Matthieu Ricard

Understand that, just as a bird needs two wings to fly, you must develop wisdom and compassion simultaneously. Wisdom is a correct understanding of reality and compassion is the desire for all beings to be liberated from the causes of suffering.

So the ultimate goal of meditation is to acquire the ability to liberate all beings from suffering and contribute to their well-being.

A third form of laziness is not having the determination to do immediately what you know to be the most important thing and wasting your time instead on minor activities. To remedy this, establish priorities among your projects, and remember that, while your days are numbered, ordinary activities are like waves on the ocean—there is no end to them.

It is a pity to underestimate the capacity we have to transform our minds. Each of us possesses the potential needed to free ourselves from the mental states that perpetuate our own suffering and that of others--the potential to find inner peace for ourselves and contribute to the happiness of all beings.

This process requires determination, enthusiasm, and perseverance. It requires what Shantideva calls 'joy in virtuous ways.'

To be free is to be the master of ourselves.

“Everyone knows that it takes time and perseverance to master an art, a sport, a language, or any other discipline. Why should it not be the same with training the mind? It is a worthwhile adventure. We are not talking about acquiring some ordinary ability, but rather about a new way of being that will determine the quality of our entire life.”

“For a plant to grow well, you have to water it a little every day. If you just pour a bucket of water on it once a month, it will most likely die between waterings. The same applies to meditation.”

Again, a big occasional effort does not have the same beneficial effect as less spectacular effort that is more constant.

Practitioners are also advised not to place too much importance on various inner experiences that might arise during meditation.

A third form of laziness is not having the determination to do immediately what you know to be the most important thing and wasting your time instead on minor activities. To remedy this, establish priorities among your projects, and remember that, while your days are numbered, ordinary activities are like waves on the ocean— there is no end to them.

So the ultimate goal of meditation is to acquire the ability to liberate all beings from suffering and contribute to their wellbeing.