Compassion is not mere sentiment but a powerful force that can transform both ourselves and others.

The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

The Buddha's teaching is not a philosophical system but a practical guide to living.

The greatest achievement is selflessness. The greatest worth is self-mastery.

You are the master of your own mind. You can be your best friend or your worst enemy.

The object of meditation and the mind which knows it must be noted as they occur. If they are not noted, desire arises and disturbs concentration.

The spiritual journey begins with the recognition that beneath our surface happiness there lies a deep inner pain.

True love is not for the faint-hearted.

Breathing in, there is only the present moment. Breathing out, it is a wonderful moment.

Life and death are of supreme importance. Time swiftly passes by and opportunity is lost. Each of us should strive to awaken. Awaken! Take heed, do not squander your life.

The true understanding is that the practice itself is enlightenment.

The dharma wheel turns from the beginning. There is neither excess nor deficiency. The whole universe is moistened with nectar, and the truth is ready to harvest.

Meditation is like a gym in which you develop the powerful mental muscles of calm and insight.

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

Meditation is not just about sitting quietly, it's about transforming the mind.

Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.

The purpose of meditation is not to create a mental vacuum but to come to know one's own mind.

The snow lion stays in the mountains, and the snow lion's ways are the snow lion's ways.

Generosity generates its own enthusiasm. We don't have to force ourselves to be generous; we just need to start.

The practice of meditation is like learning to play an instrument - it takes patience, regular practice, and a gentle touch.

We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.

There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.

If in our daily life we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, not only we, but everyone will profit from it. This is the most basic kind of peace work.

The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.

The cultivation of loving-kindness has the power to transform enmity into amity, hostility into hospitality.

Moment after moment, completely devote yourself to listening to your inner voice.

The dharma is not about collecting more beliefs but about becoming free from the power of belief itself.

The grass is greener where you water it.

The true purpose of Zen is to see things as they are, to observe things as they are, and to let everything go as it goes.

The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.

The practice of meditation requires both energy and patience, both effort and relaxation.

When we get too caught up in the busyness of the world, we lose connection with one another – and ourselves.

The dharma is not in the books. If you want to find the dharma, look in your mind.

The mind can go in a thousand directions, but on this beautiful path, I walk in peace. With each step, the wind blows. With each step, a flower blooms.

Mindfulness is the gentle effort to be continuously present with experience.

Metta (loving-kindness) becomes truly effective only when it arises from a peaceful mind, a pure mind, a balanced mind.

Whatever is happening is the path to enlightenment.

When you practice zazen you should not try to attain anything. You should just sit in the complete calmness of your mind and not rely on anything.

Much of spiritual life is self-acceptance, maybe all of it.

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

The way to overcome anger is to be too busy being kind to have time to be angry.

Only to the extent that we expose ourselves over and over to annihilation can that which is indestructible be found in us.

It is never too late to turn on the light.

Do everything with a mind that lets go. Don't accept praise or gain or anything else. If you let go a little, you will have a little peace; if you let go a lot, you will have a lot of peace.

The true mark of a spiritual practitioner is that your own behavior is better, not that you can criticize others well.

Our emotions are like waves in the ocean. We can't stop the waves, but we can learn to surf.

Liberation is found in the practice, not in the theory.

The practice of mindfulness transforms the mind from a place of suffering into an instrument of enlightenment.

The practice is like peeling an onion. Layer after layer of delusion is removed through continuous mindfulness.

Forgiveness is letting go of the hope that the past could have been any different.

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

Faith is the firm foundation, diligence the supporting pillar, and wisdom the roof of the house of practice.

The path of insight is a path of discovery, not a path of creation. We are discovering what is already there.

The quieter you become, the more you can hear.

Anxiety and excitement are the same emotion. The only difference is our attitude toward the experience.

The most important point is to accept yourself and stand on your two feet.

The practice of vipassana is the study of the self. When you study physical and mental phenomena, you are studying the truth about yourself.

The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless and free your actions will be.

The practitioner and practice are like fire and wood. The more you practice, the more you burn.

Like a fine flower, beautiful to look at but without scent, fine words are fruitless in a man who does not act in accordance with them.