We must look at our life without sentimentality, exaggeration or idealism. Does what we are choosing reflect what we most deeply value?

What we seek is what we are.

We need energy, commitment, and courage not to run from our life nor to cover it over with any philosophy—material or spiritual.

Everyone and everything is in some degree or other our teacher.

The only way to live is by accepting each minute as an unrepeatable miracle.

Whatever your difficulties - a devastated heart, financial loss, feeling assaulted by the conflicts around you, or a seemingly hopeless illness - you can always remember that you are free in every moment to set the compass of your heart to your highest intentions. In fact, the two things that you are always free to do - despite your circumstances - are to be present and to be willing to love.

Beneath the sophistication of Buddhist psychology lies the simplicity of compassion. We can touch into this compassion whenever the mind is quiet, whenever we allow the heart to open.