Nowadays, mindfulness has become a catch-all word, but the general principle of trying to be more conscious and aware in our daily life is very important. Along with this, it's helpful to contemplate some of the mind training verses which are designed to take and transform all of the problems we experience.

The big lamas coming from Tibet, Ladakh, India - everywhere - have been very friendly. But I don't figure in their world. For one thing, being Western puts you outside the limits. A token female doesn't hurt - there's only one.

Doing retreats, getting personal teachings from time to time from inspiring teachers, all of this helps to recharge our batteries. Then we get inspired and can carry what we've gained into our daily life, which is very important.

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

If you're meeting with the dharma, you have probably been a human being before.

This precious life is our opportunity. We are not the millions and millions of other things that are not human.

Of course, now as a woman you can do so much, without being necessarily a rinpoche.