English: Kyabje Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche book “How to be happy” launch on 17th December 2008 in Kopan Monastery, Nepal. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Faith alone never stops problems; understanding knowledge-wisdom always does. Lord Buddha himself said that belief in Buddha was dangerous; that instead of just believing in something, people should use their minds to try to discover their own true nature. ~ Lama Zopa Rinpoche
Simply watching also allows us to stop struggling: to stop trying so hard to accomplish, to prove ourselves, to measure up—to cover over whatever sense of lack we might have. It may be frightening when we first stop struggling; we’ve become accustomed to this way of being, and feel anxious about leaving the comfort of the familiar. But when we stop the struggle, we then have the space to be at home with ourselves. – Ezra Bayda, “Reflect, Without Thinking.”
English: Picture of Sharon Salzberg. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
No matter what comes up, we can learn new ways of being with it. We have a capacity to meet any thought or emotion with mindfulness and balance. Whatever disagreeable emotion is coursing through us, we can let it go. Rereading those words may keep you going when sitting down to practice is the last thing you want to do. ~ Sharon Salzberg, “Sticking with It”
Although desires can be remarkably stubborn, they share a goal — happiness — and this can form the common ground for an effective dialogue: If a desire doesn’t really produce happiness, it contradicts its reason for being. – Thanissaro Bhikkhu, “Pushing the Limits”
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If we view the world’s religions from the widest possible viewpoint and examine their ultimate goal, we find that all of the major world religions, whether Christianity or Islam, Hinduism or Buddhism, are dedicated to the achievement of permanent human happiness. They are all directed toward that goal. All religions emphasize the fact that the true follower must be honest and gentle, in other words, that a truly religious person must always strive to be a better human being. To this end, the different world religions teach different doctrines which will help transform the person. In this regard, all religions are the same, there is no conflict. This is something we must emphasize. We must consider the question of religious diversity from this viewpoint. And when we do, we find no conflict. ~ His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama, “Answers: Discussions with Western Buddhists,
pages 12-13.”
A Buddhist's Journey 