We shouldn’t discount the powerful seed of gentleness that we all possess. Even the most vicious animals possess natural affection and gentleness for their young. That element of gentleness exists in every being. We don’t have to be embarrassed about it or try to hide it. We don’t need to cast ourselves as bad boys and girls or as heroines or tough guys. We can afford to acknowledge and cultivate gentleness and, to begin with, treat ourselves better. If we don’t appreciate ourselves, we have no working basis.

From Mindfulness in Action: Making Friends with Yourself through Meditation and Everyday Awareness, page 11.

Sunday, April 4th is the 34th anniversary of Chogyam Trungpa’s death. On April 2nd, Carolyn Gimian, the compiler of these quotes, will give a talk  at 7 pm Eastern on  “Recalling Chogyam Trungpa: Looking Back/Looking Forward.” For information go to: https://boston.shambhala.org/program-details/?id=477326

On April 4th itself, Chogyam Trungpa’s widow, Diana J. Mukpo, will show slides and talk about Chogyam Trungpa’s life and teachings at 3 pm Eastern. For information, go to: https://shambhalaonline.org/calendar-details/?id=477234