The ‘Four Thoughts’, or ‘The Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to Dharma’ are the four contemplations upon which we place our practice.
“First, contemplate the preciousness of being free and well favored.
This is difficult to gain easy to lose;
Now I must do something meaningful
Second, the world and its inhabitants are impermanent;
In particular the life of beings is like a bubble;
Death comes without warning, this body will be a corpse.
At that time the dharma will be my only help;
I must practice it with exertion.
Third, when death comes, I will be helpless.
Because I create Karma, I must abandon evil deeds
And always devote my time to virtuous actions.
Thinking this, everyday I will examine myself.
Fourth, the homes, friends, wealth and comfort of samsara
Are the constant torment of the three sufferings.
Just like a feast before the executioner leads you to your death.
I will cut desire and attachment, and attain enlightenment through exertion.”
– The classic rendition in the ngondro text, by Tulku Urgyen
“First, contemplate the preciousness of being free and well favored.
This is difficult to gain easy to lose;
Now I must do something meaningful
Second, the world and its inhabitants are impermanent;
In particular the life of beings is like a bubble;
Death comes without warning, this body will be a corpse.
At that time the dharma will be my only help;
I must practice it with exertion.
Third, when death comes, I will be helpless.
Because I create Karma, I must abandon evil deeds
And always devote my time to virtuous actions.
Thinking this, everyday I will examine myself.
Fourth, the homes, friends, wealth and comfort of samsara
Are the constant torment of the three sufferings.
Just like a feast before the executioner leads you to your death.
I will cut desire and attachment, and attain enlightenment through exertion.”
– The classic rendition in the ngondro text, by Tulku Urgyen
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