Kindness and compassion

"Kindness is where we start. Compassion means so much more, in a certain sense, than simply being kind. Compassion means kindness, but it also means communication – fierce, florid, and fecund communication. Compassion is openness to infinite pattern and to embodying any aspect of that pattern for the benefit of everyone, and everything, everywhere."

kindness-and-compassion, Ngak'chang Rinpoche

Kindness simplifies situations

"When we make the effort to be kind, we may find that it becomes increasingly effortless. It may begin to flow naturally, and make us glad that we can experience such warmth and openness. A truly kind act is an act of pure appropriateness and therefore whenever we are kind, there will be an element of appropriateness. Life will seem more infused with energy, and there will seem fewer obstructions. Kindness simplifies situations. An act of kindness enables us to side-step our attachment to the past and future – it is a holiday from ‘me-centred concerns’, and as such can be lived moment by moment."

Kindness, Ngak'chang Rinpoche

Spaciousness

"The practise of Letting Go develops awareness. It also develops a sense of spaciousness in the mind and the capacity to observe thought rather than being overwhelmed by involvement with its content."

p129, Relaxing into Meditation, Ngakma Nor'dzin, Aro Books worldwide, 2010, 978-1898185178

Every day view

"There is no purpose in being able to experience oneself as radiating pure light and have an intense experience of purity whilst sitting on one's meditation cushion, if one cannot display down-to-earth patience, tolerance and respect of others in ordinary life situations."

p125, Relaxing into Meditation, Ngakma Nor'dzin, Aro Books worldwide, 2010, 978-1898185178

A teaching from Künzang Dorje Rinpoche

"As to how we should meditate, it's important to break sitting into short sessions. Meditation doesn't require sitting for long stretches as if there were value merely in not moving. It's better to meditate for short periods rather than long session that have no result. When drops of water accumulate they gather momentum but each drop is separate. Each drop is unique. Meditation sessions should accumulate in the same way."

p363 Wisdom Eccentrics, Ngakpa Chögyam, Aro Books, Inc, 2011, 978-0965394864