Our Pristine Mind: A Practical Guide to Unconditional Happiness

What you see in the world is a reflection of your mind. You can’t change yourself by changing the world. You need to change your mind; then the world reflects the change of your mind.

The basis of compassion and love is our fundamental equality with others. We are all in the same boat of life. But when our ego dictates that we must feel superior to others, this equality becomes impossible.

mind is naturally pristine, and that your mental events are just passing through. You must deeply realize this.

With any kind of exaggerated sense of self, it is difficult to have meaningful friendships based on an appreciation of our shared humanity.

deflated sense of self, due to obsessing over our bad circumstances or shortcomings, is just as egocentric as an exaggerated sense of self. In both cases, we are fixated on our self—either our misperceived superiority or our misperceived inferiority.

The great teacher Mipham Rinpoche said, “The foolish person chases after happiness. The wise person creates the right conditions for happiness.”

If you believe your thoughts and emotions, and accept their way of finding a comfort zone, then for the rest of your life you will always be looking, searching, yearning.

Don’t follow the past. Don’t anticipate the future. Remain in the present moment. Leave your mind alone.

When your thoughts and emotions vanish, when you perceive the actual nature of your mind, then no one’s opinions, judgments, or views are involved. That direct perception is called realizing who you really are.