The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation

by Thich Nhat Hanh

Even if you worry twenty times more, it will not change the situation of the world.

When another person makes you suffer, it is because he suffers deeply within himself, and his suffering is spilling over. He does not need punishment; he needs help. That is the message he is sending. If you are able to see that, offer him what he needs — relief. Happiness and safety are not an individual matter. His happiness and safety are crucial for your happiness and safety. Wholeheartedly wish him happiness and safety, and you will be happy and safe also.

What counts here is your capacity. To transform your suffering, your heart has to be as big as the ocean.

And tell your friends, “If you love me, please water the wholesome seeds in me every day.”

The object of our concentration is what makes it beneficial or not.

Looking deeply at the sunshine, the leaves of the tree, and the clouds, we can see the table.

With your deluded mind, you make hell for yourself. With your true mind, you make paradise.

If we elect unhappy people who don’t have the capacity to make their own families happy, how can we expect them to make our city or our nation happy?