From one point of view we can say that we have human bodies and are practicing the Buddha's teachings and are thus much better than insects. But we can also say that insects are innocent and free from guile, where as we often lie and misrepresent ourselves in devious ways in order to achieve our ends or better ourselves. From this perspective, we are much worse than insects.

Looking at the pattern of our existence from birth to death, we can see the way in which we are fundamentally nurtured by other's affection.

Easy times are the enemy, they put us to sleep. Adversity is our friend, it wakes us up

The proper way to create friends is to have a warm heart, not simply money or power. The friend of power and the friend of money are something different.

Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that's very important for good health.

Today, more than ever before, life must be characterized by a sense of Universal responsibility, not only nation to nation and human to human, but also human to other forms of life.

Continue this practice no matter what happens or what anyone does to you.