We can drop the fundamental hope that there is a better "me" who one day will emerge. We can't just jump over ourselves as if we were not there.

As Buddhism moved to the West, one of the big characteristics was the strong place of women. That didn't exist in the countries of origin. It's just a sign of our culture.

To stay with that shakiness-to stay with a broken heart, with a rumbling stomach, with the feeling of hopelessness and wanting to get revenge-that is the path of true awakening. Sticking with that uncertainty, getting the knack of relaxing in the midst of chaos, learning not to panic-this is the spiritual path.

Welcome the present moment as if you had invited it. Why? Because it is all we ever have.

It isn't what happens to us that causes us to suffer; it's what we say to ourselves about what happens.

Never underestimate the power of compassionately recognizing what's going on.

Everything in our lives has the potential to wake us up or put us to sleep. Allowing it to awaken us is up to us.