If we try to protect ourselves from suffering, we become fearful and alienated, caring only for the people close to us. If we primarily try to shield ourselves from discomfort, we suffer. Yet if we don’t close off and let our heart hurt, we discover our kinship with all beings.
When we join with others the accomplishments are greater than what we can achieve on our own. One must be careful not to lose one’s own personality when joining with others, the idea is integration not assimilation. No matter what is achieved, we each walk this path independently.
The mind is desperate to fix the river in place. Possessed by ideas of the past, preoccupied with images of the future, it overlooks the plain truth of the present moment. Dissolve your mind, let it be quiet, and find peace and clarity in the present moment.
In life conflict between differing opinions arises everywhere. Generally, dispute arises from not having the flexibility in considering the others’ opinion. Whether you win or lose is not enjoyable, its better to solve the dispute before it goes too far, usually by meeting your opponent halfway.
Quote: To put the family in order, we must cultivate our personal life; and to cultivate our personal life, we must first set our hearts right.