This is necessary to develop bodhicitta in your mind.
Never forget death, always meditate on impermanence.
That is necessary to give up attachments to the mundane pursuits of life.
Don’t forget holy Dharma; use body, speech, and mind for virtue.
That is necessary to get free from the swamp of samsara.
Progress on the staircase to Liberation in accordance with Dharma.
Gain a foothold in the kingdom of eternal happiness.
In brief, the joys and sorrows of this short life
Are not real, like glittering illusions or dreams.
Knowing this, keeping close to the eternal Refuge
In pure essence of holy Dharma, you will be a wise woman.
The mundane activities of samsara,
As much as you work for them, they are like a rainbow,
Taking their essence into your hands, there nothing there.
Better than that, if you put effort into Dharma, that is wise.
Excerpt 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.
