But then he learned that, whatever the guards did or whatever situation he was in, his own reaction was quite another thing. This uncoupling of outer goings on from our reactions to them is key to our finding peace. [Referring to Gochen Tulku Sangak Rinpoche, imprisoned age 13]
Lama Tsomo, Wisdom and Compassion, 2021
Wanting everything in life to be perfect before you take action is like wanting to reach a destination without travel.
Deng Ming-Dao, 365 Tao
I have realised that the past and future are real illusions, that they exist in the present, which is what there is and all there is.
Alan Watts
Spirituality is a mode that is far beyond the machinations and imaginations of the rational mind… we can only reach this type of spirituality by suspending our everyday thinking.
Deng Ming-Dao, 365 Tao
If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the entire universe.
Carl Sagan
Fear is the mind killer. Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past me I will turn to see fear’s path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.
Paul Atreides – Bene Gesserit litany
(Frank Herbert, Dune, 1965)
Be prepared to appreciate what you meet.
Shai-hulud, Old Father Eternity
(Frank Herbert, Dune, 1965)
The mystery of life isn’t a problem to solve, but a reality to experience.
Bene Gesserit Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam
(Frank Herbert, Dune, 1965)
To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.
Oscar Wilde
Mandala Vihara 