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:

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