Jack Kornfield

"In the endthese things matter most:How well did you love?How fully did you live?How deeply did you let go?"

"When we let go of our battles and open our heart to things as they are, then we come to rest in the present moment. This is the beginning and the end of spiritual practice. Only in this moment can we discover that which is timeless. Only here can we find the love that we seek. Love in the past is simply memory, and love in the future is fantasy. Only in the reality of the present can we love, can we awaken, can we find peace and understanding and connection with ourselves and the world."

"Sense the blessings of the earth in the perfect arc of a ripe tangerine, the taste of warm, fresh bread, the circling flight of birds, the lavender color of the sky shining in a late afternoon rain puddle, the million times we pass other beings in our cars and shops and out among the trees without crashing, conflict, or harm."

"When we get too caught up in the busyness of the world, we lose connection with one another - and ourselves."

"The knowledge of the past stays with us. To let go is simply to release any images and emotions."

"Taking the one seat describes two related aspects of spiritual work. Outwardly, it means selecting one practice and teacher among all the possibilities, and inwardly, it means having the determination to stick with that practice through whatever difficulties and doubts arise until you have come to true clarity and understanding."

"Wisdom says we are nothing. Love says we are everything. Between these two our life flows."

"In the end, just three things matter:How well we have lived How well we have loved How well we have learned to let go"