Most people we observe who practice self-discovery just get caught up in a new description, a new "ism", a new religion, a new god. But nothing changes.
People seem to get caught up in jargon like they get caught up in ashrams and power structures and they never become free. They become masters of jargon and power structures.
You never devote yourself to a teacher. You devote yourself to the practice.
Selectively pick a teacher, one that you respect, not just someone who can talk with wonderful poetic figures about enlightenment, but someone who has the personal power to bring you into altered states of awareness.
I think enlightenment is something that you decide to do after you have met someone who is enlightened. Something touches your heart, your being at a very deep level.
Through the practice of meditation and the auric empowerments and guidance of an enlightened master, you can totally change your karmic destiny.
Because someone is a lama or is part of a monastic order or claims to be part of a succession, doesn't really mean they know anything. Always examine the individual's consciousness, their ability to transmit light.
Enlightenment is a journey. It is a journey that is made alone. It is a journey that is made with a teacher.
What makes a difference is when we take our mind and put it into the scriptures, when we read the Buddhist Canon, the Pali Canon, when we read the Tibetan books, when we read anything inspiring - somebody else's journey into the world of enlightenment.
Meditate on enlightenment. Read the exploits of the great teachers, the great saints. They'll inspire you. Their power is there.
It is possible to wake up very quickly, to become enlightened, or you can do it gradually.
Humility is my best friend, I've always valued it above all other spiritual qualities.
Humility is the most important quality in the spiritual life. When it is lacking spiritual growth stops.
If you have humility you are halfway to God-realization.
The only way you will advance spiritually is through humility.
If you seek eternity and light and luminosity, seek humility first ... first things first.
Humility is the time that you spend in love with existence.
Your life is pure joy, pure ecstasy, when you live in humility.
When you're humble it's like wearing a beautiful flower. It inspires others. It generates energy and power.
Humility has tremendous power. Think of Gandhi. That was humility in action. He changed the shape of an entire nation.
We prefer humility in others - and if we prefer it in others - we can soon prefer it in ourselves.
"The person next to me meditates better than I do. They're purer." - This is the ego feeling sorry for itself.
Humility accepts the very nature of a human being is complete, unadulterated, ecstatic joy.
Have a healthy respect and love for yourself, but don't be taken out by your ego.
Practice humility constantly. Whenever you start to think well of yourself, push those thoughts aside. Whenever you think ill of yourself, push those thoughts aside.
