77 Quotes by Henepola Gunaratana

Generally, the last hindrance to leave the mind is hatred. When it is gone, metta arises naturally. The void is filled with feelings of friendliness toward everyone. When you no longer push things away, you naturally feel close to everything. You feel positive toward everybody. Everybody is your friend.

Concentration should be regarded as a tool. Like any tool, it can be used for good or for ill. A sharp knife can be used to create a beautiful carving or to harm someone. It is all up to the one who uses the knife.

Pain is inevitable, suffering is not. Pain and suffering are two different animals.

Somewhere in this process, you will come face to face with the sudden and shocking realization that you are completely crazy.

Vipassana meditation is a process by which that concept is dissolved. Little by little, you chip away at it, just by observing it.

Just because of the simple fact that you are human, you find yourself heir to an inherent unsatisfactoriness in life that simply will not go away.

Skillful thoughts, on the other hand, are those connected with generosity, compassion, and wisdom. They are skillful in the sense that they may be used as specific remedies for unskillful thoughts, and thus can assist you in moving toward liberation. You.

You can’t ever get everything you want. It is impossible. Luckily, there is another option. You can learn to control your mind, to step outside of the endless cycle of desire and aversion. You can learn not to want what you want, to recognize desires but not be controlled by them.

Patience is the key. Patience. If you learn nothing else from meditation, you will learn patience. Patience is essential for any profound change.