In a world of limited resources, for one thing to exist, another must not exist. Each being who lives is indebted. Living happily and compassionately is the only means of repayment to those countless entities who have died or never existed.
Compassion for suffering is easier than joy for prosperity.
A flower is unfortunate if its existence is perceived as spanning from seedling to desiccated plant matter, but for at least one day, it is a fragrant flower.
The suffering mind is like a snake biting its own tail. If the snake would examine its surroundings, it would find all the sustenance it requires.
Bitter lonliness follows pleasurable distraction unless tranquil awareness remains.
Thoughts and emotions are only strangers passing through a house. Acknowledge their presence and allow them to leave.
The agitated mind perceives discomfort as uncomfortable. In the lotus position, all sensations are equal.
If one is unhappy it is because the perception of self stretches across a continuum of past, present, and future. Past and future misfortunes do not exist, and present misfortunes will only exist for a moment before they are gone.
Anxiety does not change the breeze against one’s face, but awareness of the breeze dissipates anxiety.
Both the intent and the outcome characterize the karmic reality of an action, but intent has the capacity to darken even a seemingly compassionate action.
