#buddhism

"According to the Buddha's teaching the beginning of the life-stream of living beings is unthinkable. THe believer in the creation of life by God may be astonished at this reply. But if you were to ask him 'What is the beginning of God?' he would answer without hesitation 'God has no beginning', and he is not astonished at his own reply."

"One doesn't have to be religious to lead a moral life or attain wisdom."

"I cannot say this too strongly: Do not compare yourselves to others. Be true to who you are, and continue to learn with all your might."

"Only those few who are able to surpass their fear of death completely can fully experience the highest forms of life; not the mundane life of the mortal, but the godly life of the resurrected."

"When love and hate are both absent, everything becomes clear and undisguised. Make the slightest distinction, however, and heaven and earth are set infinitely apart. If you wish to see the truth, then hold no opinions for or against anything. To set up what you like against what you dislike is the disease of the mind."

"it is impossible to build one's own happiness on the unhappiness of others. This perspective is at the heart of Buddhist teachings."

"Because the development of inner calm & energy happens completely within & isn’t dependent on another person or a particular situation, we begin to feel a resourcefulness and independence that is quite beautiful—and a huge relief."

"Accepting the reality of change gives rise to equanimity."

"The difference between theism and nontheism is not whether one does or does not believe in God. . . Theism is a deep-seated conviction that there's some hand to hold: if we just do the right things, someone will appreciate us and take care of us. . . Nontheism is relaxing with the ambiguity and uncertainty of the present moment without reaching for anything to protect ourselves."

"Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet."

"Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are."

"Meditation is essentially training our attention so that we can be more aware— not only of our own inner workings but also of what’s happening around us in the here & now."

"When the Aggregates arise, decay and die, O bhikkhu, every moment you are born, decay, and die."

"If the whole universe can be found in our own body and mind, this is where we need to make our inquires. We all have the answers within ourselves, we just have not got in touch with them yet. The potential of finding the truth within requires faith in ourselves."

"Many people think excitement is happiness.... But when you are excited you are not peaceful. True happiness is based on peace."

"When we are aware of our weaknesses or negative tendencies, we open the opportunity to work on them."

"Directing the mind to stay in the present can be a formidable task."

"When we teach a child patience we offer them the gift of a dignified life."

"The practice of lovingkindness can uplift us & relieve sorrow & unhappiness."

"People turn to meditation because they want to make good decisions, break bad habits & bounce back better from disappointments."