There was never a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor any being. Nor is there any future in which we shall cease to be. That which is non-existent can never come into being. That which is can never cease to be. That reality which pervades the universe is indestructible. No-one has the power to change the changeless. Bhagavad Gita

Not understanding yourself is not understanding the truth. Soan S.A.

However often the restless mind may break loose and wander, he should rein it in and constantly bring it back to the self. Bhagavad Gita

Thinking we can find some lasting pleasure and avoid pain is what in Buddhism is called Samsara. A hopeless cycle that goes round and round endlessly and causes us to suffer greatly when things fall apart. Pema Chodron

To know oneself is to know one's body, mind and soul. The inward journey will allow you to explore and integrate each of these aspects of your being. from your physical body, you will journey inward to discover your "subtle bodies"-your energy body, where breath and emotions reside; your mental body, where thoughts and obsessions can be mastered: your intellectual body, where intelligence and wisdom can can be found; and your divine body, where the universal soul can be glimpsed. B.K.S Iyengar (Light on Life)

The glory is not in the failing, but in rising every time you fail. Chinese proverb

Sleep is the best meditation. Dalai Lama Sleep. Mysore, India

Fear is a natural reaction of moving closer to the truth. Pema Chodron. When Things Fall Apart

It is through the alignment of the body that I discovered the alignment of my mind, self and intelligence. B.K.S Iyengar

On Friday the 4th of January, I attended the celebratory funeral service of a truly "remarkable" man. An academic scholar who spoke 5 languages and who was awarded many accolades for his services both in the UK and abroad. At 81, he swam and windsurfed and indeed had the greatest enthusiasm and passion for life of anyone I have ever met (except for his wife). All of these things mentioned would be fantastic things to be remembered by. However, I will remember him for his: Compassion Humility Love for his family Interest in everyone's life Love of art and opera Acceptance of all beings Ability to encourage his children and grandchildren to be who they wanted to be Large gin and tonics and his passion for cooking We visited him in hospital a week before he died. Despite being very unwell, he was surrounded by his children and grandchildren and when one of them asked "what does namaste mean?", he knew the answer but was too unwell to articulate it.

Some beautiful words of wisdom for when times are hard: Bear patiently, my heart, for you have suffered heavier things. Homer

Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than suffering itself. And no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dream. Paulo Coelho

I have just finished reading this book whilst on holiday. I found it a wonderful insight into the Dali Lama and Buddhism. It's written by a psychiatrist who has interviewed the Dalai Lama many times. The book is a combination of narrative by the author and extended quotes of the Dalai Lama's answers. The simplicity of many of his answers was so refreshing, and keeping life simple is key. His kindness and compassion to all philosophy is simple but effective. Forgiveness is also included ... I read this on my kindle and highlighted many things. I do not think you have to be religious or a Buddhist to enjoy this book, I would highly recommend this read, especially to those of us that sometimes need reminding to "keep it simple"

Practise. All is coming... Sri K.Pattabhi Jois

Resentment is like drinking poison expecting someone else to die. Anonymous

Often the price of awakening is solitude. Anthony Gary Lopedota

Life is an on-going miracle. Anonymous

The average gives the world its substance. The exceptional, its value. Oscar Wilde

Bear patiently, my heart, for you have suffered heavier things. Homer

There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will. Epictetus