The world is full of incredible people who are embodiments of compassion. Some of them have a spiritual path; some of them don't.

To be enlightened doesn't mean you end up stupefied and unable to function.

One of the advantages of being born in an affluent society is that if one has any intelligence at all, one will realize that having more and more won't solve the problem, and happiness does not lie in possessions, or even relationships: The answer lies within ourselves. If we can't find peace and happiness there, it's not going to come from the outside.

The Buddha always emphased the important of good friends.

We're always given the message that our potential is so limited, which is so sad. Actually, our potential is infinite.

I think to dwell continually on the dark side creates gloom and despair and anger and hatred, and that just adds to the darkness. So rather than that, we need to think of the beauty in the world, and also send out love and compassion to all beings in this world. Not just the people we like, but people who we find difficult. Because they are very deeply in need of compassion.

Forget about realizing shunyata and going on the different bhumis and all this. Just stay in the moment, stay aware, be kind and try to improve your mind.