From the point of view of emptiness, there is neither being nor non-being, but we're not on the point of view of emptiness, we're on the point of view of our relative being.

I do think that someone who decides to devote themselves entirely to the spiritual life, that that is more meritorious.

I think if you really start practicing, the energy comes. I was always very happy and grateful for the opportunity to have the time, solitude and good health to be able to do it.

The very best players, when they are practicing, put everything they've got into it. But then they leave it for a while. And it's the same in dharma practice.

I know many Catholic priests and nuns who use the Buddhist teachings to become better Catholics, and Jews who use them to become better Jews. Why not?! It just takes us towards more deeply recognizing our original nature, which is what we all share after all.

A realized being would not be making any fresh karma because karma is very much connected to the ego but would still be receiving the results of past karma.

We're not lowly sinners, we're not worthless beings. We are something jewel-like and beautiful.