Make sure that every precept you keep is physically, astrally and intellectually all clean and pure. Of course, we can’t help it if a habit rises up again. But we can help by stopping it, not following it and not making excuses for ourselves.

From News 140, Aphorisms
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Hsihu Center, Formosa • October 31, 1995
(originally in English) Videotape #509

Please remember to do the Quan Yin according to the proper proportions. The Quan Yin is the one to clean. Sometimes people sit there and they don't do the Quan Yin. In that case, they cannot progress very quickly. Also, try to check your thoughts. If you check your thoughts, there is no bad speech and there are no bad deeds. If one thought arises and you check it immediately, it will not come out of your mouth or result in action. So, thought is important. Don't follow your passion or your thoughts, in your mind. You remind each other. The precepts begin from your thoughts. Purity begins from your thoughts. So, check your own thinking.

From News 101, Pearls of Wisdom
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
International 7-Day Retreat in Hsihu Center, Formosa • October 29, 1995
(originally in English)