We are educated. We can think. We have the freedom to think.

The Buddha himself said, "I still use conceptual thinking, but I'm not formed by it." And that's the Buddha.

Most religions have always appreciated the extreme power of concentrated thought directed toward the benefit of others, especially when that person is practicing in solitude. That's why they have contemplative orders.

For any practice to work, the mind which is meditating on the object must merge. Often they are facing each other. One has to become completely absorbed, then the transformation will occur.

I think the difference is that when we drink tea, we just drink tea. But if you're in the presence of a genuine master, they don't have to do anything but drink their tea, and yet it affects you at an incredibly profound level.

In this life you have obstacles.

The dharma is here. And the dharma is in your heart. Where else would it be?