The Healing Power of Mind: Simple Meditation Exercises for Health, Well-Being, and Enlightenment (Buddhayana Series, VII)

If we train our minds to accept problems as positive, even very difficult problems can become a source of joy instead of suffering.

the big problem is our insistence on imposing concepts upon experiences that are truly open in nature.

Appreciation and contentment, the ability to rejoice in all things large and small, is a major training of Buddhism.

Pure perception of pain and suffering means that we actually greet the pain as a positive and inspiring opportunity to practice letting go of self.

Our minds create the experience of both happiness and suffering, and the ability to find peace lies within us. In its true nature, the mind is peaceful and enlightened. Anyone who understands this is already on the path to wisdom.

Negative or positive, the perception depends on our minds. If we see something as positive, even if it is a simple cup of tea, it can become an object of joy because of our perception. If we see the same cup of tea as negative, it is unpleasant.

Generally, it is harder for the peaceful mind to survive the assaults of sensual joy and material attraction than those of pain and suffering.

words have great power, we could tell ourselves, “The pressure is on, but I feel completely relaxed.” We can be aware of our breathing in a relaxed way, and notice and feel the space and the air around us, and in this way actually feel that we have less pressure and more space.

Always we should appreciate what we are able to do, and not feel bad about what we haven’t done.