When death finally comes you will welcome it like an old friend, being aware of how dreamlike and impermanent the pheneomenal world really is.
Dilgo Khyentse RinpocheRead
The past is only an unreliable memory held in the present. The future is only a projection of our present conceptions. The present itself vanishes as soon as we try to grasp it. So why bother with attempting to establish an illusion of solid ground?
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the fleeting nature of time and the unreliability of our perceptions of the past and future.
Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche reflects on the transient nature of time and existence. He suggests that our memories of the past and ideas about the future are not solid or trustworthy; instead, they are mere constructs of the mind. The present moment is elusive, disappearing as we try to hold onto it. This invites us to reconsider our attachment to a stable, unchanging reality, urging us to embrace the impermanence of life.
Themes
TimePresentMemoryIllusionExistence
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a meditation class to encourage mindfulness.
More from Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
All quotes →Sentient beings, self and others, enemies and dear ones-all are made by thoughts. It is like seeing a rope and mistaking it for a snake. When we think that the rope is a snake, we are scared, but once we see that we are looking at a rope, our fear dissipates. We have been deluded by our thoughts. Likewise, mentally fabricating self and others, we generate attachment and aversion.
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We live under threat from painful emotions: anger, desire, pride, jealousy and so on. Therefore we should always be ready to counter these with the appropriate antidote. True practitioners may be recognized by their unfailing mindfulness.
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To go beyond samsara and nirvana, we will need _x000D_ the two wings of emptiness and compassion. _x000D_ From now on, let us use these two wings _x000D_ to fly fearlessly into the sky of the life to come.
Dilgo Khyentse RinpocheRead
To feel overflowing love and almost unbearable compassion for all living creatures is the best way to fulfil the wishes of all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Even if for the moment you cannot actually help a sentient being in an external way, meditate on love and compassion constantly over the months and years until compassion is knit inseparably into the very fabric of your mind.
Dilgo Khyentse RinpocheRead
Life is fragile, like the dew hanging delicately on the grass, crystal drops that will be carried away on the first morning breeze.
Dilgo Khyentse RinpocheRead
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