Karma is not something complicated or philosophical. Karma means watching your body, watching your mouth, and watching your mind. Trying to keep these three doors as pure as possible is the practice of karma.
It is a simple truth that if we identify ourselves as being fundamentally pure, strong, and capable we will actually develop these qualities, but if we continue to think of ourselves as dull and foolish, that is what we will become.
The mind is very powerful. Therefore, it requires firm guidance. A powerful jet plane needs a good pilot; the pilot of your mind should be the wisdom that understands its nature.
When you check your own mind properly, you stop blaming others for your problems.
It is precisely because our present life is so inseparably linked with desire that we must make use of desire’s tremendous energy if we wish to transform our life into something transcendental.
Examine your own mental attitudes. Become your own therapist.
No matter how confused or deluded we may be at the moment, the underlying and essential nature of our being is clear and pure.
At certain times, a silent mind is very important, but ‘silent’ does not mean closed. The silent mind is an alert, awakened mind; a mind seeking the nature of reality.
Just the idea that you are religious doesn’t help at all. It does not help you; it does not help others. In order to really help others, you need to gain knowledge-wisdom.
We completely deny the existence of a self-existent I, or a permanent, independent soul. Every aspect of your body and mind is impermanent: changing, changing, changing...
Buddhist meditation doen’t necessarily mean sitting cross-legged with your eyes closed. Simply observing how your mind is responding to the sense world as you go about your business – walking, talking, shopping, whatever – can be a really perfect meditation and bring a perfect result.
Your mind is your religion.
It’s not just philosophy, not just words; it’s knowing how the mind functions; only then can you develop loving-kindness; only then can you become a spiritual person.
One action produces a reaction; that is karma.
There’s a big difference between being able to explain religion intellectually and transforming that knowledge into spiritual experience.
First of all, merely by living a simple life with a heart dedicated to overcoming self-cherishing, we automatically benefit others.
Be wise. Treat yourself, your mind, sympathetically, with loving kindness. If you are gentle with yourself, you will become gentle with others.
Be blissful and enjoy your life; do not let yourself become obsessed with anything. Determine to use the rest of your life to benefit others as much as possible.
If you expect your life to be full of ups and downs, then your mind will be much more peaceful.