This path toward openness, which finds its natural expression in devotion and surrender, is one that we must travel for ourselves.

We cannot rely on friends or lovers; we cannot trust parents; we cannot expect help from society.

There is no one ‘out there’ who can really fulfill us.

Externally we may say, “I have many friends and family. I have my work,” but internally we are very much alone.

Nor is this being alone a sign that something is wrong ‘here’, so that we need to go ‘there’.

It is mostly human nature to be alone.

But this loneliness is also a sign that on our own we can make a fundamental change.

Taking our loneliness as a teaching, we can see that our need for ‘something’ cannot be satisfied through lesser truths or transient, selfish loves. 

Footsteps on the Diamond Path 

When you start from a sense of ‘me’ and ‘mind’, what you discover in meditation is more of the same.

The insights that meditation can bring are instantly converted into concepts, variations on positions you already hold.

But genuinely new knowledge does not come from confirming existing likes and dislikes. 

Gesture of Great Love 

A true friend is someone who can offer guidance, someone who can help a person in trouble to get out of that situation.

In that sense, every person and every situation can be your teacher, friend, and guide—even if you must sometimes be guided over very painful ground.

Footsteps on the Diamond Path 

How often do you say something original?

What happens when you do? 

Where does it come from?

How is such speech different from ordinary speech?

Does reflecting on the newness change your understanding of the meaning of your words?

Lotus Language

In meditation we may have exceptional realizations which break through our conceptual ways of dealing with experiences, and these realizations help us to see from a more enlightened point of view.

We contact the calmness and clarity which lie below the conceptual level.

Meditation is then our refuge, for we can call on it whenever we need it to give balance.

Taking refugee in ourselves in this way gives a stronger basis and greater confidence to cope with everyday life.

This is refuge at a higher level.

Openness Mind

In meditation we may have exceptional realizations which break through our conceptual ways of dealing with experiences, and these realizations help us to see from a more enlightened point of view.

We contact the calmness and clarity which lie below the conceptual level.

Meditation is then our refuge, for we can call on it whenever we need it to give balance.

Taking refugee in ourselves in this way gives a stronger basis and greater confidence to cope with everyday life.

This is refuge at a higher level.

Openness Mind

Each of us has a beautiful inner garden.

Perhaps we only find ourselves there from time to time, in moments when there are no detractions and conflicts or problems, moments when we feel light and free and are transported to a place of peace and harmony.

Such moments come and go, so we need to learn to take advantage of the opportunities they offer without trying to hold on to them.

Like nature, the body and mind have their own rhythms and it is best to let them unfold in accord with their inner dynamic.

Then we will discover that we can effortlessly cultivate in ourselves the virtuous qualities we value most—love, joy, compassion, balance and wisdom.

Our mind, and also our spirit, are capable of this.

We can embody such qualities, so that other people recognize them as well, sharing the benefits such treasures bring.

In this way, our heart and soul will stay vital and alive, and we will leave the desert of loneliness and despair far behind.

Love of Beauty

We can be our own partner, relishing the feel of our own existence, caring for our own embodiment.

The world today is caught up in bias and enemy making on the one hand and distraction on the other.

But we can choose not to be a part of these patterns—the impressions that are constantly being put forward and the expressions that are steadily being broadcast.

We do not have to participate in the violent destruction of what has value.

Love of Beauty

However it manifest, care has the power to transform.  

Ask what someone cares about and how they manifest their care, and you will know how that person relates to wisdom and compassion, love and respect.

Caring

The deep relaxation and openness of meditation offer a different perspective on our thoughts and perceptions.

Meditation shows that we do not need to grasp at some experiences and reject others.

We can accept all experience, whether positive or negative.

And this acceptance can lead to deep satisfaction, a heart appreciation of being alive.

As our awareness and our response to living reflect the rich balance of meditation, our particular difficulties yield to a growing sense of confidence and enjoyment.

A new mind arises, bearing a sense of lightness and calm that ripples throughout all our activities like laughter. 

Hidden Mind of Freedom