As meditation deepens, compulsions, cravings and fits of emotion begin to lose their power to dictate our behavior. We see clearly that choices are possible; we can say yes or we can say no. It is profoundly liberating.

Eventually, meditation will make our mind calm, clear, and as concentrated as a laser which we can focus at will. This capacity of one-pointed attention is the essence of genius. When we have this mastery over attention in everything we do, we have a genius for life.

There are three kinds of violence: one, through our deeds; two, through our words; and three, through our thoughts. …The root of all violence is in the world of thoughts, and that is why training the mind is so important.

Whatever we have done, we can always make amends for it without ever looking back in guilt or sorrow.

We have to have a purpose greater than the endless struggle to satisfy personal desires.

By removing that which is petty and self-seeking, we bring forth all that is glorious and mindful of the whole.

Every angry thought makes it a little easier to get angry the next time, and a little more likely.