Limit yourself to just a few activities and undertake them all with diligence.
Not allowing your mind to become fidgety and restless,
Make yourself comfortable on the seat in your retreat cabin,
This is the surest way to gain the riches of a Dharma practitioner.

You might remain sealed in strict retreat for months or even years,
But if you fail to make any progress in the state of your mind,
Later, when you tell everyone about all that you did over such a long time,
Aren’t you just bragging about all the hardships and deprivation?
And all their praise and acknowledgements will only make you proud.

Chatral Rinpoche

from the book Compassionate Action

translated by Adam Pearcey


source: http://www.lotsawahouse.org/tibetan-masters/chatral-rinpoche/words-advice


Read a random quote or see all quotes by Chatral Rinpoche.

Further quotes from the book Compassionate Action:

• Taking advantage of our human existence
• Relying on the instructions of your own qualified teacher
• Use it well
• Not enjoying meat or alcohol
• The best form of austerity
• View and conduct
• But when you die
• There is nothing more to it than that
• All you need
• No real happiness
• Act accordingly
• By then it’s too late!
• Failing to let go of ordinary concerns
• A disciplined mind
• Your own true enemies
• Three kinds of dharma practitioners
• The path of nonviolence
• Our responsibility