We need to think about our own faults because if we are not aware of them we shall not be motivated to overcome them. It was through constantly examining their minds for faults and imperfections, and then applying great effort to abandon them, that those who are now enlightened were able to release their minds from delusions, the source of all faults. Buddha said that those who understand their own faults are wise, whereas those who are unaware of their own faults yet look for faults in others are fools.
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso - “Eight Steps to Happiness” (via dancingdakini)
Contemplating our own death will inspire us to use our life wisely. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
To give fearlessness is to protect other living beings from fear or danger. For example, if we rescue someone from a fire or from some other natural disaster, if we protect others from physical violence, or if we save animals and insects who have fallen into water or who are trapped, we are practicing giving fearlessness. If we are not able to rescue those in danger, we can still give fearlessness by making prayers and offerings so that they may be released from danger.
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso - “The Bodhisattva Vow” (via dancingdakini)
Our normal view is that our daily experiences, whether unpleasant or pleasant, come from external sources. Following this view we dedicate our whole life to improving our external conditions and situation, but still our human problems and suffering increase year by year. This clearly indicates that our normal view is incorrect, and only deceives us.
Patient acceptance not only helps us, it also helps those we are patient with. Being accepted feels very different from being judged. When someone feels judged, they automatically become tight and defensive, but when they feel accepted they can relax, and this allows their good qualities to come to the surface. Patience always solves our inner problems, and it often solves problems between people as well.
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso - “How to Solve Our Human Problems” (via dancingdakini)
By depending on this boat-like human form, we can cross the great ocean of suffering. Since such a vessel will be hard to find again, this is no time to sleep, you fool!
Shantideva - “Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life” (via dancingdakini)
Just as I wish to be happy, so do all other living beings, and just as I do not wish for even the slightest suffering, nor does anyone else. From this point of view we are all exactly the same. Therefore there is no reason why I should consider my own happiness or my own suffering to be more important than anyone else’s.
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso - meditation on equalizing self and others from Great Treasury of Merit
If our mind is peaceful, we will be free from worries and mental discomfort, and so we will experience true happiness; but if our mind is not peaceful, we will find it very difficult to be happy, even if we are living in the very best conditions.
