If you have humility, you are willing to undertake anything to spread the dharma.
Some people like a harsh teacher. They feel the demands make them learn more quickly. Some like a gentle teacher because they feel that makes them learn more quickly.
The more moral you pretend to be, the less moral you are; the less moral you try to be, the more moral you are.
It takes tremendous self-restraint on the part of the student not to want to monopolize the teacher's attention, to live a very controlled life and a happy life, and of course, be dedicated to the cause.
Don't judge others. Always be open to them. Avoid the cult mentality, you know, the super-slick, "I'm superior because I meditate, because I'm on the pathway to enlightenment," the subtle ego nonsense, terrible trap.
If one thinks of an enlightened person in a negative way, as it hits their aura, it returns very strongly.
We must control the tendencies within our being that are destructive, when we want to slam somebody else, hurt them, injure them, or push them out of the way. A reverence for life needs to be developed, in which all things are sacred.
If you can't think of an enlightened person positively, don't think of them at all.
There is enough room in eternity for everyone to be enlightened. We gain or lose nothing by the success of others.
If you become obsessive in spiritual practice, if you just try and try, you are not going to be happy. You are going to be obsessive.
Emotional control is essential for attaining higher levels of mind. The thing that the teacher looks for in a student is the degree of self-control, not coldness that someone has.
You need to have the humility to accept your limitations as long as they're there, and have the humility to accept their end when that time comes.
Simplify your life and your mind. Think more of infinity and less of yourself.
As a student of enlightenment your attitude should not be to become enlightened. It should be to learn.
You have to come to the world of enlightenment with open hands, not clinched fists, without an agenda.
In America people have this funny idea about enlightenment and money. Money expresses a level of commitment. Studying enlightenment is like going to a university.
You are a part of everything. You are like the guys in the bar and that gal on the corner with the red dress. We are a little bit of everyone. Let's not get too fancy here.
Faithfulness, faith, all of the words that so few people live, you must live. Only then are you worthy of immortality.
You must be accommodating with your teacher. You must have a sense of humor about your teacher and the impossible things they ask you to do.
Self-honesty is absolutely necessary in the practice of Buddhism.
As you become more aware of your own imperfections, you simultaneously become more aware of the overall perfection of the universe.
The purpose of enlightenment is certainly not the teacher, nor is it you. It doesn't have a purpose. Enlightenment simply exists.
Those who practice deserve your respect. If you respect them, you respect yourself. It's easy to be critical, but it does no good. What's important is to be supportive of all who practice.
Select companions who are striving for enlightenment. They all have their imperfections, certainly, but at least their attention is moving in the right direction.
To know that these are people who for a moment, in glory, in light, were true warriors, and you had the chance to associate with them, to live with them, to share with them, words and moments of power - this is the nature of spiritual study.
