If we want to engage tantric practice, we should follow Naropa’s example and give up our concern with our appearance and reputation, with the way we look and what people think of us.

all our misdeeds can totally be cleared away.

One who follows this path makes the firm decision to practice in order to find freedom beyond suffering.

But the success rate of being able to reduce one’s pain and suffering is very low. So the desperate feelings grow stronger.

How much happiness we get out of worldly things depends on how much understanding and wisdom we have.

HOW CAN WE USE OUR OWN SADNESS TO BENEFIT OTHERS?

The big problem is the negative habits of the mind, how you look at everything. These mental patterns [the defilements] can get quite built up and rigid, and they color and influence your perspective.

antidote to this is to visit other places in the world where life is infinitely more difficult and troubled

We never reap the fruits of our constant, obsessive preparation.