Advice from Longchenpa

Advice from Longchenpa: Longchen Rabjam (1308-1363) was one of the greatest masters of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. A great scholar, he nonetheless emphasized practice. This heart advice of his gets to the core of the matter.

You would like to stay with family and loved ones
Forever, but you are certain to leave them.

You would like to keep your beautiful home
Forever, but you are certain to leave it behind.

You would like to enjoy happiness, wealth and comfort
Forever, but you are certain to lose them.

You would like to keep this excellent human life with its freedoms & advantages
Forever, but you are certain to die.

You would like study Dharma with your wonderful teacher
Forever, but you are certain to part.

You would like to be with good spiritual friends
Forever, but you are certain to separate.

O my friends who feel deep disillusionment with samsara,
I, the Dharma-less beggar, exhort you:
From today put on the armor of effort, for the time has come
To cross to the Land of Great Bliss whence there is no separation.