The present moment is the door of perception -- and if, when you look through it, you see something you recognize -- or otherwise think you know -- then all you're really seeing is a reflection of your self upon the mirrored surface of the door. The true door of perception opens... only into the unknown.

Until we see that our negative reaction toward those we judge for their mechanical, often unthinking action is equally automated -- equally predictable -- we remain little more than a machine that believes it's different from another machine because of the keen eye with which we judge it.

The pull we feel to fulfill ourselves through any repetitive action, like seeking approval, mindless distractions, or worriedly "counting" our riches -- whatever these may be -- is one and the same as being pushed along by an unseen fear that can never be consoled by those things it drives us to chase after for its sake....

Nothing serves to create a greater sense of isolation -- a feeling of being cut off from life -- than being at the center of your own thoughts about yourself; where you live out your days as a castaway on the "island of self" upon which you have, unknowingly, agreed to abandon yourself.

The only way it's possible to be punished by some mistaken action on our part... is if we make the second mistake: allowing the same level of self that we followed into that "pit" to condemn and then punish us for the very misstep that it first assured us was the right one to take!...

The door is closed, because you want to know. And, the door opens, because you want to know. But, regardless of whichever way the door is made to swing . . . As long as you stand before it, Seeking entrance, you remain a ghost, Unable to leave the house of thought Through which you wander.

I have difficulty with the simplest of decisions, so very large ones -- which become laced with all kinds of interesting details and coincidences -- occupy enormous amounts of my energy and time. Do you have any helpful insights into these stressful moments of having to make decisions?...

Many Christians have made translation changes to the original Bible and I appreciate your interpretations of the original Aramaic. When Christ talks about the three "talents," was he talking (in the Aramaic) about money or inborn abilities?...

How can I turn my dream of a higher life into reality? What is the right action for me to take?...

I was wondering if you could share with us how you got started in creating the Life of Learning Foundation? I have thought about starting something similar, and would appreciate your advice.

The following may have never dawned on us before, but allow its light to reveal and ultimately heal what it does: one of the many reasons we so often judge others as being "selfish" has more to do with our self-centered demands upon them... than with what we judge them for as being unwilling to give.

It is impossible to feed a fear and find a fearless life, that is...unless we believe the best way to get rid of a mosquito that's buzzing around our ear is to go and open all the doors and windows in the house...so that it might choose to leave on its own!...