There’s no real happiness among any of the six classes,
But if we consider the sufferings of the three lower realms,
Then, when you feel upset just by hearing about them,
How will you possibly cope when you experience them directly?
Even the happiness and pleasures of the three upper realms
Are just like fine food that’s been laced with poison—
Enjoyable at first, but in the long run a cause of ruin.
What’s more, all these experiences of pleasure and pain,
Are not brought about by anyone besides yourself.
They are produced by your very own actions, good and bad.
Once you know this, it’s crucial that you act accordingly,
Without confusing what should be adopted and abandoned.

Chatral Rinpoche

from the book Compassionate Action

translated by Adam Pearcey


source: http://www.lotsawahouse.org/tibetan-masters/chatral-rinpoche/words-advice


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Further quotes from the book Compassionate Action:

• Gaining the riches of a Dharma practitioner
• Taking advantage of our human existence
• Relying on the instructions of your own qualified teacher
• Use it well
• Not enjoying meat or alcohol
• The best form of austerity
• View and conduct
• But when you die
• There is nothing more to it than that
• All you need
• No real happiness
• By then it’s too late!
• Failing to let go of ordinary concerns
• A disciplined mind
• Your own true enemies
• Three kinds of dharma practitioners
• The path of nonviolence
• Our responsibility