Remember that the disturbing emotions of anger, delusion, pride and jealousy are not beneficial in the slightest, but are extremely harmful. Again and again they create problems for ourselves and others. Engender the attitude that, “It is a bad idea to continue like that. I should change.” This frame of mind does not totally eliminate our tendencies to be involved in disturbing emotions. Still it makes it easier not to leap directly into them the next time the opportunity arises. Hence the first step is called ‘keeping distance’.

Thrangu Rinpoche

from the book Songs of Naropa: Commentaries on Songs of Realization

translated by Erik Pema Kunsang


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Further quotes from the book Songs of Naropa:

• Unconstructed self -knowing
• Unmistaken view
• Luminosity
• Who feels angry
• Letting it be without seeking
• At all times