When we feel left out, inadequate, or lonely, can we take a warrior’s perspective and contact bodhichitta?

Like all explorers, we are drawn to discover what's out there without knowing yet if we have the courage to face it.

The Buddha’s principal message that day was that holding on to anything blocks wisdom. Any conclusion that we draw must be let go. The only way to fully understand the bodhichitta teachings, the only way to practice them fully, is to abide in the unconditional openness of the prajna, patiently cutting through all our tendencies to hang on.

The most heartbreaking thing of all is how we cheat ourselves of the present moment.

The difference between theism and nontheism is not whether one does or does not believe in God. . . Theism is a deep-seated conviction that there's some hand to hold: if we just do the right things, someone will appreciate us and take care of us. . . Nontheism is relaxing with the ambiguity and uncertainty of the present moment without reaching for anything to protect ourselves.

When we are willing to stay even a moment with uncomfortable energy, we gradually learn not to fear it.

Life is glorious, but life is also wretched. It is both...Life is glorious, but life is also wretched. It is both.