The actual meditation

Question 1

Meditation on the preciousness of our human life

Answer 1

At present I have briefly reached the human world and have the opportunity to attain permanent liberation from suffering and the supreme happiness of enlightenment through putting Dharma into practice. If I waste this precious opportunity in meaningless activities there is no greater loss and no greater foolishness.

Question 2

Meditation on death

Answer 2

I will definitely die. There is no way to prevent my body from finally decaying. Day by day, moment by moment my life is slipping away. I have no idea when I will die; the time of death is completely uncertain. Many young people die before their parents, some die the moment they are born - there is no certainty in this world. Furthermore there are so many causes of untimely death. The lives of many strong and healthy people are destroyed by accidents. There is no guarantee that I will not die today.

Question 3

Meditation on the danger of lower rebirth

Answer 3

‘If I die today, where will I be tomorrow? It is quite possible that I will find myself in the animal realm, among the hungry ghosts, or in hell. If someone were to call me a stupid cow today, I would find it difficult to bear, but what will I do if I actually become a cow, a pig or a fish - the food of human beings?

Question 4

Meditation on going for refuge

Answer 4

I want to protect and liberate myself permanently from the sufferings of this life and countless future lives. I can accomplish this only by receiving Buddha’s blessings, putting Dharma into practice and receiving help from Sangha - the supreme spiritual practitioners.

Question 5

Meditation on karma

Answer 5

Since I myself never wish to suffer and always want to be happy, I must abandon and purify my non-virtuous actions and sincerely perform virtuous actions.