Our mind is like a field, and performing actions is like sowing seeds in that field.

No matter how many possessions we acquire, they will not provide us with any lasting happiness and freedom. On the contrary, it is often our pursuit of material possessions that causes our problems. If we want ultimate happiness and freedom from suffering, we must engage in the supreme practices of training the mind. There is no other way.

Since inner peace is the source of all happiness, we can see how important meditation is.

We do not need to become unhappy just because things don't go our way.

I have not met one living being that has not been the mother of all the rest.

Only by creating peace within our own mind and helping others to do the same can we hope to achieve peace in this world.

As Shantideva says, suffering has many good qualities because it purifies our negative karma, increases our renunciation and compassion, reduces our pride, and helps us to overcome our bad mental habits. If we think in this way we will feel that difficult circumstances are our best friends. When our mind is balanced in this way it becomes as stable as Mount Meru, and nothing can cause it to shake.