Attributes of Living
by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
from 'Joyful path of good fortune' (the complete path to enlightenment)

This article is an offering to help those who are searching for inner-peace, to help them let go or go deeper, for any other purpose it's worth nothing.

A highly qualified human existence is one that has
the 8 attributes of a fully endowed human life

Long life, high status, wealth & resources, pervasive speech, power & influence, freedom & independence, a strong mind & body.

The seeds that we sow now are the causes of the future. (if there is such a thing)

The causes of long life are to avoid harming others, to actively dispel dangers that threaten others lives, helping those held captive, treating & nursing the sick. The causes of beauty are to overcome anger & intolerance with patient acceptance & adding beauty to the world. The causes of high status are to overcome pride & respect all beings including our parents & animals. The causes of wealth & resources are to generously give offerings & resources to other beings. The causes of pervasive speech are to be mindful of what we say & to abandon: Lying, divisive speech, hurtful speech & idle chatter. The causes of power & influence are practicing humility & respect. The causes of freedom & independence are to eliminate the problems and dangers that threaten others & to help them gain their own freedom & independence. The causes of a strong body are to help those who are physically weak to regain their strength, giving nourishment & to avoid exploiting others physically. The causes of a strong mind are to help others overcome their mental problems & depression, to help increase others’ concentration & wisdom, to engage in moral discipline & listening to teachings. A further cause of attaining any or all of these 8 attributes is to have a pure & sincere intention to attain them for the benefit of all living beings.

To renounce attachments to the comforts of this
life means to be free from the 8 worldly attributes

1                    Being pleased when receiving resources & respect

2                    Being displeased when not receiving resources & respect

3                    Being pleased when experiencing pleasure

4                    Being displeased when not experiencing pleasure

5                    Being pleased when enjoying a good reputation

6                    Being displeased when not enjoying a good reputation

7                    Being pleased when receiving praise

8                    Being displeased when not receiving praise

To overcome attachment to the welfare of this life we meditate:

“It makes no difference whether or not I receive respect, a good reputation or praise. I do not receive any great benefit from these & when I lose them I am not greatly harmed. Words of blame cannot hurt me. Wealth is easily lost & the pleasures of life are transient. I do not need to be so interested in these things or overly concerned about them.”