Whenever we forgive, in small ways at home, or in great ways between nations, we free ourselves from the past.

We must especially learn the art of directing mindfulness into the closed areas of our life.

Embodied courage chooses not to wait until illness or notice of death demands attention.

We have only now, only this single eternal moment opening and unfolding before us, day and night.

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.

Meditation takes discipline, just like learning how to play piano. If you want to learn how to play the piano, it takes more than a few minutes a day, once a while, here and there. If you really want to learn any important skill, whether it is playing piano or meditation, it grows with perseverance, patience, and systematic training.

If you put a spoonful of salt in a cup of water it tastes very salty. If you put a spoonful of salt in a lake of fresh water the taste is still pure and clear. Peace comes when our hearts are open like the sky, vast as the ocean.