“Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions.”  —Pema Chödrön

The peace that we are looking for is not peace that crumbles as soon as there is difficulty or chaos. Whether we’re seeking inner peace or global peace or a combination of the two, the way to experience it is to build on the foundation of unconditional openness to all that arises. Peace isn’t an experience free of challenges, free of rough and smooth, it’s an experience that’s expansive enough to include all that arises without feeling threatened. ~ Pema Chödron

“Inner peace is the key: if you have inner peace, the external problems do not affect your deep sense of peace and tranquility.” —Dalai Lama

“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.” —Etty Hillesum

“The less you respond to negative people, the more peaceful your life will become.” —Unknown

“Worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles. It takes away today’s peace.” ―Randy Armstrong

The moon’s reflection on water appears without obstruction and seems to shine very brightly, yet it is simply the appearance of something that does not exist. There is no such thing as a moon in the water. Likewise, when one recognizes that thoughts have no true existence, one recognizes awareness, and this is dharmakaya. ~ Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

Samanera Ananda

It is necessary to work patiently with others, all the time. If you have patience with people, they slowly change. You do have some effect on them if you are radiating your sanity. They will begin to take notice, although of course they don’t want to let anybody know. They say, “Nothing has changed. I have the same problems.” But don’t give up. Something happens — if you take your time. It works! ~ Chögyam Trungpa

Impermanence is everywhere, yet I still think things will last.
I have reached the gates of old age, yet I still pretend I am young.
Bless me and misguided beings like me,
That we may truly understand impermanence. ~ Patrul Rinpoche

Giving up all defilements is generosity;
Being free from mental effort is discipline;
Being free from defining characteristics is patience;
Not making distinctions is diligence;
Nonabiding is meditation;
Being free from mental fabrication is insight. ~ Maitripa

Whatever you do — walking, eating, sitting, and so forth — abandon laziness, indolence, apathy, negligence, and distraction. Master the habitual patterns that make you resist any change in your body, speech, and mind, even in the most insignificant activities. Once you have embarked on the path of liberation, it is inappropriate to behave in an ordinary way: observe your mind all the time with vigilance and lucidity. If you have committed a negative act, regret it and promise never to do it again. Be glad if you have committed none. ~ 4th Shechen Gyaltsab

At my sister’s garden on December 6, 2025

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands: one for helping yourself, the other for helping others. ~ Sam Levenson

Jendhamuni in the garden on October 2, 2025.

What is the good of your stars and trees, your sunrise and the wind, if they do not enter into our daily lives? – E.M. Forster
My wish is to stay always like this, living quietly in a corner of nature. – Claude Monet

It is important to examine your actions very closely. Particularly with minor negative actions, we do not see what the results will be immediately, but it is certain that those actions will mature and that we will have to experience the result. Enlightened beings can see this very clearly. For them even the most minute negative action is like a speck of dust in one’s eye – one has to get rid of it immediately. We ordinary beings, on the other hand, are unable to see the consequences of our actions. We are unaware of our minor deeds and lose track of them like an arrow shot into a thick forest. We act without understanding where our actions will lead. But if we had the vision of an enlightened being, we would see that even the minutest action has a result. ~ Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

Life is full of blessings we take for granted. Yet so often we dwell on what we don’t have. Appreciate what you already have and be grateful. ― Napz Cherub Pellazo