In a way, there's nothing wrong with playing the piano, but it's not a huge trauma if you don't.

A big part of pain is the subjective reaction of trying to revolt against pain. If it's there, it's better to deal with it. Most of it is "I cannot stand it," and that component is enhancing pain so much.

Happiness is a state of inner fulfillment, not the gratification of inexhaustible desires for outward things.

We vastly underestimate the power of transformation of mind.

Too much involvement with one's feeling [is destructive]. If they have too much self-centered feelings, they get in trouble.

Nothing goes right on the outside when nothing is going right on the inside.

Imagine a ship that is sinking and needs all the available power to run the pumps to drain out the rising waters. The first class passengers refuse to cooperate because they feel hot and want to use the air-conditioner and other electrical appliances. The second-class passengers spend all their time trying to be upgraded to first-class status. The boat sinks and the passengers all drown. That is where the present approach to climate change is leading.