If there is no noise outside during our sitting meditation, we cannot develop mindfulness. If we do not have aches and pains in our body, we cannot attain mindfulness, we cannot actually meditate. If everything were lovey-dovey and jellyfishlike, there would be nothing to work with. Everything would be completely blank. Because of all these textures around us, we are enriched. Therefore, we can sit and practice and meditate. We have a reference point–encouragement, discouragement or whatever. Everything is related to the path.

From “Be Grateful to Everyone,” in Training the Mind and Cultivating Loving-Kindness, page 49.

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