+~
+Who knows the true nature of things? The actual knower—the empty, cognizant
+aspect of mind—is the primordial Buddha, Samantabhadra, the personification
+of one’s own rigpa. Rigpa, the primordial Buddha Samantabhadra, is very,
+very important. It is the clear light, luminous buddha-nature, that which
+knows. Innate awareness-wisdom, rigpa, is functioning through us even now, if
+we only knew it.
+ -- Nyoshul Khenpo and Lama Surya Das, "Natural Great Perfection: Dzogchen
+ Teachings and Vajra Songs", published by Shambhala Publications
+~
+I recognize that this wish to create a better society, end all the suffering
+of all beings everywhere, and protect the entire planet may not seem
+particularly feasible. But whether or not we accomplish such goals in our
+lifetime, it is nevertheless deeply meaningful to cultivate such a vast sense
+of responsibility, and the wholehearted wish to be able to benefit others.
+This outlook is so wholesome and noble that it is worth developing, regardless
+of the probability of actually accomplishing such a vast vision.
+ -- H.H. the Seventeenth Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, "The Heart Is Noble:
+ Changing the World from the Inside Out", published by Shambhala
+ Publications
+~
+Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.
+ -- Oscar Wilde
+~
+We might feel terrible, utterly hopeless, but if we look at ourselves fully
+and thoroughly, we will find fundamental goodness. There is something that
+makes us look up at the blue sky or the clouds or the sun, something that
+allows us to polish our shoes and press our clothes. When we wake up in the
+morning, there is something that allows us to brush our teeth, comb our hair,
+or use a bar of soap. Such actions may seem rather ordinary, but they come
+from a very powerful instinct. That sense of workability comes from ultimate
+bodhichitta.
+ -- Chögyam Trungpa, "The Profound Treasury of the Ocean of Dharma. Volume
+ Two: The Bodhisattva Path of Wisdom and Compassion", published by
+ Shambhala Publications
+~
+Respect and develop pure perception and devotion toward
+Those who are practicing Dharma as the noble sangha.
+If you see faults in others, think that they’re the reflections
+ of your own delusions.
+If you see good qualities in others, meditate on rejoicing
+ over them.
+Disclose and expel your own faults.
+Generate virtuous qualities and act with astonishing perserverance.
+Be with holy people and abandon evil friends.
+Stay in solitary places and promise to pursue meditation.
+Make sure that whatever you do is consonant with Dharma practice.
+ -- Longchen Rabjam, "Counsel for Liberation", published by Shambhala
+ Publications.
+~
+The key point of the mahayana approach is the commitment to dedicate yourself
+to helping other sentient beings. Building yourself up or perpetuating your
+own existence is regarded as neurosis. Instead of building yourself up, you
+should continue with your pursuit of helping others. Instead of being
+selfish, you should empty yourself. The basic definition of ego is holding on
+to one’s existence—and paramita practices are techniques that allow you
+not to grasp onto or propagate the notion of me-ness, or "I am." Experiencing
+egolessness is a process of letting go. But you do not regard the ego as an
+enemy or obstacle, you regard it as a brussels sprout that you cook and eat.
+ -- Chögyam Trungpa, "The Profound Treasury of the Ocean of Dharma. Volume
+ Two: The Bodhisattva Path of Wisdom and Compassion", published by
+ Shambhala Publications