Education is the way to achieve far-reaching results, it is the proper way to promote compassion and tolerance in society.
From a certain point of view our real enemy, the true troublemaker, is inside.
If science proves some belief of Buddhism wrong, then Buddhism will have to change.
The essence of Buddhism is if you can, help others. If not, then at least refrain from hurting others.
The proper use of our intelligence and knowledge is to effect changes from within to develop a good heart.
There needs to be understanding that anger never helps to solve a problem. It destroys our peace of mind and blinds our ability to think clearly. Anger and attachment are emotions that distort our view of reality.
If it can be solved, there’s no need to worry, and if it can’t be solved, worry is of no use.
The more contact we have with one another and the more we come to understand each other’s values, the greater will be our mutual respect.
A tree with strong roots can withstand the most violent storm, but the tree can’t grow roots just as the storm appears on the horizon.
We must cultivate a universal responsibility toward each other and extend it to the planet that we have to share.
Human satisfaction must ultimately come from within oneself.
Unfortunately, love and compassion have been omitted from too many spheres of social interaction for too long. Usually confined to family and home, their practice in public life is considered impractical, even naive. This is tragic.
The most compassionate form of giving is done with no thought or expectation of reward, and grounded in genuine concern for others.
Happiness comes through taming the mind; without taming the mind there is no way to be happy.
The most important thing is transforming our minds, for a new way of thinking, a new outlook: we should strive to develop a new inner world.
Fear, hatred, and suspicion narrow your mind – compassion opens it.
We need to strengthen such inner values as contentment, patience and tolerance, as well as compassion for others. Keeping in mind that it is expressions of affection rather than money and power that attract real friends, compassion is the key to ensuring our own well-being.
Not only is your own happiness and welfare related to others, but the more you help them, the happier you will be.
Mutual respect is the foundation of genuine harmony.
Compassion suits our physical condition, whereas anger, fear and distrust are harmful to our well-being. Therefore, just as we learn the importance of physical hygiene to physical health, to ensure healthy minds, we need to learn some kind of emotional hygiene.