The human mind is such an extraordinary thing. It has invented the computer. It has split the atom. It has sent ships into space. It has not, however, solved the problem of human suffering, of anguish, loneliness, emptiness, despair.

That could be a parable. It’s tragic, it’s painful. I think back on my own life and I think, Why did I waste it? I wasted it. And all kinds of wonderful things, believe me—pastoral ministries, theological enterprises, liturgical services, etc., etc., etc. The more occupied we are in the things of God, the more likely we priests are to forget what

Nothing in this entire world has the power to upset you. Nothing. As a matter of fact, nothing has ever upset you. Nobody has ever hurt you. You stupidly hurt yourself.

You’ve got the clouds and you’ve got the sky. Many of the Oriental masters will say that enlightenment, before they saw, meant they would identify themselves with the clouds. After enlightenment, they would identify themselves with the sky.

Maturity is when you no longer blame anyone. You don’t blame others, you don’t blame yourself. You see what’s wrong, and you set about remedying it. That’s one pretty good sign of maturity.

So, the first thing: Admit that your life is in a mess. And, second—this is a bit tougher, okay? You ready? Here it is: You don’t want to get out of it. You do not want to get out of the mess. Talk to any psychologist who’s worth his name and he’ll confirm that. The last thing a client wants is a cure. He doesn’t want to get cured, he wants relief.

Plunge into the heat of battle and keep your heart at the lotus feet of the Lord.

The world is full of sorrow. The root of sorrow is desire. The uprooting of sorrow is desirelessness.

When misery caused by attachment is dropped, happiness is attained.