This precious human body, supreme instrument though it is for the attainment of enlightenment, is itself a transient phenomenon. No one knows when, or how, death will come. Bubbles form on the surface of the water, but the next instant they are gone; they do not stay. It is just the same with this precious human body that we have managed to find. We take all the time in the world before engaging in spiritual practice, but who knows when this life of ours will simply cease to be? And once our precious human body is lost, our mind stream, continuing its existence, will take birth perhaps among the animals, or in one of the hells or god realms where spiritual development is impossible.
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:
- Bodhicitta practice
- Give up hoping for results
- Delusion
- Forsaking all self-centeredness
- 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