Quotes to Contemplate

From Buddha's Little Instruction Book by Jack Kornfield:

Love in the past is only a memory. Love in the future is a fantasy. Only here and now can we truly love.

Most of the sorrows of the earth humans cause for themselves.

Even loss and betrayal can bring us awakening.

Words have the power to destroy or heal. When words are both true and kind, they can change our world.

Our own worst enemy cannot harm us as much as our unwise thoughts. No one can help us as much as our own compassionate thoughts.

In one's family, respect and listening are the source of harmony.

Wherever you live is your temple if you treat it like one.

If you can't find the truth right where you are, where else do you think you will find it?

Spiritual life should include a great measure of common sense.

If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.

Good humored paitience is nescessary with mischievous children and your own mind.

Our sorrows and wounds are healed only when we touch them with compassion.

Everything in moderation, including moderation.

Joy comes not through possession or ownership but through a wise and loving heart.

If you do not care for eachother, who will you care for?

When Leading, be generous with the community, honorable in action, sincere in your words. As for the rest, do not be concerned.

No mattter how difficult the past, you can always begin again today.

Not getting what you desire, and getting what you desire can both be disappointing.

Like the mother of the world, touch each being as your beloved child.

Learn to let go. That is the key to happiness.

Just as a snake sheds its skin, we must shed our past over and over again.

In life we cannot avoid change, we cannot avoid loss. Freedom and happiness are found in the flexibility and eas with which we move through change.

Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.

Imagine that every person in the world is enlightened but you. They are all your teachers, each doing just the right things to help you learn perfect patience, perfect wisdom, perfect compassion.

Forgiveness is primarily for our own sake, so taht we no longer carry the burden of resentment. But to forgive does not mean we will allow injustice again.

We inter-breathe with the rain forests, we drink from the oceans. They are part of our own body.

Do not seek perfection in a changing world. Instead, perfect your love.

Simplicity brings more happiness than complexity.

A day spent judging another is a painful day. A day spent judging yourself is a painful day. You don't have to believe your judgements; they're simply and old habit.

At the bottom of things, most people want to be understood and appreciated.

If you let cloudy water settle it will become clear. If you let your upset mind settle, your course will also become clear.

May I be filled with loving kindness.
May I be well.
May I be peaceful and at ease.
May I be happy.