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THE THIRTY ALRIGHTS
Master, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, Take under your protection these fortunate children! Now, listen without distraction To this advice which will help you later on--alright? The guru is like the guide who leads the blind: Hold onto him and never let him go-- alright? His word is like ambrosia, the supreme panacea: Drink it to cure yourself from the illness of the obscuring emotions--alright? Spiritual brothers and sisters are like good companions on a journey: Accompany them as you would beloved friends--alright? This precious human birth is like a wish-fulfilling jewel: Don't waste it--alright? Human life lasts no longer than the rays of the setting sun on a mountain pass: Practice the Dharma, so as to be ready for death--alright? The consequences of your good and evil deeds will follow like your shadow: They accompany you even through death--alright? Samsara is like living on a cannibal island: Do something to escape quickly--alright? Friends and relatives are like the snares of samsara: Don't be so attached to them--alright? One's homeland is like Mara's prison: Escape! Leave it far behind--alright? All beings are like your parents of this life: Protect them with love and compassion-- alright? A vicious enemy is like an autumn flower: He will vanish all by himself, so don't get angry--alright? Wealth and possessions are like a bee's honey: They get consumed by someone else, so don't be attached--alright? Your many projects are like drawings made on water: There is no way to finish them, so just forget them--alright? Pleasant and unpleasant words are no more than echoes: Don't react to them with pointless joy or sadness--alright? Happiness and suffering alternate like summer and winter: Don't fall prey to elation or depression-- alright? A rich person is like a hungry ghost guarding a treasure: Have few desires and be content with what you have--alright? To assume an air of self-importance, like an army commander--who needs it? Keep to the lowest position--alright?. Religious wealth misused is like poisoned water: Don't keep wanting so many things- alright? Husband and wife are like people who come together for a fair: Don't take anything as permanent and don't be too attached--alright? Anger is like a house on fire: Extinguish it, or it will scorch your mind-- alright? Learning is like a torch which dispels darkness: Listen to the lama's teachings--alright? Generosity is like making provision for the next life: Give away all that you possess--alright? Discipline is like a stairway to liberation: Guard it as you would your own eyes-- alright? Patience is like armor on the battlefield: Abandon anger and cultivate patience-- alright? Diligence is like riding a good horse: It will take you along the entire path, so exert yourself--alright? Firm inner calm is like a fortress. Practice undistracted samadhi--alright? Insight is like the sun illuminating darkness: Light the torch of wisdom--alright? The natural state of mind is like the sky: Rest in that state--alright? Phenomena are like rainbows appearing in space: Regard them as insubstantial apparitions--alright? Mystical visions are like the allure of a beautiful woman: Don't be attached to them--alright? The various teachings are all like the fruit of a good harvest: See all of them as pure--alright? Keep in mind this advice Called Thirty Alrights--alright? By the power of all merit, symbolized by this merit, May all beings practice the Dharma and achieve Buddhahood. -Shabkar ***** |
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