Surrendering, letting go of possessiveness, and complete nonattachment-all are synonyms for accumulating merit.

Sometimes people's spiritual ideas become fixed and they use them against those who don't share their beliefs - in effect, becoming fundamentalist. It's very dangerous - the finger of righteous indignation pointing at someone who is identified as bad or wrong.

The root of compassion, is compassion for oneself.

Obstacles are our friends: they teach us where we're stuck.

Awareness is the key. Do we see the stories that we're telling ourselves and question their validity?

Anything we experience, no matter how challenging, can become an open pathway to awakening.

Holding on to anything blocks wisdom.