Buddhist Meditation

If we understand that objects depend upon the subjective mind, we can change the way objects appear to us by changing our own mind. Gradually, we will gain the ability to control our mind and in this way solve all our problems. ~ Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

We can understand the relationship between our mind and its external objects. ~ Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

The very subtle wind is our own body, or continuously residing body; and the very subtle mind is our own mind, or continuously residing mind. The union of these two is called the ‘indestructible wind and mind’. ~ Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

In his Dharma teachings, Buddha advises us not to seek happiness outside ourself but to establish it within our mind. ~ Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

The essence of Dharma practice is to reduce and eventually to completely eradicate our delusions, and to replace them with peaceful, virtuous states of mind. This is the main purpose of training in meditation. ~ Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Without inner peace, outer peace is impossible. If we first establish peace within our minds by training in spiritual paths, outer peace will come naturally; but if we do not, world peace will never be achieved, no matter how many people campaign for it. ~ Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

If we integrate Buddha’s teachings into our daily life, we will be able to solve all our inner problems and attain a truly peaceful mind. ~ Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Practicing Dharma is the supreme method for improving the quality of our human life. The quality of life depends not upon external development or material progress, but upon the inner development of peace and happiness. ~ Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

By practicing Buddha’s teachings, we protect ourself from suffering and problems. All the problems we experience during daily life originate in ignorance, and the method for eliminating ignorance is to practice Dharma. ~ Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

‘Dharma’ means ‘protection’. ~ Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

We should know that at present we have reached the human world for just a brief moment from our former lives, and we have the opportunity to attain the supreme happiness of enlightenment through practicing Dharma. This is our extraordinary good fortune. ~ Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Many people believe that material development is the real meaning of human life, but we can see that no matter how much material development there is in the world it never reduces human suffering and problems. ~ Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

To practice pure moral discipline we need to make an effort to diminish powerful delusions, first working to reduce the strongest ones by applying the appropriate methods. ~ Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

When we commit non-virtuous actions and do not keep our commitments purely it is often because our delusions are so powerful and overwhelming. ~ Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

There is nothing that Buddhas could gain from deceiving anyone because they have accomplished everything they need to accomplish for themselves and their only wish is to be of benefit to others. ~ Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

In King of Concentration Sutra it says: The moon and the stars may fall to the earth, the earth with all its mountains and dwelling places may disappear and space itself may disappear, but it is impossible for Buddha to tell a lie. ~ Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

It is said that Buddhas have no motivation to utter falsehoods because they have nothing to gain from them. ~ Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

When we meditate on a mental attitude such as faith, we do not merely think about it and focus on it as if it were separate from our mind; rather we transform our mind into that state and hold it single-pointedly. ~ Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Going for refuge is defined as a strong desire to go for refuge to the Three Jewels, arising in dependence upon fear of any of the sufferings of samsara and faith in the Three Jewels. ~ Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Those who have pure faith in Buddha’s teachings believe that rebirth exists because it was taught by Buddha. If we cannot gain conviction in this way, we need to meditate using further ways of reasoning. ~ Geshe Kelsang Gyatso