Pema Chodron Quotes

Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It’s a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.

Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know. Even if we run a hundred miles an hour to the other side of the continent, we find the very same problem awaiting us when we arrive.

Let your curiosity be greater than your fear.

Feel the feelings and drop the story.

Deep down in the human spirit, there is a reservoir of courage. It is always available, always waiting to be discovered.

The Buddha taught that we’re not actually in control, which is a pretty scary idea. But when you let things be as they are, you will be a much happier, more balanced, compassionate person.

As Buddhism moved to the West, one of the big characteristics was the strong place of women. That didn’t exist in the countries of origin. It’s just a sign of our culture.

This moving away from comfort and security, this stepping out into what is unknown, uncharted and shaky – that’s called liberation.

When we are willing to stay even a moment with uncomfortable energy, we gradually learn not to fear it.

As Buddhism moved from one culture to another, it always adapted.

One of the deepest habitual patterns that we have is to feel that now is not enough.

Welcome the present moment as if you had invited it. Why? Because it is all we ever have.

Be kinder to yourself. And then let your kindness flood the world.

If right now our emotional reaction to seeing a certain person or hearing certain news is to fly into a rage or to get despondent or something equally extreme, it’s because we have been cultivating that particular habit for a very long time.

You are the sky. Everything else – it’s just the weather.

All situations teach you, and often it’s the tough ones that teach you best.

Most spiritual experiences begin with suffering. They begin with groundlessness. They begin when the rug has been pulled out from under us.