It may seem naive or unrealistic, especially in these challenging modern times, to rely on something as ordinary and soft as your own tender heart. Most of the world is under the spell of the capitalist mentality, which encourages us to be cynical and look out for our own self-interests first and foremost. This is even true in places like Tibet. It saddens me to see how so many people have given up on love and affection as a source of happiness and a remedy for suffering. Even people who are trying to effect positive changes in society – for example, by fighting injustice – often overlook the importance of the warm heart as the basis of all beneficial actions. This widespread lack of trust and understanding cuts so many people off from something as crucial to our well-being as oxygen.

Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche

from the book Training in Tenderness: Buddhist Teachings on Tsewa, the Radical Openness of Heart That Can Change the World

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