Teaching on Renunciation and Value of our Precious Human Life

Khenpo Sherab Sangpo, a monk and teacher of Tibetan Buddhism at Bodhicitta Sangha in Minneapolis (bodhicittasangha.org), explains to his students the meaning of renunciation, one of the two foundations of Buddhism (in addition to bodhicitta, the mind that seeks enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings). Why is it important to understand the defects of samsara and generate renunciation, or in Tibetan, the “definite wish to go to liberation”? He explains that when we deeply investigate samsara, we see that it does not bring lasting or ultimate happiness. Understanding the “Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to the Dharma” (precious human life, impermanence, the relationship between cause and karma, and the defects of samsara and the benefits of liberation), leads us to a deep conviction that meditation and practicing the Dharma is valuable and worth our limited, precious time as a human being. He encourages his students not to misunderstand renunciation as giving up their work or other activities to help others; he teaches that what renunciation means is to understand the difference between temporary values versus ultimate goals in Buddhism, and by doing so one is motivated to continually work towards the ultimate goal while dealing mindfully and skillfully with the reality of one’s daily responsibilities towards oneself and others. Khenpo Sherab Sangpo also give a short but clear instruction in pointing out the difference in the nature of the body and the nature of the mind. The nature of mind is clarity and awareness; and in seeing the difference between what is impermanent (the material body made of atoms) and the formless mind that is clear and knowing, one can experience the difference in their two continuums and experience that which is not subject to impermanence and is already liberated, our innate buddha mind.