I have many hopes for the world, but I try not to have any expectations. Whether I can actually fulfill my aspirations or not, I wish to let them shape me and guide my actions in the world. Focusing on achieving results can make us too attached to our goals. Our dreams do not necessarily have to be fulfilled in order for us to be happy. Nurturing hopes is meaningful in and of itself. It is worth working toward them, regardless of the outcome. When we make this shift away from results, we will find greater courage to act on our aspirations for the world. We will find our nobility of heart.
17th Karmapa
from the book The Heart Is Noble: Changing the World from the Inside Out
translated by Ngodup Tsering Burkhar & Damchö Diana Finnegan
Read a random quote or see all quotes by the 17th Karmapa.
Further quotes from the book The Heart Is Noble:
- Balanced Life
- Greed is a recipe for dissatisfaction
- Distinguishing between wants and needs
- 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