The Four Thoughts can serve as a foundational understanding for everyone, regardless of faith, because they provide a clear description of the way reality works.
In the Buddhist teachings, most every system of Dharma includes specific preliminary teachings that serve as a solid foundation for correct perception and correct spiritual practice.
This preliminary teaching, Four Thoughts That Turn the Mind Towards Dharma, is the very foundation of the Buddhist path.
Without this preliminary understanding, we are subject to common misperceptions of reality which inevitably cause confusion, stress, dissatisfaction, and suffering. To make progress in our practice, to attain liberation from suffering in this very lifetime, and to be able to assist the awakening of other beings, we need to radically shift our fundamental perception of reality.
As we contemplate the Four Thoughts — integrating this deep wisdom into our awareness — we transform our mind and heart, thus bringing about this most essential and necessary shift in our perception and in our ways of living. In this way, the Four Thoughts help us to purify ignorance, delusion, and attachment, and will continually strengthen and clarify our Dharma practice.
By contemplating the Four Thoughts we overcome the eight mundane concerns (fame/disgrace, pain/pleasure, gain/loss, praise/blame), we find the inspiration to transform our non-virtuous behavior, and we are motivated to embrace those aspects of life which are of true and lasting value.
This excellent preliminary teaching brings greater insight, wisdom, loving-kindness, and compassion—the very heart of Dharma.
The Four Thoughts are:
(1) Precious human birth
(2) Impermanence and death
(3) Karma: cause and effect
(4) Suffering of samsara
Source: Based on “Four Thoughts That Turn the Mind Toward Dharma” in The Heart of Dharma Collection. Used with permission from https://sourcepointglobaloutreach.org/what-we-offer/
Contemplating the Four Thoughts in a quiet, serene setting — in solitude, silence, and stillness.
Reflection in a peaceful location is ideal for truly internalising the Four Reminders.
Note: All photos on this website were taken by Alexander Peck, and may be freely downloaded.