In taking the everyday details of life for granted, we fail to appreciate the extraordinary fact that we are conscious at all.

Our conceptions of the world affect our perceptions of the world which, in turn, condition the way we subsequently conceive the world.

In taking life for granted, we fail to notice it.

The Four Noble Truths are pragmatic rather than dogmatic. They suggest a course of action to be followed rather than a set of dogmas to be believed. The four truths are prescriptions for behavior rather than descriptions of reality. The Buddha compares himself to a doctor who offers a course of therapeutic treatment to heal one’s ills. To embark on such a therapy is not designed to bring one any closer to ‘the Truth’ but to enable one’s life to flourish here and now, hopefully leaving a legacy that will continue to have beneficial repercussions after one’s death. (154)

In varying degrees, the authority of the dharma was replaced by the authority of the guru, who came, in some traditions, to assume the role of the Buddha himself.

This body is fragile. It is just flesh. Listen to the heartbeat. Life depends on the pumping of a muscle.

Erotic names, robes, insignia of office, titles- the trappings of religion- confuse as much as they help.