"It is inappropriate to enjoy myself Thinking that today alone I shall not die, For inevitably the time will come When I shall become nothing."
Shantideva
The Unleashed Elephant of Mind
"In this (world) unsubdued and crazed elephants Are incapable of causing such harms As the miseries of the deepest hell Which can be caused by the unleashed elephant of mind."
Endure the Sufferings
"If fishermen, hunters and farmers, Thinking merely of their own livelihood, Endure the sufferings of heat and cold, Why am I not patient for the sake of the world's joy?"
The Wound of my Mind
"And if I am careful of a wound Through fear of it being slightly hurt, Then why do I not guard the wound of my mind Through fear of being crushed by the mountains of hell?"
Life is Momentary and Deceptive
"Although today I am healthy, Well‐nourished and unafflicted, Life is momentary and deceptive: The body is like an object on loan for but a minute."
Mistakes
"Although for the benefit of every creature Countless Buddhas have passed by, Yet I was not an object of their care Because of my own mistakes."
The Virtues of the Mind
"It is better to be without wealth, Honor, body and livelihood; And it is better to let other virtues deteriorate, Rather than ever to let (the virtues of) the mind decline."
People who are Disturbed
"People who are disturbed by sickness Have no strength to do anything (useful), Likewise those whose minds are disturbed by confusion Have no strength to do anything (wholesome)."
Enemies such as Hatred and Craving
"Although enemies such as hatred and craving Have neither any arms nor legs, And are neither courageous nor wise, How have I been used like a slave by them?"
Lacking Alertness
"Even those who have much learning, Faith and willing perseverance Will become defiled by a (moral) fall Due to the mistake of lacking alertness."