By silencing the mind, we can experience real peace. As long as various kinds of thoughts agitate the brain, we don't experience 100 percent peace.

The process of becoming who you will be begins first with the total acceptance of who you are.

Whatever attitudes we habitually use toward ourselves, we will use on others, and whatever attitudes we habitually use toward others, we will use on ourselves.

When you have learned compassion for yourself, compassion for others is automatic.

You can learn not to want what you want, to recognize desires but not be controlled by them.

Watch the functioning of your own mind in a calm and detached manner so you can gain insight into your own behavior.

No matter how hard you pursue pleasure and success, there are times when you fail. No matter how fast you flee, there are times when pain catches up with you.

The purpose of meditation is personal transformation.

The you that goes in one side of the meditation experience is not the same you that comes out the other side.

Meditation changes your character.

We have to learn to be kind to ourselves. In the long run avoiding unpleasantness is a very unkind thing to do to yourself.

I am accountable for every lie that I tell, but I am also accountable for the effects of every harsh truth I deliver.

I went to the little window and inhaled the country air. One could hear the breathing of the night, feminine, enormous.("The Blue Bouquet")

When I'm talking to people I like to stop and quote myself. My quotes have a way of spicing up conversation.

I'd like to do a play, but I can't find the right thing. I don't want it to be a starring role. I just want to play a really interesting character.

I can identify with steelworkers. I can identify with workers that have had a difficult time.

Today's Islamic fundamentalism is also a cover for political motifs. We should not overlook the political motifs we encounter in forms of religious fanaticism

Live more and more in the Present, which is ever beautiful and stretches away beyond the limits of the past and the future.

Peace at home is peace in the country. Peace in the country is peace in the world.

I am here to paint you a picture of the world I see