The four thoughts that turn the mind to the Dharma.

These four thoughts are so powerful in leading us to study and practice the Dharma:
" 1.thinking about appreciating the precious human life,"
I have clear memories of several human lives that I have lived. Several of them I was deeply involved with spiritual matters even being clergy in some of them. Not only that, several centuries ago, I was even an Indian man in a Tibetan monastery. It has taken me this long to get back to Dharma practice, even having the great good fortune to be born to a Southern Baptist mom who was certain of the reality of reincarnation. And in this lifetime, it has taken me until this late in life. If I don't take advantage of this opportunity, how long might I have to wait for another.

"2.thinking about death and impermanence, that the opportunities that we have now with this precious existence are not going to last,"
At this very moment there is a "lump" in my prostate which is scheduled to be biopsied later this month. It makes me feel my own mortality again. I have had such close encounters with death several other times in this lifetime. Furthermore, I have a clear memory of another lifetime that ended with being murdered by a relative. It is quite clear to me that I have no time to waste, but must direct my energies toward that which is of the greatest benefit for all.

"3.thinking about the laws of karma and cause and effect, in other words how our behavior affects what we experience,"
I have the very great good fortune to have a clear mental picture and intuitive understanding of karma, simple cause and effect and effect and effect, rippling through time until we encounter the effect again. It matters little whether we are talking about this lifetime or another. Isn't it just in our best interest to try to ensure that those effects are good ones when we encounter them in the future?
I sometimes wonder why t his isn't clear to everyone. Then I remember how often I've acted as though I didn't understand it as I do.

"4.thinking about the disadvantages of samsara, of uncontrollably recurring rebirth."
When I have such clear memories of several past lives, this seems self evident, especially because I know I only remember a few and only the human ones. How many lifetimes have I lived? What have I been in them, only human or, more likely, every kind of sentient being?
There is something that I can do about this, no only for myself, but also for all of us. 2500 years ago, Lord Buddha, laid out the path to enlightenment for every one of us. We just have to do it, without quiting.

Bearing all this in mind, how can I not turn myself diligently to the study and practice of Dharma? Is there anything better than becoming a monk that I can do with the rest of my life?