Pema Chodron Quotes

We ought, all of us, to realize each other in this intense, pathetic, and important way. If you say that this is absurd, and that we cannot be in love with everyone at once, I merely point out to you that, as a matter of fact, certain persons do exist with an enormous capacity for friendship and for taking delight in other people's lives; and that such persons know more of truth than if their hearts were not so big.

Some people consider the practice of love and compassion is only related to religious practice and if they are not interested in religion they neglect these inner values. But love and compassion are qualities that human beings require just to live together.

Through your love for each other, through learning the art of making one person happy, you learn to express your love for the whole of humanity and all beings. Please help us develop the curriculum for the Institute for the Happiness of One Person. Don't wait until we open the school. You can begin practicing right away.

Developing our sympathetic compassion is not only possible but the only reason for us to be here on earth.

My trademark at CNN was really asking insightful questions and making sure people are understanding the connections in humanity, and I think that is the core of education.

The great gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy.

Each time we enter imaginatively into the life of another, it's a small step upwards in the elevation of the human race.

You have to see and smell and feel the circumstances of people to really understand them.

To keep the Golden Rule we must put ourselves in other people's places, but to do that consists in and depends upon picturing ourselves in their places.

Love people, not things; use things, not people.

I don't want our youth to become anti-romantic. We have to make room for the soul.

Keep this question in mind: 'What would I think of this if I exchanged places with the other person?' It paves the way to more successful action.

Once kids begin to realize that they are connected to a greater good and greater whole, then that will lessen the possibility that they will act out violently because it creates empathy.

If you empathize with your fellow humans on stage, you can't help but do so offstage as well.

It's not a very nice thing to not have empathy. I would like to have empathy. In the past I haven't been very empathetic with other people.

A love of reading shows empathy, the desire to understand how others live or act or might act - and why.

I am truly passionate and concerned about the lack of empathy that people show towards one another.

I believe that rules do not make us moral; loving each other makes us moral.

The chief thing is to love others like yourself, that's the chief thing, and that's everything; nothing else is wanted - you will find out at once how to arrange it all.

...he learned the most important part of the language that all the world spoke-the language that everyone on earth was capable of understanding in their heart. It was love.

You will begin to succeed with your life when the pains and problems of others matter to you.

Surely if each one saw another's heart, There would be no commerce, No sale or bargain pass: all would disperse And live apart.

I can't not put myself in the shoes of every person I pass.

I am trying to teach my children to feel a responsibility for their fellow human beings and a sense of connection with ... the world around them.

Every man should esteem his neighbor as himself.