But if we have the energy of compassion and loving kindness in us, the people around us will be influenced by our way of being and living.

There are always some people who are ready to embrace a doctrine, a notion, a dogma, and they miss the real teaching.

Your anger is like a flower. In the beginning you may not understand the nature of your anger, or why it has come up. But if you know how to embrace it with the energy of mindfulness, it will begin to open. You may be sitting, following your breathing, or you may be practicing walking meditation to generate the energy of mindfulness and embrace your anger. After ten or twenty minutes your anger will have to open herself to you, and suddenly, you will see the true nature of your anger. It may have arisen just because of a wrong perception or the lack of skillfulness.

You do not suffer because things are impermanent. You suffer because things are impermanent and you think they are permanent.

While drinking, while talking, while writing, while watering our garden, it's always possible to practice living in the here and the now.

Our appointment with life is in the present moment. If we do not have peace and joy right now, when will we have peace and joy?

A look filled with understanding, an accepting smile, a loving word, a meal shared in warmth and awareness are the things which create happiness in the present moment. By nourishing awareness in the present moment, you can avoid causing suffering to yourself and those around you. The way you look at others, your smile, and your small acts of caring can create happiness. True happiness does not depend on wealth or fame.