Four Reflections for Turning the Mind (toward a spiritual life)
Classic Buddhist Teaching (Korean Version)

1. Reflection on the Precious Life

Archarya Shanti Deva - The Bodhisattvha way of life

So hard to obtain such ease and favorable conditions,
whereby to render meaningful this human birth!

If I could not gain benefit from this (precious life),
how could such a chance be mine again?

Reflection on impermanence
(from sutra)
The three realms (universe) are impermanent,
resembling the clouds of Autumn.

The birth and death of transmigrants are similar
to the instant of lightning in the sky.

(Life spans) pass swiftly
like a steep mountain waterfall.

Reflections on Karma (action)
(from sutra)
When the King actualises the time of death
(He is) not followed by his friends, loved one(s) and possessions.

Whenever the person proceeds,
Karma (action) follows like a shadow.

Reflections on the faults of worldly existence

In this world under the influence of ignorance
and attachment about worldly existence,
human beings, celestials and lower realm beings,
(and) five transmigrants spin unwisely in the cyclic existence.
For instance, the potter spins the wheel of clay.