The first thing is to learn how to quiet the mind, relax the mind, and bring the awareness to the front so that we are conscious of what we're doing when we're doing it without all the commentary.

In the very deep darkness of this world, little pinpoints of light show up very brightly and can shine a long way.

I find that being with other people dissipates my energy.

Traditionally, women didn't have much a role in Buddhism. The books were all written by monks, for other monks. So the general view of the feminine was rather misogynistic, with women playing the role of the forbidden other, waiting to pounce on innocent little monks! In that society, it was hard for women to become educated and get the deeper teachings and really become accomplished.

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

In our endless past lives, we've all done everything, you name it, we've done it. Good, bad, intermediate.

At the age of 21 I was so sensible and became a nun. I am very grateful to myself for that.