The more you understand yourself, the more you understand the world.

Mindfulness helps us get better at seeing the difference between what's happening and the stories we tell ourselves about what's happening.

Both formerly and now, it is only suffering that I describe, and the cessation of suffering.

In the monastery of your body, the monk of your mind must stay in retreat.

Each decision we make, each action we take, is born out of an intention.

Just as parents care for their children, you should bear in mind the whole universe.

The most important factor in achieving happiness is the mind. Happiness and suffering are mental states and therefore depend on the mind.

The only reason we don't open our hearts and minds to other people is that they trigger confusion in us that we don't feel brave enough or sane enough to deal with.

Peace in oneself, peace in the world.

Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.

The force of the kindness of others is so strong, we can't possibly measure it.

The mind is everything. What you think, you become.

The state of mind that exists when you sit in the right posture is, itself, enlightenment.

My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand.

This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.

The most important thing in life is to know death is coming and to prepare for it.

The practice of patience guards us against losing our presence of mind.

The ultimate source of a happy life is warm-heartedness. This means extending to others the kind of concern we have for ourselves.

When you run after your thoughts, you are like a dog chasing a stick. Every time a stick is thrown, you run after it. Instead, be like a lion who, rather than chasing after the stick, turns to face the thrower.

Nothing we see or hear is perfect. But right there in the imperfection is perfect reality.

Study the Buddha's teaching which is present in every moment.

The goal of the Buddhist path is not to add something to our existence but to discover something that has been there all along.

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

To what shall I compare this life? It is like a boat that left at dawn, leaving no trace.

The more we witness our emotional reactions and understand how they work, the easier it is to refrain.

Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind.

The eye with which I see Buddha is the same eye with which Buddha sees me.

Feelings like disappointment, embarrassment, irritation, resentment, anger, jealousy, and fear, instead of being bad news, are actually very clear moments that teach us where it is that we're holding back.

The more a thing tends to be permanent, the more it tends to be lifeless.

Meditation practice isn't about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better. It's about befriending who we are already.

The farther you enter into truth, the deeper it is.

The meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and so obvious and so simple. And yet, everybody rushes around in a great panic as if it were necessary to achieve something beyond themselves.

The fundamental delusion of humanity is to suppose that I am here and you are out there.