It's not a terrible thing that we feel fear when faced with the unknown. It is part of being alive, something we all share.
Pema ChodronRejoicing in the good fortune of others is a practice that can help us when we feel emotionally shut down and unable to connect with others. Rejoicing generates good will.
Pema ChodronIf seeing that other person's pain brings up your fear or anger or confusion (which often happens), just start doing tonglen for yourself and all the other people who are stuck in the very same way.
Pema ChodronWe sow the seeds of our future hells or happiness by the way we open or close our minds right now.
Pema ChodronThe 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.
Pema Chodron