Dzigar Kongtrul

When we look in the mirror, the one thing we don’t want to see is an ordinary human being.

Self-reflection is the gateway to freedom. It also brings greater appreciation and enjoyment. We begin to enjoy spending time with our own mind, and we enjoy reflecting on our experience of the teachings. Like the sun emerging from behind the clouds, the teachings of the dharma become clear.

The outer world in all its variety and our inner world of thoughts and emotions are not as they seem. All phenomena appear to exist objectively, but their true mode of existence is like a dream: apparent yet insubstantial.

What good are thoughts and emotions—in fact all of our experiences—if not to increase our realization?

Thoughts and emotions will always arise.