THE HEART OF COMPASSION THE THIRTY – SEVEN VERSE ON THE PRACTICE OF A BODHISATTVA Dilgo Khyentse Translated From the Tibetan by the Padmakara Translation Group

Even to hear the teachings is something very rare, which only happens once in aeons. That you have met the Dharma now is not just coincidence. It results from your past positive actions. Such an opportunity should not be wasted. If your mind is in accord with Dharma, you will not experience any problems with the things of this life; while if you are constantly preoccupied with your ordinary pursuits, your problems will increase, and nothing will be accomplished. As Longchen Rabjam said:

 Our activities are like children's games. If we're doing them they won't end; they'll end if we stop.

 Determination to be free from samsara, based on disillusionment, is the foundation of all Dharma practice. Unless you have made a clear decision to turn your back on samsara, then however many prayers you recite, however much you meditate, however many years you remain in retreat, it will all be in vain. You may have a long life, but it will be without essence. You may accumulate great wealth, but it will be meaningless. The only thing that is really worth doing is to get steadily closer to enlightenment and further away from samsara. Think about it carefully.

 ~~~~

 THE HEART OF COMPASSION THE THIRTY – SEVEN VERSE ON THE PRACTICE OF A BODHISATTVA Dilgo Khyentse Translated From the Tibetan by the Padmakara Translation Group