There is that strong wish in us to ignore painful things — if possible — but that leaves us bound to them in a kind of sleepy slavery.

‘It is so hard to find the time and tools I need To help those with whom I share this world. If I don't seize the chance now, It may never arise again!’ Acharya Shantideva

‘The Buddha’s teaching of the raft offers a profound reminder of the importance of non-attachment in the spiritual journey. His metaphor serves as a practical guide for using the Dhamma effectively.’ Everyday Buddhism

‘From the birth and death of stars to the rise and fall of empires, from the smallest atom to the grandest mountains, all phenomena arise, exist for a time, and then dissolve. To deny this truth is to remain bound by illusion.’ Everyday Buddhism

‘It requires a deep willingness to let go of our most cherished assumptions about who we are. The self, though an illusion, feels very real, and its dissolution can evoke fear and resistance.’ Everyday Buddhism

‘What of you people? Do you know yourselves? When you doubt sufficiently, your enlightenment will be sufficient.’ Bassui Tokushō

‘Mindfulness in words — trying to make an internal commentary of what one is doing — is just a kind of illusion.’ Trevor Leggett

‘When you dream at night you see all sorts of different things. Are those things seen with the eyes? You believe you have eyes in the dream, don’t you? You walk around and look all over, yet in reality your eyes are closed and you’re in bed.’ Tulku Urgyen...

‘Just because one believes one has eyes and can therefore see does not change the fact that what one is experiencing is basically mind experience.’ Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche

‘We can experience pain, joy, love, and loss, but these experiences are no longer seen as happening to a self. They are simply the play of phenomena arising and dissolving in awareness.’ Everyday Buddhism