A Jewel Garland of Advice
O kind and precious root guru,
Embodiment of all Refuges, Vajradhara in nature,
I call on you from my heart with intense devotion:
Please draw this one’s mind to the path of Dharma!
Kye Ho! O fortunate practitioner who seeks Liberation!
Listen to these words without distraction.
Even is someone was with me my whole life
I would have no more instructions than this to give!
We don’t know if this wonderful human life,
So difficult to come by, will still be here tomorrow.
So don’t lose it to meaningless distractions;
Now is the time to put effort into practice!
Not encountering Dharma when young, one’s whole life
Was used up in meaningless samsaric activities
Having enjoyed sense pleasures throughout your youth,
Isn’t it wonderful to have Dharma with you the rest of your life?
Excerpt (first four stanzas) of text written by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche, from the book Precious Teachings, chapter entitled “A Jewel Garland of Advice,” page 116 in the paper book, and page 124 in the PDF version.
Image: Necklace from Tibet, 18th century – Gorget – 1915.336 – Cleveland Museum of Art
