Alternative Refuge Ceremony

The Buddhist principle is to be everybody's friend, not to have any enemy.

Meditation means simple acceptance.

Only the impossible is worth doing.

Whenever we see something which could be done to bring benefit to others, no matter how small, we should do it.

Freedom is not something you look for outside of yourself. Freedom is within you.

Hasten slowly, you will soon arrive.

It doesn’t matter whatever comes, stop judging and it won’t bother you.

Whatever obstacles arise, if you deal with them through kindness without trying to escape then you have real freedom.

To tame ourselves is the only way we can change and improve the world.

I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe.

In the practice of tolerance, one's enemy is the best teacher.

Strive always to be as kind, gentle and caring as possible towards all forms of sentient life.

Every sentient being is equal to the Buddha.

Wherever and whenever we can, we should develop compassion at once.

Reminding ourselves of how others suffer and mentally putting ourselves in their place, will help awaken our compassion.