The Thirty Alrights

Master, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas,
Take under your protection these fortunate children!

Now, listen without distraction
To this advice which will help you later on--alright?

The guru is like the guide who leads the blind:
Hold onto him and never let him go-- alright?

His word is like ambrosia, the supreme panacea:
Drink it to cure yourself from the illness of the obscuring emotions--alright?

Spiritual brothers and sisters are like good companions on a journey:
Accompany them as you would beloved friends--alright?

This precious human birth is like a wish-fulfilling jewel:
Don't waste it--alright?

Human life lasts no longer than the rays of the setting sun on a mountain pass:
Practice the Dharma, so as to be ready for death--alright?

The consequences of your good and evil deeds will follow like your shadow:
They accompany you even through death--alright?

Samsara is like living on a cannibal island:
Do something to escape quickly--alright?

Friends and relatives are like the snares of samsara:
Don't be so attached to them--alright?

One's homeland is like Mara's prison:
Escape! Leave it far behind--alright?

All beings are like your parents of this life:
Protect them with love and compassion-- alright?

A vicious enemy is like an autumn flower:
He will vanish all by himself, so don't get angry--alright?

Wealth and possessions are like a bee's honey:
They get consumed by someone else, so don't be attached--alright?

Your many projects are like drawings made on water:
There is no way to finish them, so just forget them--alright?

Pleasant and unpleasant words are no more than echoes:
Don't react to them with pointless joy or sadness--alright?

Happiness and suffering alternate like summer and winter:
Don't fall prey to elation or depression-- alright?

A rich person is like a hungry ghost guarding a treasure:
Have few desires and be content with what you have--alright?

To assume an air of self-importance, like an army commander--who needs it?
Keep to the lowest position--alright?.

Religious wealth misused is like poisoned water:
Don't keep wanting so many things- alright?

Husband and wife are like people who come together for a fair:
Don't take anything as permanent and don't be too attached--alright?

Anger is like a house on fire:
Extinguish it, or it will scorch your mind-- alright?

Learning is like a torch which dispels darkness:
Listen to the lama's teachings--alright?

Generosity is like making provision for the next life:
Give away all that you possess--alright?

Discipline is like a stairway to liberation:
Guard it as you would your own eyes-- alright?

Patience is like armor on the battlefield:
Abandon anger and cultivate patience-- alright?

Diligence is like riding a good horse:
It will take you along the entire path, so exert yourself--alright?

Firm inner calm is like a fortress.
Practice undistracted samadhi--alright?

Insight is like the sun illuminating darkness:
Light the torch of wisdom--alright?

The natural state of mind is like the sky:
Rest in that state--alright?

Phenomena are like rainbows appearing in space:
Regard them as insubstantial apparitions--alright?

Mystical visions are like the allure of a beautiful woman:
Don't be attached to them--alright?

The various teachings are all like the fruit of a good harvest:
See all of them as pure--alright?

Keep in mind this advice
Called Thirty Alrights--alright?

By the power of all merit, symbolized by this merit,
May all beings practice the Dharma and achieve Buddhahood.