random passages
The three gunas from the Bhagavad-gita:
From Prakriti the gunas come forth: Sattwa, Rajas, and Tamas. They are the bonds that bind the undying self imprisoned within the body. Sattwa the shining, can show the self by its pure light. Yet Sattwa will bind you to search for happiness, longing for knowledge. Rajas the passionate will make you thirsty for pleasure and possession: Rajas will bind you to hunger for action. Tamas the ignorant bewilders all, Tamas will bind you with bonds of delusion, sluggishness, and stupor. The power of Sattwa enslaves the happy, Rajas enslaves the doers, Tamas enslaves the deluded and darkens their judgment.
From the Kena Upanishad:
“Blow this away.” Brahman placed a straw in front of the God of air. The god of air attacked the straw, but failed to move it. Then he ran back to the other Gods and confessed: “I have failed to discover who this mysterious being is.” They begged Indra, leader of the Gods to find out whom this mysterious being is. Indra promised he would, and approached the being who disappeared instantly. In his place appeared the lovely goddess of wisdom Uma, daughter of the Himalayas; Indra then asked, “who was that being?” Uma replied, “That was Brahman, from whom comes all your power and glory.” The Gods realized at last the self is indeed Brahman.
Impurity from the Dhammapada:
You are like a withered leaf, waiting for the messenger of death. You are about the go upon a long journey, but you are so unprepared. Light the lamp within; strive hard to attain wisdom. Become pure and innocent, and live in a world of light. Your life has come to an end, and you are in the presence of death. There is no place to rest on this journey, and you are so unprepared. Light the lamp within; strive hard to attain wisdom. Become pure and innocent and you will be free from birth and death.