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

If you become a monk because it's an easy life, because you're going to be fed, and sheltered and people will respect you, then that is not a very meritorious motivation.

One of the beauties of the Buddhadharma is there are so many approaches, and not everything is right for everybody.

In fact there are beautiful people in this world doing incredibly selfless acts over and over and over. Dedicating their lives completely for the welfare and happiness of others.

I'd say look at the teacher's students. Do you want to be like them? If you see a good and harmonious sangha, and if they're practicing well and are good people with good hearts, then you have a cause for trust.

When Tibetan lamas die they stay in a realization of clear light nature of the mind for several days or weeks.

As a human being, we have everything we need. It's enough suffering to give us incentive to go on, but not so much that we don't know where to turn.