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

The nature of the mind is completely incredible.

From a Buddhist point of view, the first thing to help is yourself, to get your own mind together. And to really understand how to benefit beings, not just on the physical level, but on all levels. Then there are endless beings you can benefit.

If you go to any nunnery and ask them what the main obstacle is, they'll always say low self-esteem and lack of confidence. It will take time. But the difference between the first girls from Ladakh who became nuns, to the girls we have now, is very encouraging.

I find that being with other people dissipates my energy.

I know many Catholic priests and nuns who use the Buddhist teachings to become better Catholics, and Jews who use them to become better Jews. Why not?! It just takes us towards more deeply recognizing our original nature, which is what we all share after all.

If you take the time to study how to be a doctor and how to use your scalpel and your medicine, then there are endless beings out there to help.