Reflection on the fundamental gift of being alive with Scott Snibbe
In this chapter reading Scott Snibbe delves into the profound significance of appreciating life’s inherent value and the potential for happiness it offers.
In a chapter excerpt from his book “How to Train a Happy Mind: The Precious Life,” he introduces the concept of the “lamrim,” a sequence of analytical meditation topics aimed at nurturing qualities like kindness, compassion, and joy.
Scott emphasizes that one doesn’t need to be a Buddhist to benefit from this sequence, as it can be adapted for anyone seeking personal growth and fulfillment.
The chapter, “The Precious Life,” begins with a reflection on the fundamental gift of being alive and the gratitude that arises from this awareness.
Scott highlights the rarity and wonder of existence, drawing parallels between Buddhist perspectives and scientific insights into the vastness of the universe and the evolution of life on Earth.
Moreover, Scott acknowledges the challenges and distractions that can hinder one’s ability to fully appreciate life’s preciousness, from societal pressures to primitive instincts and compulsions.
However, he asserts that cultivating a reverence for life and engaging in self-reflection are essential steps towards leading a meaningful and fulfilling existence.
By encouraging practitioners to embrace gratitude, curiosity, and mindfulness, Scott offers a pathway to transcending mundane concerns and connecting with the deeper truths of existence.
Ultimately, “The Precious Life” serves as a reminder to seize each moment with gratitude and intention, recognizing the boundless potential for happiness and fulfillment that lies within each individual.
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The lamrim, a foundational teaching in Tibetan Buddhism, categorizes practitioners into three scopes based on their motivations. Those with modest motives seek happiness within samsara, aiming for a favorable rebirth. Those with medium motives seek personal liberation, abandoning worldly pleasures. Finally, those with high motives strive to alleviate the suffering of all beings, following the Mahayana Bodhisattva path.
The structure of lamrim teachings may vary among different texts and traditions. Atisha’s lamrim emphasizes bodhicitta and the bodhisattva vows, while Gampopa’s focuses on Buddha-nature and the preciousness of human rebirth. Tsongkhapa’s teachings start with reliance on a guru and progress through the scopes, while Longchenpa’s begin with the four thoughts that turn the mind and advance to vajrayana and dzogchen practices.
Prominent figures like Gampopa, Tsongkhapa, and Longchenpa expanded Atisha’s original text into comprehensive systems that cover various aspects of Buddhist philosophy, including karma, rebirth, cosmology, and meditation. The lamrim serves as a progressive guide for practitioners to understand and implement Buddhist principles in their spiritual journey.