May the mind be one with the dharma

Turning your mind towards the dharma is the beginning of anyone’s journey on the buddhayana. It involves an understanding of this worldly existence that is inherently :impermanent and cyclical by nature (:saṃsāra). We start exploring the notion of :karma, how our habits, tendencies and vexations are the cause of unsatisfactoriness (:duḥkha). We turn towards the dharma to seek for a way out, a different perspective to break free from the endless cycles of saṃsāra.

This understanding of saṃsāra is necessary to turn the mind towards the Dharma. To deepen and experience this understanding we contemplate the Four Reminders:

First, contemplate the preciousness of being free and well-favoured.
This is difficult to gain, easy to lose; now I must do something meaningful.

Second, the whole 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 alway devote my time to virtous actions.
Thinking this, every day I will examine myself.

Fourth, the homes, friends, wealth, and comforts of saṃsāra
Are the constant torment of the :three sufferings,
Just like a feast before the executioner leads you to your death.
I must cut desire and attachment and attain enlightenment through exertion.

The Four Reminders are a foundational practice the Tibetan Kagyu and Nyingma traditions. This practice consist of :shamatha and vispashyana, a combination of calm abiding and insight medication. A daily routine looks like this: