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

In the spiritual lore of India there is a story that the Lord whispered only one word in our ears when he sent us into the world: 'Give.' Give freely of your time, your talent, your resources; give without asking for anything in return. This is the secret of living in joy and security.

The capacity to be patient, to bear with others through thick and thin, is within the reach of anyone.

It may sound paradoxical, but however tight our schedule, however many things clamor to be done, we don't need to hurry. If we can keep our mind calm and go about our business with undivided attention, we will not only accomplish more but we'll do a better job - and find ourselves more patient, more at peace.

Wisdom may be perennial, but to see its relevance we must see it lived out.

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

This is the central principle of meditation: we become what we meditate on.