I think the problem with Western students is they're very ambitious. Tenzin Palmo More Quotes by Tenzin Palmo More Quotes From Tenzin Palmo On a relative level where we live, we need to have a sense of identity, otherwise we'd fall apart, wouldn't we? Tenzin Palmo identityfallneeds It's only when all the dust is completely gone from the mirror, and there is only mirror, no dust, that we're really enlightened. So that's a lot of work. Tenzin Palmo dustmirrorsgone Tibetans - at least traditionally - are so totally permeated with the dharma that they don't see any difference between dharma and everyday life, really. And therefore they enjoy it because they don't make a separation. Tenzin Palmo separationdifferenceseveryday If you just follow your inner calling, then you just go ahead. Tenzin Palmo ifscalling People get very deep experiences and they think they're enlightened. That's not enlightenment, that's just some realization. Tenzin Palmo enlightenmentpeoplethinking We're reborn every second, every moment. Tenzin Palmo every-secondrebornmoments What I like about Tibetan Buddhism is it was taken to Tibet in the 7th century and then again in the 11th. It has everything that had been collected in India up until that time. And so on all levels, it's so vast. Tenzin Palmo buddhismindiataken A realized being would not be making any fresh karma because karma is very much connected to the ego but would still be receiving the results of past karma. Tenzin Palmo karmaegopast To be completely enlightened means that you're a Buddha.I don't speak of enlightenment. Tenzin Palmo enlightenmentspeakmean Buddha activity doesn't mean radiating light and elevating yourself up a thousand feet in the air. That's not the point. The point is, as Zen is always saying - and Tibetans understand this also very well - every activity becomes perfect Buddha activity. Tenzin Palmo lightairmean We try to be present when we are drinking our tea, which isn't as easy as it sounds. It's very easy to think, right now I'm going to be really present while I'm drinking my tea, here I am drinking my tea, and I'm so present, look this is easy, I am here drinking my tea and I know I'm drinking my tea blah blah blah blah... right? And the one place where the mind is not, is here. It's just thinking about being here. Tenzin Palmo drinkinghere-i-amthinking When I look back I can think that of course I've been lazy and haven't practiced as much as I could have and have wasted time. Still though, I look back on my life and I think that really, I am very happy that I lived my life the way I have and I would never ever have wished it any other way - especially, the six years with my lama and then the 18 in Lahul. Tenzin Palmo lazyyearsthinking At the age of 21 I was so sensible and became a nun. I am very grateful to myself for that. Tenzin Palmo gratefulagesensible Caves are beautiful things you know. They're thermostatically controlled - warm when it's cold out and cool when it's warm. Very quiet. Nobody there. Especially in the winter - it was perfect. Also, because it's a cave, you can't do much with it. Tenzin Palmo perfectwinterbeautiful People should find what approach really speaks to them, and then do it. Obviously, better with a good teacher, who can help you on the path. But in any case, basic principles. Tenzin Palmo pathteacherpeople Learn not to be too ambitious; not to expect if you have a 9-to-5 job and three kids, that you're likely to get buddhahood in one lifetime. Tenzin Palmo ambitiousjobskids Obviously being relaxed doesn't mean that you make no effort. Tenzin Palmo relaxedeffortmean You can certainly learn how to rest in the nature of the mind. Tenzin Palmo mind When I was 18 I read a book about Buddhism and, before I was halfway through it I said to my mother, "I'm a Buddhist!" She said, "That's great. Finish reading the book and then you can tell me all about it." From that moment on I knew I was a Buddhist. Tenzin Palmo buddhistmotherbook There is an enormous joy and satisfaction in doing what you really want to do and are best fitted to do. When it all comes together like that, it gives you a wonderful sense of well-being and satisfaction knowing that you have been doing what you were intended to do for this lifetime. Tenzin Palmo knowingjoygiving
