Quotes from Gil Fronsdal

Victory gives birth to hate; The defeated sleep in anguish. Giving up both victory and defeat, Those who have attained peace sleep happily.

Without longing or dislike, No bonds exist.

In this text, reality is not divided into a conditioned, worldly realm and an unconditioned, transcendent realm far removed from the contingent world of ordinary human life. Instead, the teachings point to a peace that can be found in this life in this world.

And I have known meditators filled with doubt and self-condemnation when the practice has been stormy. Practicing with our best effort during periods of crisis and personal struggle may not bring about spiritual highs. It may, however, bring something more important: a strengthening of the inner qualities that sustain a spiritual life for the long term: mindfulness, persistence, courage, compassion, humility, renunciation, discipline, concentration, faith*, acceptance, and kindness.

It can be easy to love all beings from a distance; it can be a great challenge when we have to live with them.

Freedom from clinging allows us bring love into all aspects of our life.

the Book of Eights does not espouse a religious doctrine that exists in opposition to other doctrines. Nor does it put forth a teaching that is meant to be seen as superior to other teachings.

the text explicitly denies the role of ultimate religious "truth" and "knowledge" in attaining personal peace.

The Book of Eights' emphasis is on overcoming any longing for any form of future rebirth.

The Book of Eights' emphasis is on overcoming any longing for any form of future rebirth. In contrast to later Buddhist teachings that are predicated on the belief in rebirth, the Book of Eights presents a path of practice—attainable in this lifetime—that appears free from concern with multiple lives.

It's easy to do what is not good And things that harm oneself. It's very difficult to do Things beneficial and good.

Giving a brief sermon, the Abbess once said, 'A hot furnace does not need to be heated. A loving heart does not need to be loved. Being loving is more important than being loved.