It is important to recognize that love, concern, and affection are not optional. We do not need any reason to offer love and affection. It is possible to have love without prices and without conditions. We do not need any further compensation beyond just giving our love. And love is an indefinitely renewable resource. For the well-being of society and for our own personal growth as well, it is crucial that we learn to love without needing a reason or reward.
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:
- We need space to grow and learn from our own mistakes
- Facing Impermanence Wisely
- Greed is a recipe for dissatisfaction
- The Wealth of Contentment
- True Wealth
- Social action
- Life in Balance
- The intention to work for others
- The kindness we receive from others
- Boxed limitless potential
- Nothing is intrinsically bad
- Protective Inner Wisdom
- Taking delight in your inner nature
- Reality is your teacher
- Healthy relationships
- There are no fixed starting points
- A noble vision
- Disconnected from our own noble heart
- Authentic love toward others
- Capacity for Change