“Whether or not we are happy depends on our awareness. When you have a toothache, you think that not having a toothache will make you very happy. But when you don’t have a toothache, often you are still not happy. If you practice awareness, you suddenly become very rich, very very happy. Practicing Buddhism is a clever way to enjoy life. Happiness is available. Please help yourself to it.”

“Suppose while walking in the twilight, you see a snake, and you scream, but when you shine your flishlight on it, it turns out to be a rope. This is an error of perception. During our daily lives we have many misperceptions. If I don’t understand you, I may be angry at you all the time. We are not capable of undrstanding each other, and that is the main source of human suffering.”

Thich Nhat Hanh