The following notes have been compiled based on the Four Thoughts That Turn the Mind Toward Dharma. The purpose was to use the notes in gently introducing the Four Thoughts to a person who had little background regarding the Four Thoughts.
Four Thoughts about Life
Here are four thoughts or reflections that can help to make your life more meaningful:
(1) Cherish the preciousness of life and appreciate deeply the freedoms and opportunities that you have to pursue your dreams and goals. Make the most of your life in developing yourself and in serving others. When sickness, disability, or older age arrive, you will no longer have the same freedoms.
(2) Realize that all things are impermanent and know that death, too, is certain (although the timing remains uncertain). Learn to accept whatever happens in your life with an open heart and mind – and turn setbacks into stepping-stones for future successes. Because life is impermanent, all sorts of changes will happen for each of us – some good, others difficult and painful.
(3) Understand that the results of our actions are, sooner or later, certain and unfailing – and that the quality of our own life is fully determined by the quality of our behaviour in thoughts, words, and deeds.
(4) Recognize that our clinging to this world as the source and hope for our safety, happiness, and satisfaction is ultimately fruitless and futile. When our time comes, each of us will have to leave this world alone – no one can stay here for good.
In a quiet, peaceful setting, take some time to deeply think about each idea.
Let each thought move from just an intellectual understanding down into the heart level.
And so, allow the four thoughts to begin to change or transform the way you view life.
Meditation idea: Ponder deeply each of these four thoughts, one at a time, and then after each one, let the mind rest.
Alexander Peck, January 15, 2021