Only in the reality of the present can we love, can we awaken, can we find peace and understanding and connection with ourselves and the world.

Compassion for ourselves gives rise to the power to transform resentment into forgiveness, hatred into friendliness, and fear into respect for all beings.

Each moment of every day is new and then it vanishes. Where is that day? Where is that moment?

When we have for so long been judged by everyone we meet, just to look into the eyes of another who does not judge us can be extraordinarily healing.

We each need to make our lion's roar - to persevere with unshakable courage when faced with all manner of doubts and sorrows and fears - to declare our right to awaken.

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

In sitting on the meditation cushion and assuming the meditation posture, we connect ourselves with the present moment in this body and on this earth.