Ordination a Wise Decision

Ordination a Wise Decision

Date Posted:
June 2008

Rinpoche gave the following advice to a man who was about to take ordination.

My very dear Jonathon,
Thank you very much for your kind letter. This decision you are going to take regarding your life is GREAT!!! Of course, you know this. Every second you get closer to death and to the lower realms, to the most unbearable and frightening suffering in samsara. Once we are there we can't do anything, and one can be there in any minute. So, it is a very wise decision that you have taken.

I am sure you know this, as you are an old student, but once you enter this path, than you must stick with it. You should learn the vows and practice seriously. Put all your effort until you die into doing this.

Living in the vows is the basis of all success, of all the lam-rim realizations and shiné realizations. It is the basis of success in tantra, in realizing the two stages, and is also the best thing for peace in the world, as well peace and happiness in countless universes and for all sentient beings.

Also, this is the best way to repay the kindness of all sentient beings, including your kind parents. This is the best way to repay their kindness to you, from whom you received this precious human body, which allows you to practice, to now take vows, and to be able to achieve liberation.

Wherever you are, in the city or in the mountains, once you take the vows you must put all your effort into understanding the shortcomings of not living in the vows and the benefits of living in the vows. Then, you should enjoy your life every day, every minute, every second.

With much love and prayers...