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2032

Abstract

— <i>Ajahn Chah</i></p></blockquote><p id="72a4">May this teaching lead you to happiness; may it help you grow in truth. May you be freed from the suffering of birth and death.</p><figure id="f6fe"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/0*Ai8BdEmTIBEeE5ek.png"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><p id="6bd5">You may also like these Dhamma articles :</p><div id="01e4" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/cultivating-skillfulness-e821f797f9cc"> <div> <div> <h2>Cultivating Skillfulness.</h2> <div><h3>not every thought needs to be spoken…. #WednesdayWisdom</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*kqmWwIvGMUtFH38Hj3RIfw.png)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="f778" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/worrying-921da4d8d64"> <div> <div> <h2>Worrying.</h2> <div><h3>does it help us to solve our problems?…..</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/0*doei1rYuv1Xco2FI)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="d061" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/expanding-the-heart-space-9d7919fc70c6"> <div> <div> <h2>Expanding the Heart Space.</h2> <div><h3>reflections on opening up to truth…. #WednesdayWisdom</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*lupdvN2E0m9TIUljNUP95w.png)"></div> </div

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While We Still Breathe, There Is Hope.

#WednesdayWisdom

Photocredit: Image author’s own

We can use this short and simple sentence for deep reflection.

Even if we are practiced in using mindfulness of the breath to aid relaxation and for meditation purposes, we rarely pause to contemplate the process. At some point our breath will stop and our time here in this form will be complete. It can happen quickly. One morning we simply may not wake up.

Therefore we can be grateful because, while we still breathe, we have many opportunities - to practice and to make whatever adjustments we deem necessary for decreasing our suffering in this life and the next.

For some of us that might be making amends with an estranged relative or old friend, or perhaps changing a habit which no longer serves us well. For others it may include further developing our Dharma practice and working towards a favorable reincarnation if this is what we desire.

We can only practice when we have this human form. Animals, birds and other sentient beings do not, so far as we know, have access to the same range of consciousness which we currently enjoy. We can learn by watching, listening and reading thereby benefitting from the teachings of the Buddha and many great teachers. We have hope that we can continue to move towards our goals and therefore wish for a long life not simply through vanity, ego or fear but in order to create benefit for ourselves and others.

In this way, when we know the goal and we have the means to reach it, why would we want to waste even one moment of this precious human life?

Practise a lot and dedicate yourself to looking after body, speech and mind. You can never really do too much of this. — Ajahn Chah

May this teaching lead you to happiness; may it help you grow in truth. May you be freed from the suffering of birth and death.

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