My experience working with lots of creative people is that they don't lose their artistic edge when they lose a fierce level of anguish. They just create from a different place.

The cultivation of generosity is the beginning of spiritual awakening. Generosity has tremendous force because it arises from an inner quality of letting go. Being able to let go, to give up, to renounce, and to give generously all spring from the same source, and when we practice generosity ... we open up these qualities within ourselves.

The meditation traditions I started and have continued practicing have all emphasized inclusivity: anyone can do this who is interested.

Loving kindness is the spirit of friendship toward yourself and others.

I think what we (as a society) need from artists of all kinds is courage, a willingness to explore, and a really big sense of possibility.

In contrast, compassion manifests in us as the offering of kindness rather than withdrawal. Because compassion is a state of mind that is itself open, abundant and inclusive, it allows us to meet pain more directly. With direct seeing, we know that we are not alone in our suffering and that no one need feel alone when in pain. Seeing our oneness is the beginning of compassion, and it allows us to reach beyond aversion and separation.

I’m learning that to be at home everywhere, I have to be sure to include the place I actually live.