We're not lowly sinners, we're not worthless beings. We are something jewel-like and beautiful.

Nowadays, mindfulness has become a catch-all word, but the general principle of trying to be more conscious and aware in our daily life is very important. Along with this, it's helpful to contemplate some of the mind training verses which are designed to take and transform all of the problems we experience.

Buddha activity doesn't mean radiating light and elevating yourself up a thousand feet in the air. That's not the point. The point is, as Zen is always saying - and Tibetans understand this also very well - every activity becomes perfect Buddha activity.

When I was in retreat I just did my meditation sessions and, in-between, reading and things I had to do.

There are certain teachers who shouldn't be teachers.

If you just follow your inner calling, then you just go ahead.

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.