Through faith in the Three Jewels and the practice of generosity, it could happen that, by way of karmic fruit, we become rich, gain a high position in society and so on. This might lead us to think, ‘I am rich, I am important, I am the best, I have come out on top.’ If we practitioners have this kind of arrogance, our clinging to this life will increase and a demon will enter our hearts. If, on the other hand, we manage to enjoy happiness, possessions and influence without pride, we will understand that they are noting but illusions, insubstantial dreams, all of which will one day fade away. For as it is said of ‘all compounded things, which is accumulated will be used up; what is raised up will fail; what is born will die; what is joined together will separate.’

Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

from the book Enlightened Courage: An Explanation of the Seven-Point Mind Training

translated by Padmakara Translation Group


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Further quotes from the book Enlightened Courage:

• Honest examination
• The degree of self-clinging
• Morning pledge
• The impurity of our perception
• Using illness on the path
• Antidote to our ego-clinging
• Taking advantage of suffering
• All Dharma has a single goal
• Always be sustained by cheerfulness
• Signs of realization
• Failing to use the instructions as an antidote
• Anger is an illusion
• The three essential factors on which the accomplishment of the Dharma depends
• The vows of the Mind Training
• Well rewarded
• Begin the training sequence with yourself
• Bodhicitta practice
• Give up hoping for results
• Delusion
• Forsaking all self-centeredness