It is important that we develop the habit of distinguishing between wants and needs, because much more than just our own personal well-being is at stake. We only have to look at the rapid degradation of our natural environment in order to see the destructive effects of our consumerism.

17th Karmapa

from the book The Heart Is Noble: Changing the World from the Inside Out

translated by Ngodup Tsering Burkhar & Damchö Diana Finnegan


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Further quotes from the book The Heart Is Noble:

• Greed is a recipe for dissatisfaction
• Balanced Life
• Disconnected from our own noble heart
• A noble vision
• My trust is a gift
• Boxed limitless potential
• Look what he did
• The intention to work for others
• Loving Responsibility
• Authentic love
• Making healthy relationships possible
• Facing Impermanence Wisely
• The kindness we receive from others
• We truly have everything we need already
• Our relationship to the material world
• Who are you
• Let the moon be the keeper of my love
• Capacity for Change
• True Wealth