I won't lie, I've had a lot of discouraging moments in the past years, moments I wasn't sure about things and doubted myself.
Whether we laugh or cry, the days are going to pass by. So why not choose to laugh?
Love one another without any expectations. Then, there is no need to go anywhere in search of heaven.
Whatever you see, hear or experience in the world is ephemeral. Get in touch with the eternal substratum of everything.
Problems arise when you identify with your thoughts and emotions. Try to be a witness to the thoughts instead of being totally identified with them.
Changing the world is like trying to straighten a dog's tail. However much you may try, you won't succeed. But although the tail won't straighten, if you keep trying every day, at least you will put on some muscle. Similarly, even though it is difficult to make a change, our effort to do so in itself brings positive results. It will help us change. Without waiting for others to change,if we change ourselves first, that will make a difference. Instead of worrying about results, focus on doing our best in what we are engaged in.
God realization and self-realization are one and the same. God-realization is nothing but the ability and expansiveness of heart to love everything equally.
I try to direct people in distress to the right resources, where they can get comprehensive help. I've heard from many people that simply putting down in a letter what is going on in their lives is therapeutic in and of itself.
We do not intend to part from the Americans and we do not intend to be satellites. I am sure they do not want us to be so. The stronger we are, the better partners we shall be; and I feel certain that as the months pass we shall draw continually closer together with mutual confidence and respect.
Charity is that rational and constant affection which makes us sacrifice ourselves to the human race, as if we were united with it, so as to form one individual, partaking equally in its adversity and prosperity.
I don't in any way believe that I'm special.