The Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind Toward the Dharma

Namo! Lama infallible constant protector, be aware of me.

(1) The freedoms and the favorable conditions of this human birth are extremely difficult to obtain.

(2) Everything born is impermanent and bound to die.

(3) The results of virtuous and unvirtuous actions (which are causes) are inexorable.

(4) The three realms of cyclic existence have the nature of an ocean of suffering.

Remembering this, may my mind turn towards the dharma.

When Lama Norlha Rinpoche and his translator Lama Jamdron visited recently, someone asked them what should a newcomer to Buddhism do to get started on the path. Lama Jamdron replied that the four thoughts that turn the mind are of fundamental importance. In light of this, I have transcribed them here. Here is how I understand them:

(1) It is extremely difficult to get a human body, the only body, it is said, where one can achieve enlightenment. Animals do not have enough awareness, but Gods also are too self-absorbed to do it. Thus we have an incredible oppurtunity here, and it would be a shame to waste it.

(2) It is important to recognize the transitory nature of existence. There is nothing solid to cling to. One should always be ready to let go of objects and ideas. This is a fundamental idea in Buddhism, and recognizing this, we are encouraged to go to the Buddha, the dharma and the sangha for refuge.

(3) If you do bad things, bad results will occur. If you do good things, good results will occur. It is important to see this, because, as a friend of mine put it, when you see that you'll never get out of the rut by doing things the same old way, you'll be encouraged to try a new way.

(4) The nature of the world we live in is suffering, so we need to do something about it! The bodhisattva vow is to liberate people and other beings from their suffering. As I understand things, a Buddha has escaped the three realms of cyclic existence, but chooses to remain to help all sentient beings achieve enlightenment.

These are some of the thoughts that occur to me, but please feel free to comment, criticize or correct. I'm still progressing and learning.