Look at the objects there appearing outside⎯
Impermanent, like last night’s dream
Remembering the dream, confusion makes me sad
Have you cut through confusion, Rechungpa?
When I think of this, I remember the divine Dharma.

Take a look back here at your own body⎯
Impermanent, like a city of gandharvas
The body’s growth and decay make me sad
Have you cut birth and death, Rechungpa?

When I think of this, I remember the divine Dharma.

Look at perceiving mind, here on the inside
Impermanent, like a little bird in the trees
It doesn’t stay where you put it⎯this makes me sad
Have you seized mind’s fortress, Rechungpa?
When I think of this, I remember the divine Dharma.

Take a good look now at breath moving inside⎯
Impermanent, like light mist at dawn
Watching the mist disappear makes me sad
Have you found what’s pure in the movement, Rechungpa?
When I think of this, I remember the divine Dharma.

Take a good look now at your circle of friends
Impermanent, like the crowd at a fair
Friends will certainly part—this makes me sad
Have you improved your relations, Rechungpa?

When I think of this, I remember the divine Dharma.

Take a look at the wealth you’ve hoarded away
Impermanent, like the honey of the bees
Your food eaten by another—this makes me sad
Have you opened mind’s treasure, Rechungpa?

When I think of this, I remember the divine Dharma.

Under the guidance of Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, translated by Ari Goldfield, December 21, 1999. Tibetan pages.590-2. Translation copyright 2012, Ari Goldfield.