From the point of view of the relative world, merit is very important.

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.

A dog, however nice he is, and sweet-tempered, doesn't have much of a range of options. A human being does.

If you don't find that people find you're easier to live with than you were before, if you don't find that your heart is feeling warmer toward others and if your negative emotions are not getting any better, then there's something wrong. That is always the touchstone of the Dharma practice.

We need to be sincere in our practice, but at the same time we can't take ourselves too seriously.

My body is not good for prostrations.

Learn not to be too ambitious; not to expect if you have a 9-to-5 job and three kids, that you're likely to get buddhahood in one lifetime.