Our life is not preordained. We can change and control the direction of our life regardless of our past or present circumstances. But recognizing that we will die energizes our aspiration to create good karma. Everything is impermanent , and death comes without warning. Understanding karma makes our life meaningful right now. Each moment provides an opportunity to turn toward awakening; and we are more likely to take advantage of each moment once we accept that these moments are limited. If we believe in reincarnation, then the aspiration to create good karma becomes magnified because we want to create the very best conditions for our rebirth, and right now offers the best opportunity. Behavior that leads away from unhappiness and from harming ourselves and others will help alleviate difficult circumstances in our future lives.

Mingyur Rinpoche

from the book Turning Confusion into Clarity: A Guide to the Foundation Practices of Tibetan Buddhism

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Further quotes from the book Turning Confusion into Clarity:

• You are discovering yourself
• Recognition of subtle shifts in mental behavior
• There is no absolute bad karma
• Befriending the monkey mind
• The student’s responsibility
• The real obstacle to resting meditation
• The Four Considerations for Choosing a Teacher
• Becoming the awareness
• Rejoicing
• The very first sign of waking up
• The mind of letting go
• Impermanence
• Freedom exists within our very own mind
• We are born buddhas
• Not a substitute for practice
• Diligence
• What creates samsara
• Recognition
• Ordinary sangha