To clearly know your strengths and weaknesses, observe the meaning of life and existence. This is the beginning of self affirmation. - Master Sheng Yen

People usually hide their shortcomings and avoid confronting them. Face them with openness, and then these shortcomings and other problems will actually decrease. - Master Sheng Yen

Ordinarily people like to boast about their strengths. Our strengths should be developed, but there is no need to exaggerate them. - Master Sheng Yen

Do not compare yourself against some standard; do not compare yourself with others. Just be diligent in the present and be prepared at any time for the future. - Master Sheng Yen

Do not think you know it all; do not belittle yourself. - Master Sheng Yen

Harmonizing yourself first to deeply understand the processes of the self, including your merits and weaknesses. - Master Sheng Yen

Relax and experience body and mind, then you will be in harmony with yourself. - Master Sheng Yen

If you want to harmonize with the environment, first harmonize yourself. - Master Sheng Yen

We have to respond to problems with calm. If our minds are not equanimous and harmonious, then we will likely say the wrong things and make the situation worse. - Master Sheng Yen

No need to fear the sound of opposition or obstacles. If we can face and accept them then these conditions become a force to help us to grow. - Master Sheng Yen

The Chan practice of inner environmental protection is to maintain stability, harmony, clarity, whether we are busy or not, alone or with others. - Master Sheng Yen

It does not matter how much the environment changes, as long as we face it with calm and composure, we will certainly find a solution. - Master Sheng Yen

As long as we have one breath left, when we alter our thinking the environment will change along with it, because the environment is impermanent. - Master Sheng Yen

Ponder for two more minutes, and opportunities may reveal themselves; as long as we have one more breath, our potential is unlimited. - Master Sheng Yen

If our views are correct, then we know that birth, aging, sickness, and death are natural and we will not blame others. - Master Sheng Yen

The world can face great danger and calamity at any time. If we are mentally prepared for anything, then when misfortune strikes we reduce the potential injury to the bare minimum. - Master Sheng Yen

It is impossible to have a carefree life; our bodies may experience sickness and pain, our work may be troublesome, the environment may be beset with calamity. But if our mind is at peace, then we will be at peace. - Master Sheng Yen

If you are prepared for a setback, then you will not fear setbacks. - Master Sheng Yen

Take adversity as something interesting, you will harvest a very different crop. - Master Sheng Yen

Take your illness as an experience. Then it will not be suffering. - Master Sheng Yen

Sickness need not be a source of suffering; the same is true for poverty and physical labor. But when the mind is distressed, that is true suffering. - Master Sheng Yen

Relax when you are sick, carry on and do what you must do. This is a healthy way to handle sickness. - Maser Sheng Yen

Being anxious and worrisome is useless. Being mindful and focused is a must. - Master Sheng Yen

Regret is a kind of emotional affliction. Repentance is a practice. - Master Sheng Yen

When we have faith and hope, we have a future. - Master Sheng Yen