Even if the hermits do not appear to benefit other beings with their presence or teachings, still they are enormously inspiring to many. Perhaps, in this lifetime, they were meant to work on their own practice, to try to purify their own mindstream so that in future lifetimes (that will last a lot longer than this one), they will be fit vessels to give the teachings to others.

I've always loved the Sangha. I have the deepest, deepest respect for them. I'm very sorry that in the West people don't appreciate what the monastic order is about.

The dharma is the most precious thing in the world and we should put it at the center of our hearts and transform our whole lives into dharma practice. Otherwise, at the time of death, we will look back and say, now what was all that about? If we truly want to benefit others and ourselves, we have to do it. No excuses.

People get very deep experiences and they think they're enlightened. That's not enlightenment, that's just some realization.

Whether we're in retreat or out in the world, we should try to develop the quality of awareness as much as possible.

When Tibetan lamas die they stay in a realization of clear light nature of the mind for several days or weeks.

We should develop a deep appreciation for all the we have, and not waste it, otherwise we'll die with deep regrets.