We should understand that our problems do not exist outside of ourself, but are part of our mind that experiences unpleasant feelings.

Whenever we strive to make progress in our meditations, contemplations and so forth we are practicing effort.

We know that we are happy when our mind is peaceful, and unhappy when it is not. It is therefore clear that our happiness depends upon our having a peaceful mind and not on good external conditions. Even if our external conditions are poor, if we maintain a peaceful mind all the time we shall always be happy.

Happiness is a state of mind, so the real source of happiness must lie within the mind, not in external conditions.

We all wish for world peace, but world peace will never be achieved unless we first establish peace within our own minds.

This impure world that we presently experience exists only in relation to our impure mind.

Today we can see many different forms of Buddhism, such as Zen and Theravada Buddhism. All these different aspects are practices of Buddha's teachings, and all are equally precious; they are just different presentations.