things in themselves

It all depends on how we look at things, and not how they are in themselves.

Carl Jung

we go in fear

We make monsters where there are none, and then go in fear of the things we ourselves have created.

If we will be quiet and ready enough, we shall find compensation in every disappointment.

Henry David Thoreau

“… understanding why so many religious rituals contain an element of suffering, and why extreme rituals persist for centuries.”

Taking part in extreme, painful rituals increases prosocial behaviours and attitudes, including making people more charitable.

The awakening mind is generated
in dependence on sentient beings.

But like the saying,
“whatever you do when wearing an iron helmet is unpleasant”

to entertain such thoughts,
that wherever you are you feel vexed
when encountering other beings who displease you,

is like being unhappy with the causes of enlightenment.

Tibetan Buddhism

Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.

Carl Jung (psychologist)

If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.

Nelson Mandela

The things people refuse, are the things they should use.

Bob Marley, “The stone the builder refused”

Hating people is like burning down your own house to get rid of a rat.

Harry Emerson Fosdick

the physical level is there
the mental/spiritual level is there
and they are always in conflict, they always will be

from this conflict comes our chance —
it is the basis of change.
it is the basis of transformation.

His Holiness Dalai Lama, Teachings, McLeod Ganj, September 2007