So war and peace start in the human heart. Whether that heart is open or whether that heart closes has global implications.

As Buddhism moved from one culture to another, it always adapted.

When you have made good friends with yourself, your situation will be more friendly too.

WE ALREADY HAVE everything we need. There is no need for self-improvement. All these trips that we lay on ourselves—the heavy-duty fearing that we’re bad and hoping that we’re good, the identities that we so dearly cling to, the rage, the jealousy and the addictions of all kinds—never touch our basic wealth. They are like clouds that temporarily block the sun. But all the time our warmth and brilliance are right here. This is who we really are. We are one blink of an eye away from being fully awake.

I dedicate the merit of the occasion to all beings. This gesture of universal friendship has been likened to a drop of fresh spring water. If we put it on a rock in the sunshine, it will soon evaporate. If we put it in the ocean, however, it will never be lost. Thus the wish is made that we not keep the teachings to ourselves but to use them to benefit others.

How do we cultivate the conditions for joy to expand? We train in staying present.

At some point, we realize that what we do for ourselves benefits others, and what we do for others benefits us.