My dear Ananda, look at the world outside; the universe is expanding rapidly, and the climate is changing at an alarming pace. Epidemic diseases rage, and global peace hangs by a thread. The nuclear threat looms larger than ever—these are all signs that we are in the dark age.
Look into our lives. As someone once said, we spend our youth in studies, our adulthood accumulating wealth, and our old age scrambling to preserve our health. Yet, we do not know where we are headed after death—unless we prepare now. Break free from the endless cycle of rebirth, dear Ananda.
The world’s population numbers seven to eight billion, making it seem as though human birth is common. Yet, the chance of being born as a human who can receive and practice the Dharma is exceedingly rare. Realize the preciousness of your life as a Buddhist; make this existence Dharma-worthy today, dear Ananda.
This world has seen countless brilliant scientists, yet none have discovered how to escape death. We are all destined to die—our lives fragile, death inevitable, its timing uncertain. Do not cling to this fleeting life, dear Ananda.
Whether born into the six realms—the three higher (gods, demigods, humans) or the three lower (hell, hungry ghosts, animals)—you remain bound by the four sufferings: birth, aging, sickness, and death. Falling into the lower realms only deepens the cycle. Today, while you possess this rare human life with access to the Dharma, contemplate the torment of samsara and master your practice, dear Ananda.
Beyond samsara lies the pure realm, a valley of liberation where supreme bliss and nirvana reign. There, no epidemics, wars, famines, or sufferings exist—only boundless majesty. This journey is open to all who seek it; embark upon it today, dear Ananda.
Find a Buddhist master—a devoted follower of Lord Buddha, an ordained monk—to guide your Dharma journey. Yet, in this dark age, a perfect master is hard to find. Without being misled, follow one who has renounced worldly cravings for name, fame, and wealth, dear Ananda.
The four schools of Buddhism—Kagyü, Nyingma, Sakya, and Gelug—are one in essence. The teachings of Mahamudra, Ati Yoga, and Madhyamaka embody the Buddha’s wisdom. While preparing for the pure realms, do not waste time on mere symbolic study, dear Ananda.
When you encounter a prominent Guru teaching Dharma, first observe whether he embodies those teachings. Second, see if he has subdued the five kleshas—desire, anger, delusion, pride, and envy. Respect him if his life aligns with his words; follow him if he has conquered these poisons. Avoid all others, dear Ananda.
Cultivate the seven treasures of the noble Aryans: faith, morality, generosity, learning, conscience, modesty, and wisdom, dear Ananda.
Strive for the three transcendent actions: generosity, discipline, and patience. These lay the foundation for enlightenment. Then, deepen your diligence, concentration, and wisdom in the Dharma. Through the six paramitas, accumulate the merits essential for your journey, dear Ananda.
Power, influence, fame, grand mansions, luxury cars, and wealth may dazzle now—yet we take nothing at death. Loosen your grip on worldly riches, dear Ananda.
Endless scrolling on phones, chasing news, social media, and debates on politics, economics, or religion are distractions fueled by darkness. They promise happiness but steal inner peace and time. Focus solely on Dharma practice, dear Ananda.
Dharma practice is the taming of your mind. Master your mind, and you master the Dharma. Without this, even monastic life and rituals are empty. Do not wait for robes or a monastery—practice wherever you are, as you are, dear Ananda.
The unchanging space of primordial purity and the luminous state of mahasukha transcend all divisions. This is boundless liberation. Recognize it, and you see your true Dharmakaya. Fail to do so, and samsara’s cycle continues, dear Ananda.
I pay heartfelt homage to my gurus: His Holiness Zhenphen Choki Nangwa, Rahor Pelden Chodrak, and Khenpo Sonam Dondrup. Through their grace, you will find inner bliss and perfect guidance. Recite the Avalokiteshvara mantra (Om Mani Padme Hum) and be kind to yourself, dear Ananda.
We meet briefly in this life by their blessings, destined to reunite in a pure realm. Trust in the unfailing law of cause and effect—the truth of interdependence, dear Ananda.
I lack scholarly degrees from Oxford or Harvard; crafting polished prose is not my aim. Yet, having glimpsed the land of infinite purity and knowing my path, I urge you to place your faith in the innermost sadhana I’ve shared, dear Ananda.
These verses may lack poetic flourish, but like the tale of the old woman and the dog’s tooth, they carry profound meaning. May they purify your heart. I dedicate this merit so all who read it may be reborn in Potala, Avalokiteshvara’s realm.
—From Yogi Karma’s Tibetan notes for his pupil, Ananda.
