If you're born in the higher realms, then it's too pleasant, and you don't have any incentive to practice. If you're born in the lower realms, you don't have any opportunity to practice.

I think the problem with Western students is they're very ambitious.

To want not to want, you'll tie yourself in knots. So this is why the Tibetans always say, just relax the mind and open.

I think it's a meritorious action to become a monk, provided that your motivation is pure.

Other people may tell us, "Oh, you're so much nicer." Of course you can't hope that other people will tell you that you're so much nicer, but that's always a good sign. Perhaps people find that you're easier to live with.

Caves are beautiful things you know. They're thermostatically controlled - warm when it's cold out and cool when it's warm. Very quiet. Nobody there. Especially in the winter - it was perfect. Also, because it's a cave, you can't do much with it.

I think we females have a lot of work to do for each other.