When you learn an instrument, it takes an awful lot of time to just learn the scales, and then eventually when you have completely mastered the instrument, the music plays for you. But you still have to keep practicing. And it takes an awful lot of practice. Nonetheless, if you diligently practice, hours and hours and hours and hours, you probably won't get it. You'll probably just end up hurting your fingers.
Tenzin PalmoThere are wars, there's pestilence, there are plagues, there is corruption in religious circles, corruption in the government, when was it not?
Tenzin PalmoPeople get very deep experiences and they think they're enlightened. That's not enlightenment, that's just some realization.
Tenzin PalmoThe real spiritual power is enabling beings to realize the nature of the mind. That's the power of Buddha activity.
Tenzin PalmoWhen I look back I can think that of course I've been lazy and haven't practiced as much as I could have and have wasted time. Still though, I look back on my life and I think that really, I am very happy that I lived my life the way I have and I would never ever have wished it any other way - especially, the six years with my lama and then the 18 in Lahul.
Tenzin PalmoTo really be of benefit to others as the Buddha always taught, we ourselves must first get out of the swamp. One of the quickest and most effective ways to do this is in isolation, with very few distractions, working very hard at it and spending all your time and efforts at changing your mind.
Tenzin Palmo