Millions of people in this world are interested in some version of meditation, or yoga, or one of the many so-called spiritual activities that are now so widely marketed. A closer look at why people engage in these practices reveals an aim that has little to do with liberation from delusion, and everything do to with their desperation to escape busy, unhappy lives, and heartfelt longing for a healthy, stress-free, happy life. All of which are romantic illusions. So, where do we find the roots of these illusions? Mainly in our habitual patterns and their related actions. Of course, no one of sound mind imagines any of us would willingly live an illusion. But we are contrary beings, and even though we are convinced we would shun a life built on self-deception, we continue to maintain a strong grip on the habits that are the cause of countless delusions.
Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche
from the book Not for Happiness: A Guide to the So-Called Preliminary Practices
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Further quotes from the book Not for Happiness:
- Mara’s five arrows
- Sadness
- Mind-made illusions
- Nothing genuinely works in samsara
- It cannot be fixed
- Very little time left for practice
- What Is Bodhichitta
- We must also practice it
- Everything we experience is a product of mind
- Without the personal advice of Buddha
- For the sake of all other beings
- Spiritual practice is like riding a bicycle
- Dawn of wisdom
- Our most important companion
- Practise whichever method works for you
- The merit of maintaining mindfulness
- Right intention
- Obstacles Create Fertile Ground for Practice
- Wealth is contentment
- Where does low self-esteem come from