The Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind

by Lama Tasha Star

The Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind form the foundation of Ngöndro, the preliminary practices, and the whole Vajrayana path. 

In this teaching, Lama Lena discusses the preciousness of human life, the impermanence of life, the suffering of samsara, and karma. She also answers pertinent questions on how these teachings operate in today’s world. 

"Unless we have faith, however many other good qualities we might have, they will not be of much use to us -- as though we were very beautiful, but blind. So we have to make an effort to develop faith -- by meditating on impermanence four times a day; by reflecting minutely on actions and their effects; by reflecting on the positive aspects of everything; by reflecting on how rare the Dharma is; by thinking of our teacher's kindness; by thinking of our spiritual brothers and sisters with pure perception; and by thinking of the excellent qualities of the Buddha. It is important to consider that other people are -- all of them -- marvellous, and to be free of partiality and notions of high or low status, thus making a habit of faith and taming your own mind."

This teaching was streamed live from Lama Lena’s home on August 23rd, 2020.

Traditionally, dharma teachings are offered free of charge and students offer a donation (dana) as they are able to. If you benefited from this teaching and have the means, please offer dana through the link here: lamalenateachings.com/give-dana

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