Change Is A Process

We may not be able to change negative behavior right away,

but if we stop justifying or rationalizing it

and start familiarizing ourselves with wisdom,

gradually change will occur.’

– Thubten Chodron, Awaken Every Day: 365 Buddhist Reflections to Invite Mindfulness and Joy

We Cannot Will Ourselves To Greatness

To be like … great masters, we cannot simply will ourselves to be like them.

We need to cultivate the qualities they possess.

To cultivate the qualities of compassion, wisdom, and dignity, we need to check our motivation and make aspirations.

Motivation is like a mirror- it reflects your present intention.

Aspiration is like a doorway to the future- it ushers you to the results you wish to achieve.

Without motivation, you cannot even start on the path; without aspiration, it would be difficult to reach the results.’

– Phakchok Rinpoche and Sophie Wu