When you go into samadhi, either salvikalpa or nirvikalpa, what happens is you erase, you loosen, the aggregates. You simplify them.

It is necessary to have a strong focus. Work will give you that focus.

Spiritual balance is the principle that allows the mind to be still. You cannot expect the world to settle down, everything to work out, in order for you to be happy. You have to get control of your mind.

It is not bad living in a monastery. I've done it many times in many lives. But I think you can do a better job outside the monastery, if you have the necessary component parts.

When you meditate, you take charge of your life. You bring your conscious awareness to a new high point, where the vista is beyond any horizon.

Eternity is everywhere, it stretches endlessly in all directions, never beginning and never ending. Merge with it. Embrace it. Be free and disciplined.

Select companions who are striving for enlightenment. They all have their imperfections, certainly, but at least their attention is moving in the right direction.