Quotes from David Michie

Pain is inevitable," the Dalai Lama continued. "Suffering is optional. We will all have to endure trauma and challenges. What matters is how we move forward afterward. Do we keep carrying the trauma and its causes in our mind? Or can we find a way to let go of them, to end our own suffering?

instantly understood in that moment, however, was that the version of the beings we saw in the world around us was as much a reflection of our own mind, as it was of them. And that the more our mind was filled with thoughts of self and our own needs and wishes, the less space and compassion there was for others—and the less happy we would be.

It is interesting how, once you have decided to strike out on a new course of action, events often transpire to help you. Not always in an obvious fashion, or immediately. And sometimes in ways you would never have considered.

May all beings have happiness and the true causes of happiness; May all beings be free from suffering and the true causes of suffering; May all beings never be parted from the happiness that is without suffering, the great joy of nirvana, liberation; May all beings abide in peace and equanimity, their minds free from attachment and aversion, and free from indifference.

One of the last things Buddha said to his followers was that anyone who believed a word he had taught them was a fool—unless they had tested it against their own experience.

Isn't it curious how, very occasionally, we have a strong and inexplicable feeling about a complete stranger? Most of the time, someone we don't know is just someone we don't know. Perhaps we form an impression of them on account of how they dress, speak, or move. We usually have no expectation, no feeling—good or bad—when we first encounter a new person.

We cats are the most habitual of creatures.

This is another reason we should behave with love and compassion toward all living beings. We never know in what circumstances we will meet up with them again. Sometimes even in this same lifetime.

As humans we have much greater potential, of course," His Holiness replied. "But the way we all want very much to stay alive, the way we cling to our particular experience of consciousness—in this way human and animal are equal.

The here and now. What contentment it held! Why spoil it by thinking?

Even when circumstances turn for the very worst," continued his visitor, "we can still find fresh opportunities.

We also need to think about the impact on others. When we say hurtful things we don't really mean, we can create deep wounds that can't be healed. Think of all the rifts between friends and within families, divisions that have led to a complete breakdown in the relationship, all because of a single angry outburst.

My dear, your intuition may very well be right." He met her eyes directly. "But perhaps you have to allow things to unfold of their own accord. You can't force a rosebud to open by plucking at its petals. Sometimes, you must wait for nature to take its course, for the other person to see reality for himself.

For all of us with consciousness"—the Dalai Lama returned to his seat—"our life is very precious. Therefore, we need to protect all sentient beings very much. Also, we must recognize that we share the same two basic wishes: the wish to enjoy happiness and the wish to avoid suffering.

The pursuit of perfection required rigor and discipline.

The important thing is to make sure our decisions are guided with compassion and wisdom.

In Buddhism we also interprete Dharma to mean 'cessation,' as in the end of dissatisfaction, the end of dukkha. This is the purpose of Buddha's teachings.

We are manifestations of the earth, the air, the water and the sun.

Every living being strives for happiness. Every being wants to avoid all forms of suffering.

I am how I am because all this is how it is. Each a different aspect of the same reality.

Mahatma Gandhi once said: 'The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.

we can't control everything around us in the world, but we can learn to control our own mind.

Sometimes our instinct, our negative conditioning, can be overpowering. Later we regret very much what we have done. But that is no reason to give up on yourself—the buddhas, they have not given up on you. Instead, learn from your mistake and move on. Like that.

It is pointless to feel bad about something in the past that we can't change. But regret? Yes. This is more useful.