11 Quotes by Thanissaro Bhikkhu

Show your thoughts who's boss.

Phenomena are preceded by the heart, ruled by the heart, made of the heart.If you speak or actwith a corrupted heart,then suffering follows you —as the wheel of the cart, the track of the ox that pulls it.Phenomena are preceded by the heart, ruled by the heart, made of the heart.If you speak or actwith a calm, bright heart,then happiness follows you,like a shadow that never leaves.

Heedfulness: the path to the Deathless;Heedlessness: the path to death.The heedful do not die;The heedless are as ifalready dead.Knowing this as a true distinction,those wise in heedfulnessrejoice in heedfulness,enjoying the range of the noble ones.Dhp 21-22

The non-doing of any evil,the performance of what’s skillful,the cleansing of one’s own mind:This is the Buddhas’ teaching.Not disparaging, not injuring,restraint in line with the Patimokkha,moderation in food,dwelling in seclusion,commitment to the heightened mind:This is the Buddhas’ teaching.Dhp 183, 185

Searching all directions with one’s awareness, one finds no one dearer than oneself. In the same way, others are fiercely dear to themselves. So one should not hurt others if one loves oneself.

The key to maintaining your inspiration in the day-to-day work of meditation practice is to approach it as play – a happy opportunity to master practical skills, to raise questions, experiment, and explore.

Remember that you don’t have to like or admire someone to feel compassion for that person. All you have to do is wish for that person to be happy.

The Buddha’s last words instructed us to be heedful – to see our actions as important and to keep that importance in mind at all times.

Don’t be a slave to style. Don’t take more from the world than you’re willing to give back. And learn to undo the perceptions-so heavily promoted by the media-that shopping is a form of therapy and that a purchase is nothing but a victory or a gain.