But for the first time, I had a religious identity. I had come home. And so I called myself a Zen Buddhist at the age of 18.

The best decision-makers are those who are willing to suffer the most over their decisions but still retain their ability to be decisive.

We skim over the surface thoughtlessly. But we must acknowledge that thinking well is a time-consuming process. We can't expect instant results. We have to slow down a bit, and take the time to contemplate, meditate, and even pray. It is the only route to a more meaningful and efficient existence.

The will to grow is, in essence, the same phenomenon as love. Genuinely loving people are, by definition, growing people.

Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. It is a great truth because once we truly see this truth, we transcend it.

Spiritually evolved people, by virtue of their discipline, mastery and love, are people of extraordinary competence, and in their competence they are called on to serve the world, and in their love they answer the call.

The path of spiritual growth is a path of lifelong learning.