Some people awaken spiritually without ever coming into contact with any meditation technique or any spiritual teaching. They may awaken simply because they can't stand the suffering anymore.

To realize that you are not your thoughts is when you begin to awaken spiritually.

If there are people you haven't forgiven, you're not going to really awaken. You have to let go.

So many people have this idea: I want to achieve something great or be somebody great. And they neglect the step that leads to greatness. They don't honor this step at this moment because they have this idea of some future moment where they are going to be great.

People simply don't make eye contact anymore.

I have lived with several Zen masters -- all of them cats.