Gil Fronsdal Quotes & Sayings

Buddhism's cardinal ethical principle is to avoid causing harm. — Gil Fronsdal

When you meditate, don't think about what is happening. Rather, let your awareness be seated in the tender warmth you feel in your body. If you do this, any meditation practice you do will be fruitful. — Gil Fronsdal

One of the things that kills Buddhist spiritual life is excessive seriousness. — Gil Fronsdal

People who do not see their choices do not believe they have choices. — Gil Fronsdal

Freedom from clinging gives room in our hearts to grow. — Gil Fronsdal

The gift of Dharma surpasses all gifts. The taste of Dharma surpasses all tastes. The delight in Dharma surpasses all delights. The destruction of craving conquers all suffering. — Gil Fronsdal

Giving a brief sermon, the Abbess once said, 'A hot furnace does not need to be heated. A loving heart does not need to be loved. Being loving is more important than being loved. — Gil Fronsdal

Repetition and ritual and their good results come in many forms: changing the oil filter, wiping noses, going to meetings, picking up around the house, washing dishes, checking the dipstick ... such a round of chores is not a set of difficulties we hope to escape from so that we may do our practice, which will put us on the path. It is our path. — Gil Fronsdal

To be 'free' only when things are pleasant is not real freedom. — Gil Fronsdal

Hatred never ends through hatred. By non-hate alone does it end. This is an ancient truth. — Gil Fronsdal

Nothing whatsoever is worth the cost of a contracted heart. — Gil Fronsdal

You don't have to be equal, you don't have to be better, you don't have to be worse. You can just be at peace. — Gil Fronsdal

It can be easy to love all beings from a distance; it can be a great challenge when we have to live with them. — Gil Fronsdal

Who are you in the silence between your thoughts? — Gil Fronsdal

Freedom from clinging allows us bring love into all aspects of our life. — Gil Fronsdal

Generosity is not limited to the giving of material things. We can be generous with our kindness and receptivity. Generosity can mean the simple giving of a smile or extending ourselves to really listen to a friend. Paradoxically, even being willing to receive the generosity of others can be a form of generosity. — Gil Fronsdal

Better than a thousand meaningless statements Is one meaningful word, Which, having been heard, Brings peace. — Gil Fronsdal

Mindfulness, by helping us notice our impulses before we act, gives us the opportunity to decide whether to act and how to act — Gil Fronsdal

Once you know your deepest wish you can base your life on intention rather than craving — Gil Fronsdal

Greater in combat Than a person who conquers A thousand times a thousand people Is the person who conquers herself. — Gil Fronsdal

If you want to attain peace, live peacefully — Gil Fronsdal

It's easy to do what is not good And things that harm oneself. It's very difficult to do Things beneficial and good. — Gil Fronsdal