Whether or not we believe in reincarnation, we can each live a purposeful life if we spend our time doing something beneficial for ourselves and others. At the very least, we need to find a way to lead our lives joyfully. But if we do the opposite – what a shame! If we only create misery, we have wasted our lives. What’s more, all the trouble that others have gone through to feed and clothe us becomes pointless.

17th Karmapa

from the book The Future Is Now: Timely Advice for Creating a Better World

Read a random quote or see all quotes by the 17th Karmapa.

Further quotes from the book The Future Is Now:

• Coexisting in delicate balance
• Use your brain
• Using discernment
• Be your own guide
• Friends
• Investigation
• True peace
• Intelligence
• Just for the fun of it
• Aspire to great things
• The benefits of dharma
• Living harmoniously with others
• Lighten up
• Guidance on the own path
• Why not support others
• Serving the common interest
• Dialogue
• Impermanence
• How to decide