Our lives today are a rare opportunity,

a precious chance to choose 
and progress.

Very rarely are we reborn as humans. Rarer still are we reborn at a time when we can learn what the Buddha taught. And do what he encouraged us to do: practice and experience his teachings. Even now, with the teachings widely available, few learn and practice them. What seems so clear and obvious to these few remains unacceptable to many others. Or perhaps inaccessible.

Those who have the conditions to learn and practice in order to evolve into more loving, caring people have received a gift. Yes, it’s a gift received due largely to their past hard work and sincere efforts. A gift, nonetheless. One from awakened beings!

When presented with a gift, the wise recipient is appreciative. It would be hubris, not to mention bad manners, to murmur “Thanks” and then set the gift aside, undervalued and unused. And so, upon receipt, we hold our gift and marvel at it for it shows the way to a bright, loving future.

Do not waste it.