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We include here verses and passages from various meditative traditions that inspire us and form a link into the actual experience of meditation. We hope that they may inspire you too - to find a way to bring meditation into your own life and workplace, or even just to pause and take time to breathe and reflect in the midst of a busy day. These passages are continually updated and you can sign up to receive occasional verses of inspiration if you’d like to.

The Wisdom of Albert

"Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one"

Albert Einstein

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction"

Albert Einstein

We don't know much about the life and work of Albert Einstein - to be perfectly honest, but he does seem to come up with some very wise and profound quotes. It seems that through his study and understanding of physics he arrived at some genuine insights into the nature of the world and of life that are very similar to some of the insights of the great Wisdom Teachers throughout the ages. It seems that his understanding was not just intellectual but fundamentally changed the way he experienced the world directly.

Vajra Doha - by Lama Gendun Rinpoche

Happiness can not be found through great effort and willpower
But is already there in relaxation and letting go.
Don't strain yourself, there is nothing to do.
Whatever arises in the mind has no reality whatsoever.
Don't become attached to it, don't pass judgement.
Let the game happen on its own,
Springing up and falling back without changing anything
And all will vanish and reappear without end.

Only our searching for happiness prevents us from seeing it.
It is like a rainbow which you can run after, without ever catching.
Although it does not exist it has always been there
And accompanies you every instant.
Don't believe in the reality of good and bad experiences,
They are like rainbows.
Wanting to grasp the ungraspable, you exhaust yourself in vain.

As soon as you relax this grasping, space is there open and inviting
and comfortable.
So make use of it.
All is yours already,
Don't search any further.
Don't go into the inextricable jungle looking for the elephant who is quietly at home
Nothing to do
Nothing to force
And everything happens by itself.

(A Doha is a spontaneous song or verse expressing an aspect of meditative experience. Traditionally these are sung by yogins or hermits in remote caves and forests. But we look forward to the day when there is a western tradition of similarly inspiring and profound songs being composed at the photo copier or coffee machine).

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