Sentient beings are the cause of our enlightenment. When they bother us, we learn patience; when they’re suffering, we learn loving-kindness and compassion. No matter what reaction they evoke,we can relate to them in a way that leads to buddhahood. Instead of buying into aversion, we become tolerant. Instead of staying stuck in selfishness, we extend a hand to someone in distress. Instead of letting jealousy sabotage us, we train in rejoicement therapy.

Pema Chödron

from the book No Time to Lose: A Timely Guide to the Way of the Bodhisattva

Read a random quote or see all quotes by Pema Chödron.

Further quotes from the book No Time to Lose:

• Heroic perseverance
• Our true nature
• Our capacity for love and tenderness
• Three attitudes
• Connect with Groundlessness
• Three bite practice
• Benefits of pain
• Our pain is self-inflicted
• Any Encounter Offers Us a Choice
• Our Mistaken Feeling of Separateness