Category: Quotes

“Joy creates a spaciousness in the mind that allows us to hold the suffering we experience inside us and around us without becoming overwhelmed, without collapsing into helplessness or despair. It brings inspiration and vitality and allows us to respond wisely to suffering with more wisdom and compassion. Profound understanding of suffering does not preclude… Continue reading Quote for the Week

Think about the things that help you maintain your practice. Ask yourself, how do you remember to practice when you forget? How do you keep yourself inspired, enthusiastic, engaged—especially if you’ve been practicing for a while?  ~ Vanessa Zuisei Goddard

“Imagine building a structure of any kind; add a little here, a little there, pay particular attention to shoring up the weight bearing wall. We are continuously shoring up our practice and our daily lives, and it requires energy, courage, persistence and effort to do so.”  ~Heidi Bourne, 

“Bringing interest and investigation to an experience can change our relationship to the experience because it changes the ecology of the mind, so to speak. Investigation brings a wholesome quality to the mind, which can initiate a significant shift in the mind…”  Gil Fronsdal

“Buddhist practice develops ordinary capacities so that they can serve on the path of awakening. Rather than cultivating new abilities, with this practice we learn to identify, appreciate, and strengthen ones we already have. Doing so we discover that these capacities are treasures within.”  ~ Gil Fronsdal

“It can be helpful to remember something that inspires you in the practice, such as a teaching, a person, or some experience you have had in the practice. Bringing this to mind may remind you of why you are doing the practice and how much you value it. It may gladden the heart enough to… Continue reading Quote for the Week

“In the case of restlessness-and-worry, anything that calms the mind will be helpful. A useful tool is attention to the joy of being in the present moment, in particular with emphasis on resting in whole-body awareness. Relaxing into this joy will allow body and mind to become calm and tranquil, thereby directly opposing the tension… Continue reading Quote for the Week

“The presence of sloth and torpor [lethargy] does not mean that energy is not available. It means we are not accessing it. With a change in conditions, energy may reappear in a moment. This can be seen clearly in young children who switch from being “tired” (while shopping) to being energetic (about an offer of… Continue reading Quote for the Week

“Having ill will is not a personal failing. It is an ordinary part of life. There is no need to define or judge oneself by its presence. It is also not necessary to be under its sway. There are healthier motivations we can act on in order to do what needs to be done. Learning… Continue reading Quote for the Week