to God, meditate every day and as they think they work with “light”.I dont know, maybe… and there is at least One!

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Elin Heier January 12, 2011 at 12:41 pm

This prayer made me cry, and I needed to. Thank you,- always

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Marie-Christine January 12, 2011 at 12:07 pm

Prayers’ healing.
Thank you.

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Irina Black January 12, 2011 at 11:53 am

Когда к согласию придём,то путь друг к другу мы найдём..(И.Г.Шнабель.Остров Фельзенбург)

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Ivy Josephine Gomez Hoh January 12, 2011 at 11:52 am

I am just reading this book The Pilgrimage and I am intrigued by the part about the meeting with the two boys and the ball they were playing with. Can someone explain the meaning of or will I find out later on in the book? The first part of the book spoke directly to me and how I don’t see beyond the hardships and the seeming ‘failures’. Thank you Mr Coelho!

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Zoe January 25, 2011 at 9:33 pm

You will find out later. Let me know if you don’t understand when you finish reading the book.

Domystique (Marie- Ane) January 12, 2011 at 11:45 am

Contrary to what people might think, some of them don’t appreciate how much they are learning from you.They just don’t want to admit it.
I just want to tell you how much I admire what you have done so far, you are my sole mate, I love you. You are so beautiful.
You do too much it is the problem.
I don’t do it very often; this puts me into a frenzy and I feel a bad word coming out of my mouth; they are assholes that’s all, please excuse my language , it’s elementary.
When you have the right tools in front of your eyes ,use them don’t condemn them.
This people have no heart.
Lord have mercy.
With love and gratitude.
Simply the best.

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maryon January 12, 2011 at 11:24 am

Where and what is God’s Kingdom – is it the Earth or is paradise in heaven?

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Cynthia Smith January 12, 2011 at 11:06 am

A wonderful reminder.

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Bhagat January 12, 2011 at 10:46 am

One who understand the mercy of god can pray in any way. it depends on situation. Rishis were people, Paulo also is man, Person, who is messenger of god can tell the people in any way. To understand the language of god you need a awakened soul, if we prey from our soul that is a prayer other wise just beautiful words you read, smile thanks to Paulo and close the book. In reading there is no relation with god he is so different we cant even explain him with our words.

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aksh January 14, 2011 at 4:40 am

Not just paulo or those rishis, everyone, each of us is not just a messenger of god, each is also an ambassador of god; messangers carry only the message, whereas ambassadors have greater leeway in furthering their master’s purpose, and each of us has that freedom.

Now it depends on each of us, as to how seriously, how joyously we carry out our work, god’s work. for all is his, all is S/HE.

love

Rishabh Bhasin January 12, 2011 at 10:44 am

Beautiful..simply beautiful..no other words

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Alexandra January 12, 2011 at 10:34 am

Very good quotes, one feel almost struck by the truth of words…

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Tina Halevi January 12, 2011 at 10:22 am

Who is this entity we pray to that hears what we want but gives what we need? We want so many things, but getting what we want will give us nothing but more wanting. What we need is balance, equilibrium. This I believe is what we get when we pray. The world around us stops for a moment and we take a deep breath and gain our strength. We take the time to look at the “wheat field”.

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shkendija January 12, 2011 at 10:01 am

Thenks for another story which make as to think a littel abaut life and generaly other thinks.

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Ana January 12, 2011 at 9:35 am

it’s just amazing,i am reading this book now,and just yesterday i read this part and i was thinking about the prayer all day long.what’s the most important in this journey i think that it helps people to live for today not yesterday or tomorrow.wonderful!

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Mahi January 12, 2011 at 9:16 am

Its awesome I am speechless

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valeria January 12, 2011 at 9:07 am

The prayer simple and full of filings is sweet for the people subject of it, but also for the people that pray and for the place all arond that breath saintness.

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peter January 12, 2011 at 9:02 am

The powerful paradox of LIFE……
In the westernized linear thinking, paradox/contradiction bring palpitations.
In the eastern philosophy of viewing life as a circle, paradox is a dance.
THANKS Paulo for poignantly reflecting on PARADOX.

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Jamie Ballenger January 12, 2011 at 2:10 pm

Christ Jesus has been called ” a sign of contradiction”, He still is. Palpitations are not necessary bad, they just mean the waters are being stirred by an angel.jb.

nikamarie January 12, 2011 at 8:38 am

Thank you Paulo,

It stirs and calms my heart at the same time.

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nadine January 12, 2011 at 7:58 am

Paulo, a lot of times, readers address you as Sir Paulo. Amen to that. This post led me to another association that seems more befitting your writings.It is Rishi/ Risi Paulo. Interested readers may find the meaning at wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rishi
Exceprt from above,
“according to post-Vedic tradition the rishi is a “seer” to whom the Vedas were “originally revealed” through states of higher consciousness. The rishis were prominent when Vedic Hinduism took shape, as far back as some three thousand years ago.”
ALSO,
“One of the foundational qualities of a ṛṣi is satyavāc (one who speaks truth) when composing Vedic hymns. According to tradition, other sages might falter, but a ṛṣi was believed to speak truth only, because he existed in the Higher World (the unified field of consciousness). Ṛṣis provided knowledge to the world which included the knowledge of Vedas.

A modern writer alleges: “As the rishis described it, awareness begins in an unbounded state with pure consciousness and then cascades, plane by plane, until it reaches the physical world. That each level is within you, and the choice of boundaries – or unboundedness – is yours alone. Therefore journeys to heaven and hell are daily occurrences, not far-off possibilities.” [4] “To the rishis, bliss (ananda) was more than the expansive feeling of ecstasy. It was the basic vibration, or hum, of the universe, the ground state from which all diversity springs… the possibility for creation to manifest. Bliss itself is far from the feeling of happiness or even joy, though in diluted form it can be experienced as both. It is simply the vibratory connection that allows pure consciousness to enter into creation”.[5] “The seer, or observer, is rishi.”

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Neetta Karkhanis January 12, 2011 at 6:57 am

The prayer is from the heart and mind..The meaning is more deeper than the written words……Thanx

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Ruhaina January 12, 2011 at 6:37 am

It is a beautiful prayer…. touched my heart.

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aksh January 12, 2011 at 6:31 am

“Petrus stopped praying. The silence continued. He was gazing at the wheat field around us.”

a vast prayer.

why so many words, why so many ‘types’ of people being prayed for, afterall they are not there with petrus, maybe because.

1. At some point of time in our lives we are all of this. so in reality it is a prayer for the one who is praying.

2. at a particular time, when we may be donning a particular hat, we will come across many others who will be donning teh other hats, at that time rather than to get angry with ‘them’ we should ask for lords mercy for them.

what does being born again mean, mind you it’s not being born again and again. it’s a one step journey, born again.

Lord have pity on us, may we be born again.

love

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mari cristi January 12, 2011 at 6:17 am

muy buenos los videos, gracias por compartirlos.

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T January 12, 2011 at 3:39 am

I find the prayer contradictory itself.

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aksh January 14, 2011 at 4:50 am

ya ? u find it contradictory, where is teh contradiction? the prayer asks for pity for all, irrespective of whatever they maybe.

WHEN WE FIND CONTRADICTIONS IN THESE PRAYERS AND AS SOMEONE HAS POINTED OUT IN ZESUS TOO, we are not wrong, contradictions are there, but we are wrong too because the contradiction is at teh surface, there is unity at deeper levels.

WHEN WE FIND A CONTRADICTION IN THIS PRAYER OR IN ZESUS TOO, ITS A WONEDRFUL OPPERTUNITY TO EXAMINE OURSELVES, OUR VIEWS, OUR MINDSETS ? this prayer will remain long afer we are all gone, what matters for us is how much we could look within and ‘refine’ ourselves. can we see the inherent unity in contractictions ??

not put very ‘scholarly’ for i am none !

love

lea paula January 12, 2011 at 3:23 am

wow. how amazing. i just read this prayer last night..

good timing of reminding me to pray again^^

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Voando como borboletas January 12, 2011 at 3:22 am

Texto maravilhoso, amei o trecho:
“Mas tende mais piedade dos que jejuam, censuram, proíbem e se sentem santos, e vão pregar Teu nome pelas praças. Porque estes não conhecem Tua lei que diz: “se eu testifico a respeito de mim mesmo, meu testemunho não é verdadeiro.”
não consigo entender como seres humanos tão cheios de erros e falhas, podem apontar os erros dos outros e se sentirem santos, quando na verdade julgar é um dos maiores erros.

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siska January 12, 2011 at 3:11 am

Simply beautiful….

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Linda January 12, 2011 at 2:57 am

Petrus has given God so much joy with this honest prayer..

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Meenakshi January 12, 2011 at 2:55 am

Thank you.

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