All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything.

What we think we become. Buddha

A dog is not considered a good dog because he is a good barker. A man is not considered a good man because he is a good talker. Buddha

In a controversy the instant we feel anger we have already ceased striving for the truth, and have begun striving for ourselves. Buddha

If it is from your heart you practise in accordance with Dharma, both food and resources will come naturally to hand.

Friends, the things you desire give no more satisfaction than drinking sea water, therefore practise with contentment.

Avoid all haughty, conceited, proud, and arrogant minds and remain peaceful and subdued.

Avoid friends who cause you to increase delusions, and rely upon those who increase your virtue. This you should take to heart.

Since there is never a time when worldly activities come to an end, limit your activities.

Dedicate your virtues throughout the day and the night, and always watch your mind.

Because you have received advice, whenever you are not meditating, always practice in accordance with what your Spiritual Guide says

If you practice with great devotion, results will arise immediately, without your having to wait for a long time

\Until you realize ultimate truth, listening is indespensible, therefore listen to the instructions of the Spiritual Guide.

Since you cannot become a Buddha merely by understanding Dharma, practice earnestly with understanding.
Avoid places that disturb your mind, and always remain where your virtues increase.
Until you attain stable realizations, worldly amusements are harmful, therefore abide in a place where there are no such distractions.

Atisha

I have become very interested in the Kadampa Tradition of Buddhism, founded around 200 years after Buddha was alive by a great teacher, Atisha. (pictured above) All the following daily entries are from the booklet "The Kadampa Way of Life - the essential paractice of Kadam Lamrim", published by Tharpa Publications, 1994, 1995, 1999, 2000, 2003 by Ghese Kelsang Gyatos Rinpoche and the New Kadampa Tradition 2003. For more information, go to http://www.kadampa.org/.

"When Venerable Atisha came to Tibet, he first went to Ngari, where he remained for two years giving many teachings to the discples of Jangchub O. After two years had passed, he decided to return to India, and Jangchub O requested him to give one last teaching before he left. Atisha replied that he had already given tehm all the advice they needed, but Jangchub O persisited in his request and so Atisha accepted and gave the following advice:

"How wonderful!

Friends, since you already have great knowledge and clear understanding, whereas I am of no importance and have little wisdom, it is not suitable for you to request advice from me. However, because you dear friends, whom I cherish from my heart, have requested me, I shall give you this essential advice from my inferior and childish mind.

Friends, until you attain enlightenment,, the Spiritual Teacher is indispensable, therefore rely upon the holy Spiritual Guide.

Until you realize ultimate truth, listening is indispensable, therefore listen to the instruction of the Spritual Guide."

It is better to travel well than to arrive. Buddha