Geshe Michael Roach, an American teacher of Tibetan Buddhism, has shared numerous insights on spirituality, ethics, and personal development. Below are ten notable quotes from his works, each accompanied by explanations and sources.
- “Everything is a reflection of the condition of your own heart… And so looking at the world is like looking in a funny kind of mirror.” This quote emphasizes the idea that our perceptions of the world are deeply influenced by our inner state. By cultivating a compassionate and understanding heart, we can transform our experience of the world around us. Source: “How Yoga Works” by Geshe Michael Roach
- “If we do something just to help ourselves, it will never work. You can never really put effort into a thing if it’s only for yourself. It has to be for something bigger.” Here, Roach highlights the importance of altruism. Genuine motivation and sustained effort arise when we dedicate our actions to a purpose greater than personal gain. Source: “How Yoga Works” by Geshe Michael Roach
- “It takes so much courage just to start.” Embarking on any new endeavor requires bravery. This statement acknowledges the inner strength needed to take the first step toward change or growth. Source: “How Yoga Works” by Geshe Michael Roach
- “We have seen first of all that everything has a hidden potential, a kind of fluidity about what it could be.” Roach suggests that all things possess inherent potential and are not fixed in their nature. This perspective encourages us to recognize and nurture the latent possibilities within ourselves and others. Source: https://www.heroic.us/authors/geshe-michael-roach
- “There’s no word in Tibetan for ‘guilty.’ The closest thing is ‘intelligent regret that decides to do things differently.’” This insight reflects a cultural approach that focuses on learning from mistakes and making conscious changes, rather than dwelling on guilt. Source: Heroic
- “The ancient Buddhist books say that every person is driven, deep down inside, to discover what is truly meaningful, and we are incapable of being happy until we find it.” This statement underscores the human quest for meaning and the intrinsic link between purpose and genuine happiness. Source: https://www.heroic.us/authors/geshe-michael-roach
- “Buddhism has always taught that there is a time and a place for taking on the life of a secluded monk… But serve the world we must, and to do so we must be in the world.” Roach emphasizes the balance between contemplation and active engagement, highlighting the importance of participating in the world to effect positive change. Source: https://www.heroic.us/authors/geshe-michael-roach
- “In and of itself, independent of how different people are perceiving it, it has no such nature; it is neutral or blank or empty.” This reflects the Buddhist concept of emptiness, suggesting that phenomena lack inherent existence and are shaped by our perceptions. Source: https://www.heroic.us/authors/geshe-michael-roach
- “We are not in this system of ancient wisdom talking about how an attitude might color your perceptions… We are talking about how you feel actually determining whether or not you can make your payments.” Roach connects mindset with tangible outcomes, proposing that our internal attitudes can directly influence our external realities, including financial success. Source: https://www.heroic.us/authors/geshe-michael-roach
- “Everything you want to get from life, you must first give to someone else.” Source: “The Diamond Cutter” by Geshe Michael Roach (Amazon) This quote reflects the principle of karmic management, emphasizing that success comes from first helping others achieve the same. Let me know if you need any adjustments.
These quotes encapsulate Geshe Michael Roach’s teachings on the interplay between inner development and external experience, encouraging a life of mindfulness, service, and continuous growth.
