Reminders to the Awakened on the Path:
BoWang SamMae Ron (origin unknown)
Do you desire perfect health?
Remember, perfect health leads to great greed; illness is restorative, pain a sobering tonic.
Are you longing for a life free from hardship?
Remember, such a life leads to haughtiness and self-pampering; worries and hardships invigorate life.
Why hope for a lack of impediments to your study?
Remember, obstructions conceal release.
Are temptations complicating your training?
Remember, a lack of temptations would only serve to soften your resolve; recognize temptations as allies.
Crave effortless success?
Remember, unwarranted accomplishment fosters rashness; embrace difficulty in your endeavors.
Not getting your way with friends?
Remember, having friends give in to your desires begets arrogance; lasting friendships are developed through compromise.
Want people to comply with your wishes or commands?
Remember that this, too, results in arrogance. Treat those who differ with you respectfully; they are architects of your character.
Why expect rewards for your kindness?
Remember, this leads to a scheming mind; better to cast away expectation of rewards as you throw out old shoes.
Striving for more out of life?
Remember that exaggerated profit-seeking is folly; realize the sufficiency of spiritual wealth.
Why indulge in complaint about vexations?
Rememeber that resentment poisons the heart; to overcome vexation is to step onto the path.