Until we stop clinging to the concept of good and evil, the world will continue to manifest as friendly goddesses and harmful demons.

The essence of bravery is being without self-deception.

When resistance is gone, the demons are gone.

What you do for yourself, you're doing for others, and what you do for others, you're doing for yourself.

If you see a homeless person on the street, and they need food, housing, medical attention - if you can give that, do it. But at the same time, work with tonglen, because that is how you start dissolving the barrier between you and them.

If we want there to be peace in the world, we have to be brave enough to soften what is rigid in our hearts, to find the soft spot and stay with it. We have to have that kind of courage and take that kind of responsibility. That’s the true practice of peace.

We give it up and just look directly with compassion and humor at who we are. Then loneliness is no threat and heartache, no punishment.