When we are trying to cultivate a capacity to feel closeness to others, we do not need to create anything new. We are cultivating a latent ability, albeit one that might have been neglected or impaired during the course of our lives. There is every indication that the ability to experience genuine closeness is an innate potential of all human beings.
17th Karmapa
from the book Interconnected: Embracing Life in Our Global Society
Read a random quote or see all quotes by the 17th Karmapa.
Further quotes from the book Interconnected:
- Opening up to the view of interconnectedness
- Remaining indifferent to the suffering of animals
- Self-discipline
- The power of our senses
- Dismantling the walls that separate us
- Everything and everyone is benefiting you
- Individualism or interdependence
- You exist in connection with others
- Naturalness
- The deeper common ground all living being share
- Interdependent individuals
- Viewing others through the lens of interdependence
- The air we breathe
- The impulse to connect
- Cultivating a spirit of generosity
- Noticing the collective effects of our individual actions
- The imagination to see the other as free and happy
- Interdependence always works both ways
- Our innate ability to connect with others