You do not suffer because things are impermanent. You suffer because things are impermanent and you think they are permanent.
Nhat HanhWe try to live every moment like that, dwelling peacefully in the present moment, and respond to events with compassion.
Nhat HanhWe need enlightenment, not just individually but collectively, to save the planet. We need to awaken ourselves. We need to practice mindfulness if we want to have a future, if we want to save ourselves and the planet.
Nhat HanhWhen we say, "I take refuge in the Buddha," we should also understand that "The Buddha takes refuge in me," because without the second part the first part is not complete. The Buddha needs us for awakening, understanding, and love to be real things and not just concepts. They must be real things that have real effects on life. Whenever I say, "I take refuge in the Buddha," I hear "the Buddha takes refuge in me."
Nhat Hanh