Category: Quotes

54 Pearls: 8 – Inner Climate

Humans require the basic necessities: food, shelter, and clothing, etc. Similarly, our mind needs certain conditions to be happy. In fact, our spiritual state is even more dependent on the proper “environment” than our body. When the mind is clear and calm, whatever we eat tastes good and whatever we wear feels comfortable. Friends and … Continued

54 Pearls: 7 – Compassion & Wisdom

I often say “Compassion makes no enemies. Wisdom brings no afflictions.” Without wisdom,we harm ourselves. Without compassion, we harm others. FR

54 Pearls: 6 – Compassion in action

World peace will not come about just by singing about it. It will require action on the part ofall. Everyone should exercise compassion for people, animals, the environment, and all sentientbeings. If the compassionate impulses that lie in every human heart were brought together, asynergistic force would be created that could transform the Earth. The … Continued

54 Pearls: 5 – Integrity

Do everything you can to fulfill your promises. No matter what challenges or circumstancesyou are facing, do not go back on your word. FR

54 Pearls: 4 – Inner enemies

The greater the greed of a person, the stronger their hate and jealousy. One afflicted by thefive poisons suffers severely and is most deserving of pity. Our enemies are not external. Whatreally disturbs and harms us is our own mind. Since beginningless time, our true enemies havealways been hate, jealousy, pride, and arrogance. They have … Continued

54 Pearls: 3 – Forbearance

When someone treats you unfairly, you must find within yourself the means to accept theirfaults, to accept them as a person just the way they are. Look upon them as your very ownparents. This will make it possible for you to practice forbearance. The fondness and warmththat you now reserve for your close relations should … Continued

54 Pearls: 2 – Gratitude

Only through sentient beings are we able to develop Bodhicitta; only through sentient beingsare we able to accumulate the store of virtuous deeds and merit required to attain Buddhahood;only through sentient beings are we able to attain enlightenment. Hence we should continuouslyremind ourselves not to give up on, harbor ill feelings toward, or distance ourselves … Continued

54 Pearls: 1 – Understanding

Understand your own pain and suffering, and thereby understand the pain and suffering of other sentient beings.Understand your own heart, and thereby understand the hearts of others.Understand your own life, and thereby understand the lives of others.Understand the Life that lives you, and thereby understand the Life that lives all sentient beings. FR